Gerald Eugene Bradley, the third son and 7th child of Edward and Lula Bradley, was born May 1, 1941, on the family farm near Graettinger, Iowa. He passed away peacefully on Friday, November 26, 2021, at Aspire Care Center in Estherville.
He received his education through 8th grade in country school and graduated from Graettinger High School in 1959. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Army, and he served from 1960 through 1963.
On November 20th, 1965, Jerry was united in marriage to ViAnn Skow at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Graettinger. The couple made their home in Estherville where Jerry worked for Golden Suns Feeds, John Morrells for 18 years, Astoria and AGCO. Jerry enjoyed fishing and spending time at the lakes, carpentry and fixing stuff, traveling, visiting friends and relatives, going to the casino, playing cards, volunteering, and most important was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Jerry taught his children the importance of having a good work ethic and not being afraid of learning something new. He had the gift of gab and his children seemed to inherit that. He taught them the importance of love of family and the joy of serving others. He also had a great sense of humor and had a lot of fun at work. He was known to be joker and took part in many antics and jokes with his coworkers. He was memorable to those who knew him!
He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Estherville and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.
Left to cherish Jerry’s memory are his children, Liza (Howard) Baker, Estherville, and Michael (C.J.) Bradley, San Antonio, Texas. Jerry was very proud of his 5 grandchildren: Cody (Brooke) Baker, Lorissa Baker, Samantha Bradley, Mikayla Bradley, and Cassidy Bradley. He also has 2 great-grandsons: Harrison Taylor Baker and Kellen Bradley Baker. Also cherishing his memory are his brothers and sisters, Don Bradley (Kim) of Rochester, Keith Bradley of Sioux City, JoAnn Enderson (Larry) of Arizona, Eddie Omundson (Ronnie) of Arizona, Virginia Erickson (Earl) of Wallingford and Wilma Johnson of Estherville as well as many other family members and friends.
He has been preceded in death by his wife ViAnn, his son Jeff, infant daughter Lori, his parents, brothers Leo and Leroy, sisters Dolores, Ellen, Irene, and Regina.
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