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BORN
1925
DIED
2020
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Orren Bradley Obituary
Milwaukee - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Orren J Bradley, known affectionately to many as Brad, on September 23, 2020 at the age of 95 and 8 months. Brad, loving husband to Marilyn Bradley, was born to Ora and Clara Bradley in Pueblo, CO on January 24, 1925 and raised in Tucumcari, NM. He was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Brad served as a Naval Officer during World War II. Shortly after graduating from Harvard Business School in 1949, Brad began his career working for Federated Department Stores becoming CEO of the Boston Store in Milwaukee, WI. It was in Milwaukee that Brad and Marilyn raised their four children after moving from Houston, TX in the Summer of 1968. They were fortunate to spend over 30 wonderful years together in Egg Harbor during retirement.
Brad will forever be remembered in Milwaukee for his tireless commitment to the arts and community service organizations. Brad served on the boards of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Milwaukee Ballet, Columbia Hospital and the Milwaukee Foundation. He continued his support of the arts in Door County. Brad and Marilyn were avid art collectors and their donated folk art collections can be viewed in the Milwaukee Art Museum, Kohler Art Museum and the Smithsonian Museum of American Art in Washington DC.
Brad loved many things, but more than anything he adored his wife Marilyn. Tennis was his lifelong passion, you'd always find Brad on the tennis courts if he wasn't home gardening, boating out on Lake Michigan, taking ski trips with his family or driving around Egg Harbor in his pride and joy 1951 blue Chevy pick-up truck.
Brad will be lovingly remembered and missed dearly by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn, their four children; daughter Katie (Eric), children Will, Jamie & Bradley; daughter Karen (Bruce) children Colin (Sarah), Chris (Casey) & Anna; son Jay (Beth) children Tom (Chloe) & Katie (Charlie); and son Mark (Dianne), children Austin, Carey & Ally; as well as great grandchildren Griffin, Charlotte and one on the way. He is also survived by his brother Bob Bradley who lives in Stephenville, Texas.
The family will hold a small, private service this fall in Peninsula State Park where he will be buried and a celebration of Brad's life will be held next summer in Egg Harbor.
Cards and condolences can be sent to:
Marilyn Bradley
St. John's on the Lake
1858 N. Prospect, #W218
Milwaukee, WI 53202
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Peninsula Music Festival
Attn: Orren J Bradley Memorial
P.O. Box 340
Ephraim, WI 54211
https://tickets.peninsulamusicfestival.org/TheatreManager/1/login?donationcampaigns
Feerick Funeral Home serving the family. www.feerickfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Orren Bradley
Sponsored by Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood.
Rob Bowen
October 9, 2020
Uncle Brad was a very special person. He always had a smile and advice for anyone that asked. I loved spending time talking with him and listening to his stories. He was one of a kind. Bowen Family
Melinda Dempsey
October 7, 2020
Dear Bradley Family - My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Uncle Brad was a legend who will be missed by the many people he touched during his life. We love you and sending lots of hugs. Lots of Love, Melinda, Tom, Colin, Hannah and Maeve
Karri Bowen-Poole
October 6, 2020
Hi Cousins and Marilyn! I wanted you to all know that we are sending you all so much love and sympathy. I have so many fond memories of Uncle Brad... such a good honest fun and proud dad and uncle. He will always be remembered as one of the best!!! With lots of love, Karri and family! (Don,Grier,Sam and Ella!)
Betty and Paul Lewis and Zafer
October 4, 2020
Brad was a big part of our summers in Door County for over 20 years. We loved the twinkle in his eye, his charming smile, his love of and joking around with Marilyn, his support of the PMF, his vintage truck next to the shower, Andy. We already miss him but will never forget him.
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Pat and Dan Fetterley
September 30, 2020
We enjoyed a friendship of many years with Brad and Marilyn. Wonderful visits, dinners, and cocktails in Door County and Milwaukee. Brad was such a kind person, always welcoming, and filled with many interesting stories. We especially loved his stories about growing up in New Mexico. Warm memories indeed. Our last dinner together was Valentine’s Day February 2020. Unfortunately, the pandemic has kept us from visiting Brad and Marilyn at St Johns since then. Our sincere sympathy to Marilyn and family for your great loss.
Paul and Mark Ledwon/Maser
September 29, 2020
Brad was part of the summer family for many of us musicians at PMF. We will miss him dearly.
Bill and Diane Miller
September 28, 2020
Dear Bradley Family,
Brad was a wonderful caring person and we cherish the special friendship we had with Brad and Marilyn. Brad will be missed by many including all of the memories of his time with the Peninsula Music Festival. He was truly an influence in Door County and will be sadly missed but always remembered.
Bill and Diane Miller
Vonnie & Dave Callsen
September 28, 2020
We have missed Brad since his move to St. John's. Our memories of him are warm & sincere. Sorry Marilyn and family for your loss.
John Monroe
September 27, 2020
Dear Marilyn, So sorry to here the news of Orren's passing. He was a treat. I have such fond memories of our many dinners and cocktail hours together with you and my parents. Orren was always fun to visit with; a true renaissance man. I will miss his quick wit, sense of humor and discussions about art. Thank you for being so attentive to my mom after my father's passing. Your attention meant a lot to my family.
You will both be in my thoughts.
God's peace,
John Monroe III
Parachute, CO
Jean and Dan Engelke
September 27, 2020
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Orren. Such a loving and kind man. Our sincerest condolences to Marilyn and the entire Bradley family during this difficult time.
STEPHEN SAUTER
September 27, 2020
Brad will be missed.
Mary Beth Maudsley
September 27, 2020
Brad was a truly fine person. He always had a smile. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. My thoughts go out to Marilyn for her loss.
Cathy Hoke
September 27, 2020
On behalf of the Peninsula School of Art community, we send our deepest sympathies for your loss. We are forever grateful for Brad's support, his sense of humor and his advocacy of the arts in Door County. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts are with Marilyn and the entire Bradley family at this time. Cathy Hoke for the Peninsula School of Art
John Fitzmaurice
September 27, 2020
Sorry for your loss. Orren was a gentleman’s man and will be remembered by many. God bless.
Liz LaBahn Roesler
September 26, 2020
Growing up with Mark and my brother knowing Jay, the whole LaBahn family is sending their condolences to the Bradley’s. Sending a hug to Mark, his brother and sisters and his Mom .
Penny Niesen
September 26, 2020
We offer our sincere sympathy to Marilyn and the Bradley family. Brad was a delightful man who was gracious and kind. We appreciated his wit and smile. He added so much to our Door County community.
Penny and Dan Niesen
Jeanne Maxon
September 26, 2020
I was blessed to have enjoyed Brad’s company during our days in Milwaukee, Egg Harbor and Saint John’s on the Lake. I will miss him, but I have many memories which will always be with me.
Farewell Dear Friend
Jeanne Maxon
Cissie and Gholi Darien
September 26, 2020
Dear wonderful Bradley family. Gholi and I are so saddened that you’ve lost your wonderful Brad. A very special human being who will missed by all. so many happy memories we all have. Prayers and thoughts are with you. Sending much love. Cissie and Gholi
Ellen Glaisner
September 26, 2020
We send our most sincere sympathy for the passing of such a dear, sweet man. Ellen and Dick Glaisner
Chris Norton
September 26, 2020
Brad was a remarkable person—friendly, fun, generous, and caring. My wife and I were among many PMF Musicians blessed by him and Marilyn. If I’m around in my 80s, I’ll assuredly be pleased if I can jump off a dock into frigid water, smack a tennis ball, laugh heartily, and be as kind and philanthropic as Brad. Grateful to have known him; will sadly miss him.
Leslie Grimm
September 26, 2020
I loved seeing his smiling face at my many concerts in Milwaukee and Door County. He was a brilliant man with a huge heart. Never forget his smile.
Robert Binford
September 26, 2020
I am sorry for your loss. But he is now free of pain and at rest
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