Bruce "Brad" Vern Bradfield, 75, of Rapid City, SD passed away February 1, 2024, after an accidental fall at home.  Born on April 29, 1948, in Rapid City, Brad was a beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gladys "Happy" Bradfield, who was his caring companion, partner and encourager throughout their 20-year journey together.  Brad is also survived by his brother, Doug Bradfield, and his wife Mary Beth Bradfield, Steamboat Springs, CO, along with their children, Ben Bradfield and Laura Bradfield.

Brad's memory lives on through his children: Peter James Bradfield of Mobile, AL, and his children, Katie Luc and Joshua Bradfield; Shawn and Betty Jester of Marshfield, MO, and their children Shannon Carter and Cooper Jester; Shannon and Maymie Ledbetter of Hickory Creek, TX and their children, Kaleb, Audrey, and Jacob Ledbetter.

In addition to his biological family, Brad held a special place in his heart for his blended family members, who he loved and treated as his own. They include Rick Phillips of Little Rock, AR; Kyle and Christy Phillips of Lewisville, TX; Brian Mackinlay of Austin, TX; Carrie McKinlay of Lake L.A., CA and her daughter Heaven Pickett; and Robert and Marie Stombaugh of Rapid City, SD, and their children Kyla Hudelson, Lily Hudelson, Aaron Williams, Caleb Hublein, Ryan Dorgan, and Kaitlyn Berg-Horn. Brad also had six great-grandchildren.

Brad graduated from Rapid City High School in 1966 and from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1980 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

His dedication to serving his country led him to join the US Navy in 1970, where he served active duty during the Viet Nam conflict and then in the Navy Reserves for a combined total of 26 years.

In his early years, Brad held various jobs including truck driver, radio DJ, radio engineer, and radio antenna climber.  After completing his degree, Brad relocated to Dallas, TX where he was employed by Texas Instruments for many years.  His final engineering employment was at Lockheed Martin, where he took immense pride in being involved the F-35 fighter jet development.  In 2012 Brad retired with his wife, Happy, and returned to Rapid City.

Brad's hobbies and interests were diverse, but focused on history, particularly military and Black Hills railroad history.  Brad enjoyed riding his Valkyrie motorcycle until his Parkinson's Disease made it impossible.  Brad also enjoyed Ham Radio from a young age and was a member of the Black Hills Amateur Radio Club.  He continued building electronic projects until his death, enjoyed playing cribbage with his brother-in-law, and having breakfast with all of his old friends a couple of times a week.  He had been a member of Alcoholics Anonymous since 1984.

Brad found solace and community at Midtown Church in Rapid City.  His faith was an integral part of his life and he found comfort and strength in his religious beliefs.

Brad Bradfield will be remembered as a devoted family man, a faithful servant of God and a respected member of his community.  His legacy of Love, kindness, and unwavering faith will inspire all those who were fortunate enough to know him.  May he rest in eternal peace.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, the Boy's Club of Rapid City or the Gary Sinise Foundation for vets.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024 at MidTown Church.  A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow the service.  Burial with United States Navy honors will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.