Bradley Alan Bucknell

Bradley Alan Bucknell, age 72, of Waukon, IA, passed away on August 7, 2025, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI.
Brad was born on September 22, 1952, in LeRoy, MN, to Virgil and Shirley Bucknell. In 1971, he married the love of his life, Jeannie Alberts. Together they built a beautiful life and raised two sons, Shannon (born in 1972) and Wade (born in 1977).
A proud graduate of Riceville High School, Brad's passion for sports took him to Iowa Lakes Community College and later to Upper Iowa University, where he played football, wrestled, and earned his teaching degree. His teaching and coaching career began at West Harrison High School in Mondamin, IA, before he found his long-term home at Postville High School. There, he spent 35 years pouring his heart into education-teaching, coaching football, wrestling, baseball, and track and field, and even guiding countless teens safely behind the wheel as a driver's education instructor.
Coaching wasn't just a job to Brad-it was a calling. He led with integrity, inspired with passion, and mentored with heart. His dedication was evident not only in the accolades earned but in the lives he helped shape. To be coached or taught by Brad Bucknell was to be truly seen, challenged, and encouraged to become your best.
After retiring in 2013, Brad looked forward to more time with Jeannie. Though her passing in 2014 was a profound loss, he cherished every moment they shared. In recent years, one of Brad's greatest joys was sitting in the bleachers and standing on the sidelines-watching his grandchildren compete in their chosen sports and shine in their musical endeavors. Whether it was under Friday night lights or in a quiet auditorium, Brad was always there-cheering the loudest, smiling the proudest, and loving every second. He was-and always will be-their #1 fan.
Brad will be remembered for his quiet strength, his unwavering commitment to his family and students, and the countless lives he touched through the classroom, on the field, and mat. His legacy lives on in every player who ran harder because he believed in them, every student who saw their own potential because he saw it first.
Bradley is survived by his two sons; Shannon Bucknell of West Branch, IA and Wade (Danielle) Bucknell of Waukon, IA and his six grandchildren; Liesl of Marion, Sullivyn, Teddy, and Owyn of West Branch, and Blythe and Easton of Waukon, three brothers; Bruce (Linda) Bucknell of Stewartville, MN, Harlan (Pat) Bucknell of Spring Valley, MN, and Byron Bucknell of LeRoy, MN; one sister-in-law; Deb Bucknell of LeRoy, MN, two brother-in-laws; Jim (Sheryl) Alberts of Fairbanks, IA and Tom (Evie) Alberts of Albert Lea, MN, three sister-in-laws: Nancy (Merle) Tucke and Pam (Jeff) Wendel both of Chester, IA, and Brenda (Pete) Dohlman of Riceville, IA, and many nieces and nephews.
Bradley was preceded in death by his wife, Jeannie, his parents; Virgil and Shirley Bucknell, his in-laws; Vernie and Edith Alberts, and one brother; Craig Bucknell.
Memorial services will be held at Iron Ridge Church in Waukon, IA. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 13, from 4:00–8:00 p.m., and the funeral will take place Thursday, August 14, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, gifts, or memorials, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Postville Booster Club in honor of Brad's lifelong dedication to Postville High School students and athletes.