Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
Bradley Spayer Obituary
Born: January 7, 1955; Spring Valley
Died: June 30, 2021; Rockford
PERU – Bradley John Spayer, 66, of Peru, died on June 30, 2021, in Mercy Health (Javon Bea) Hospital, Rockford, after a short illness.
Funeral services for Brad will begin at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 7 at the Barto Funeral Home in Spring Valley, followed by burial at the DePue Village Cemetery. Pastor Karen Karczewski of the DePue United Church of Christ will officiate. Visitation for Brad will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.
Bradley was born January 7, 1955, in Spring Valley to Walter G. and Mary Katherine (Van Cleave) Spayer. After graduating from DePue High School, he worked at Phillips Johanna, Sundstrand, and most recently. PQ Corp in Utica.
He is survived by three sons, Nathan of Salt Lake City, Utah, Cory of Peru, and Clayton J. of La Salle; a brother, Walter E. (Marcia) of Spring Valley; a sister, Nora Machek of Spring Valley; his significant other, Theresa Sonneson; and grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a wife, Barbara; and a son, Jeremiah "JJ."
Brad was an athlete, musician, devoted father, outdoors enthusiast, and a friend and inspiration to many.
A guestbook may be signed and memories shared with the family by visiting bartofh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bradley Spayer
Sponsored by Barto Funeral Home - Spring Valley.
Laura Safranski
July 8, 2021
To Nora, walter, and boys: So very sorry to hear of brad’s passing. I am a couple of years younger and he was a high school friend of my brothers and me. My sincere sympathy to all of u. Laura Iwanicki Safranski.
Neil Pleskovitch
July 6, 2021
Sending heartfelt condolences to all who loved him. May his memory forever live in your hearts.
Deb Hoskins
July 6, 2021
Brad was a wonderful person, great husband to Barb until her passing. Wonderful dad. Best brother-in-law I could of had. You will be dearly missed. Love you.
Gary Ratkiewicz
July 5, 2021
Brad and I worked at the VW/Mercedes dealership in Peru back in the early 70s. He was full of life and energy, a great friend and mentor. I learned a lot from him and send my best to his family, friends and loved ones.
Pat Beals
July 3, 2021
I played basketball at IVCC with Brad so was very saddened to see his obituary in the News Tribune. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
John Brown
July 3, 2021
I’m so sorry that Brad has passed. We played in a band together many many years ago. And even after not seeing each other for years we could pick up a conversation immediately. So sorry for your loss.
Pedro (Pete) Gonzalez
July 2, 2021
Brad was a great guy and a good friend, I enjoyed playing basketball with “Big B”back in the day,.......a nickname I gave him, which in turn he nicknamed me “Pistol Pete”,.......even though he was 6 years older than I we shared the same birthdate January 7th. I enjoyed visiting with him during the boat races each year. I will miss you Big B but I know your in a better place my friend,...see you on the other side!
Harry Hunt
July 2, 2021
It was my pleasure to know Brad as his teacher and coach at DePue. I always enjoyed his personality and effort in the classroom and on the team. My condolences to his family.
Harry Hunt
July 2, 2021
It was my pleasure to know Brad as his teacher and coach at DePue. I always enjoyed his personality and effort in the classroom and on the team. My condolences to his family.
Harry Hunt
July 2, 2021
It was my pleasure to know Brad as his teacher and coach at DePue. I always enjoyed his personality and effort in the classroom and on the team. My condolences to his family.
Harry Hunt
July 2, 2021
It was my pleasure to know Brad as his teacher and coach at DePue. I always enjoyed his personality and effort in the classroom and on the team. My condolences to his family.
Mary Roberts
July 2, 2021
Brad was such a fun guy to be around. Always laughing, joking & making others laugh! He made your first impression a favorable one. Such a very sad loss of a great spirit! My condolences to all his loved ones. family & friends.
Mark Olszewski
July 2, 2021
You will be missed, rest in peace cuz
Julie Malsom
July 2, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Bradley Spayer's name
Memorial Events
for Bradley Spayer
Jul
7
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Barto Funeral Home - Spring Valley120 West Cleveland Street, Spring Valley, IL 61362
Jul
7
Funeral service
5:00 p.m.
Barto Funeral Home - Spring Valley120 West Cleveland Street, Spring Valley, IL 61362
Funeral services provided by:
Barto Funeral Home - Spring Valley120 West Cleveland Street, Spring Valley, IL 61362
How to support Bradley's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Bradley Spayer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
