Bradley Grotte

Bradley Dean Grotte, age 65, of Lakeville, Minnesota, passed away the evening of February 25, 2025. Brad was born in Menomonie, Wisconsin on April 28, 1959. Brad graduated from Burnsville High School and went on to college at SDSU where he met and was smitten with his wife of 40 years, Tamara (Curl). The couple eloped on April 16, 1984, and followed up with a formal ceremony on June 23, 1984. They then studied in Hawaii where Brad graduated with an Electrical Engineering degree as well as achieving his advanced diving certificate in SCUBA.

Brad, even as a young child, could nearly always be found taking things apart and putting them back together. He was an excellent engineer which matched his "matter of fact" personality. He first worked at ATI with his mentoring uncle Marlyn Grotte's building management company before joining Aero Systems Engineering (ASE) to design jet engine testing equipment and finally at ITT designing joy sticks for MRI machines and heavy construction equipment. His electrical engineering capabilities helped his siblings learn and wire their homes amongst other things.

While in high school Brad was an accomplished wrestler and held records in weightlifting. Outside of school, he spent considerable time four-wheeling with friends in the muddy Minnesota river bottoms often getting so thoroughly stuck he'd get home in the wee hours of the morning. Throughout his years he continued to take pride in improving his jeeps and other 4WD vehicles. He also built and ran Remote Control cars.

In younger years, Brad was quite active as a Boy Scout where he achieved the rank of Eagle and spent weeks at a time in the wilderness. Brad found great pleasure in nature whether it be hunting with his beloved dog Rufus or fishing with his family and friends in northern Minnesota and deep into Canada. He was known as the best shot in shooting trap at the family farm.

Brad is preceded in death by his parents Phillip and Leah Grotte. He is survived by his wife, Tamara, brother, Craig and his sisters, Roxanne and Camille. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

On holiday celebrations with his family, Brad held the honorary role leading the group in the ever popular sing-along "Bill Grogans Goat" which always ended in laughter and a family cheer!

Brad's remains will be spread on the family farm he so loved. A celebration of Brad's life will be held on Sunday, April 13th at Shen Hall from 1PM-4PM. The address is:

Pillars of Lakeville

17701 Glacier Way

Lakeville, MN 55044

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Grotte family.