Photo courtesy of Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood
Shorewood, Wisconsin
Jan 24, 1925 – Sep 23, 2020 (Age 95)
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
Read MoreUncle 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
Rob Bowen
October 09, 2020 | Milford, PA | Friend
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
Melinda Dempsey
October 07, 2020 | Bronxville, NY | Family
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!)
Karri Bowen-Poole
October 06, 2020 | Rye, NY | Family
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.
Betty and Paul Lewis and Zafer
October 04, 2020 | Wilmette, IL | Friend
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...
Pat and Dan Fetterley
September 30, 2020 | Milwaukee, WI | Friend
Brad was part of the summer family for many of us musicians at PMF. We will miss him dearly.
Paul and Mark Ledwon/Maser
September 29, 2020 | Omaha, NE | Friend
Remembered By
Norma and Don Stone
September 28, 2020 | Dallas, TX | Friend
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
Bill and Diane Miller
September 28, 2020 | Egg Harbor, WI | Friend
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.
Vonnie & Dave Callsen
September 28, 2020 | Egg Harbor
