Bradley Graves, 1958-2018

Published 12:07 am Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Funeral services for Bradley J. Graves will be  at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Bonnerup Funeral Service chapel in Albert Lea. The Rev. Kaleb Hurley will officiate. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. and will continue until the time of the service on Wednesday. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery.

Brad passed away of natural causes while stopped when he was driving semi on Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, in Urbandale, Iowa. He was 59.

Bradley Graves

Bradley J. Graves was born on Dec. 10, 1958, to Donald and Marion (Selix) Graves in Austin. He grew up in Brownsdale and  graduated from Hayfield High School in 1977. On Dec. 31, 1977, Brad was united in marriage to Bernadine (Horkey) in Brownsdale. To this union, three children were born.

Brad enlisted in the United States Army, where he would serve his country for 18 years. He did tours of duty in Germany twice, Korea twice and was also stationed in Kentucky and Washington during his service. He was honorably discharged in 1995, and the family moved to Albert Lea area.

After his retirement, he would drive semi up until the day of his passing. In his free time, Brad enjoyed watching NASCAR, Dale Earnhardt Sr. being his favorite. He also enjoyed following the Minnesota Vikings. Brad used to enjoy taking his family on camping and fishing trips and going on many family vacations. Above all, Brad was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and loved spending time with his family. He had a big smile, and was always willing to help his family before thinking of himself.

He is preceded in death by both parents, Donald and Marion; a sister, Donna Salisbury; and mother- and father-in-law, Robert (Donna) Horkey.

Brad is survived by his wife of 40 years, Bernadine; children Jennifer Aarback, Melissa Graves and Donald (Elisa) Graves; grandchildren Michael Thorson and special friend, Racquel O’Rourke, Matt Thorson, Katie Thorson, Paradise Graves and Easton Gordon-Kamm; siblings Jay Graves, Jerry (Janet) Graves, David Graves, Bobbi (Dean) Thompson and Marcia (David) Vold; uncle, Don (Susan) Selix; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Blessed be his memory.