Bradley Ray Gerndt

Brad was born on June 3, 1948, to the late Raymond and Mary Jane Gerndt in Suring, Wisconsin. From an early age, growing up on the dairy farm, he carried the hardworking values and grounded characteristics that would define both his personal life and professional success. He graduated from Suring High School with the Class of 1966.

On March 2, 1968, Brad married the love of his life and high school prom date, Linda. Together they built a marriage grounded in commitment, partnership, family, and shared experiences that spanned nearly six decades.

Brad built an accomplished career as a Senior Executive in Department Store Retail Buying Management, working at Parisian, Belk, and Cain-Sloan to name a few. Throughout his career, his work took him across the United States and around the globe, including time living in Bermuda and working extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and New York City. He was widely respected for his leadership, professionalism, vision, and ability to build meaningful relationships wherever he went.

While Brad was proud of his professional accomplishments, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who valued time spent with those he loved. Brad will be deeply missed by his wife, Linda; his sons, Kirk Gerndt, Adam Gerndt (Barcley), and Andrew Gerndt (Callie); and his grandchildren, William “Liam” Bradley Gerndt, Ava Elizabeth Gerndt, Miller Bates Gerndt, Roedder Grace Gerndt, and Brooks Michael Gerndt. He is survived by extended family and friends in Wisconsin, including his brother James, sisters Sandra and Cheri, and their families.

Some of his greatest joys were working on projects with his sons, whether building, fixing, or simply spending time together. Outside landscaping projects were his specialty. Brad most enjoyed making memories at Sandestin Beach vacations and trips back to the Wisconsin family farm to fish, ride ATVs, and snowmobiles. Get togethers at our cabin in Blue Ridge, Georgia, and holiday celebrations became special times as well. He loved Christmas time, especially Christmas Eve church service. Brad and Linda shared a lifetime of adventures together, creating cherished memories through their travels and especially during retirement while spending time in Blue Ridge, Georgia, and Orange Beach, Alabama. Yet no matter where life took them, they always found their way back to “the house in South Lake,” where they built a home filled with love, laughter, and many lifelong friendships that became an important part of their lives.

Visitation will be held at 10:30 am with a funeral to follow at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Vestavia Hills Methodist Church in the Chapel (2061 Kentucky Ave, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Brad and Linda’s most valued organizations, Big Oak Ranch.