Brian Thomas Bradke
September 10, 1964 ~ September 12, 2014
Brian T. Bradke, 50, of Marion, died on Friday, September 12, 2014, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids. Funeral Mass: 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2014, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Rev. Christopher Podhajsky. Visitation: 5-8 p.m. on Monday at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a vigil service at 7 p.m.
Survivors include parents, Richard and Stella Bradke of Cedar Rapids; his girlfriend, Marsha Kingsley, of Marion; brother, Craig Bradke of Boone, Iowa; sister, Malinda (Jeff) Schirm of Bettendorf, Iowa; niece and nephews, Joshua Schirm, Mandi Schirm, Aidan Bradke, and Trevor Bradke; and his canine companions, Frank, Betty, and Vinnie.
Brian was born September 10, 1964, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Richard and Stella (Stallman) Bradke. He graduated from Washington High School in 1983, and attended Kirkwood Community College. Brian worked at Midwest Shooting Supply. He had a great passion for photographing, capturing the beauty of the outdoors especially the mountains and animals. Brian enjoyed guns and shooting, and spending time with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
Memorials are suggested to the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center in care of the Mercy Medical Center Foundation, 701 10th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403.
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My heart goes out to Brian’s family. He was a great friend and I have many fond memories of Brian and his passion for photography. He will be missed.
Praying for Brian’s family. Good memories of spending time together with Brian and his siblings as neighborhood friends when we were kids. May you find peace in the days to come.
Lori (O’Hare) Luna
You will be missed.
Thank you, Brian, for always being you! We loved your humor and laughs, forever lifting people up and spreading happiness wherever you would go! You will be missed so very much! Now, even though your photography talents were superb, you won’t be needing a camera in Heaven, you can enjoy God”s Beauty and Love firsthand. We love you and your family but we will all see you again one day!
At this time of deep sadness, Randy, I, and our family offer heartfelt condolences for the loss of Brian. Please know that we are here with a shoulder to cry on and a hand to hold as you make your way through this difficult time. Hold on to Brian with the many memories, remember him through the words of a song and feel his presence with the first snowflake that gently kisses your cheek. We hold you in our thoughts and prayers and blanket you in our love today, tomorrow, and always!
With deepest sympathy, Lisa and Randy Keel
Stella, I haven’t seen you since Iowa National days, but I read with great sadness about Brian and wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. My sincere sympathy to you and your entire family. Dixie
Please accept my sympathies. I worked with Brian many, many years ago at Hardee’s. He was always so nice and helpful.
Brian was so kind he took the time to sit with me educate me on things that he didn’t have to do he was truly an amazing kind human being rest in peace my friend….
Richard, Stella, Craig, and Malinda, sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences go out to you all. Once I heard the sad news, the memories came back. The best one that came to mind was all the times he reminded Craig and I of the “glove box” surprise. He always laughed when he brought it up. His laugh filled the room as he walked away. Even though I moved away and lost touch, you never forget the people that made you smile.
. We cherish the memories we have of Brian as a child. Know that Brian and your family are in our thoughts and prayers .
Sincerely
William O’Hare and family.
Uncle Dick, Aunt Stella, Craig, and Malinda – we were so shocked and incredibly saddened to hear about Brian. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to all of you. Tim, Jan, Sue, and Cindy Stallman and Carole Bailey.
Son, you are greatly misssssed by all your family. LOVE YOU FOREVER.. UntIl we meet again
Brian was my best friend when I was in 8th grade at All Saints School and during my early high school years. We would go to the woods just down the street from his house all the time. We had a special place there called the “Instadam” where we would dig sand out of the side of the hill and make these huge dams. I always remember how he loved to see the deer and wildlife down there. I believe that was what first got him interested in photography. We shared a love of 45 rpm records and we both had large collections of 45’s at the time. I believe his first job was working with me doing janitorial work at the IE (now Alliant) tower back in late 1979 and 1980. I remember when he got his first girlfriend Michelle in the summer of 1981. Oh, how he loved to go riding on his motorcycle with her on those hot summer nights! Thinking about Brian brings back so many fond memories of my teenage years. He was one of the best friends I ever had.
To the entire Bradke family, I am truly at a loss for words. Brian’s loss is a total shock. We had just started to reconnect after some time apart and I was looking forward to his friendship and wonderful laugh again. He will be greatly missed as he had a special place with everybody he interacted with. He had so many pure qualities that made him a great person. Our family will pray for yours as we all look for the peace God has given to Brian until we all can be together again. Deepest condolences from Tom, Jeanice, and Meggan Barrow
You will be missed. My prayers to your family. It was an honor to know and work with you.
I will pray for the family, I’m sure he went to All Saints School when I was the secretary.
Margene Rule
Stella, I’m not sure my post from yesterday went through so I will send another one. I was truly saddened to read about the loss of your son, Brian. I know we haven’t kept in touch since our Iowa National years, but I have thought about you from time to time. When I picked you up for work, I remember the fun stories you would share about your beautiful children! They have always been the center of your life and you were then and always will be, so proud of them! I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Venita (Cook) Millis
Dear Bradke Family, please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss of Brian. Craig, I haven’t seen you in several years but you & Brian have frequently been a topic of our family reminiscing. May you find comfort in the prayers and thoughts from everyone who was fortunate enough to have known Brian. You will continue to be in our thoughts & prayers during the difficult days ahead.
God Bless,
Kim Barrow- Walztoni & Terry Walztoni
Palm Harbor, Florida
Uncle dick, aunt stella, craig, malinda and all family and friends we are so sorry to hear of brian’s passing. All our in our thoughts and prayers. Seems so long since we have connected like we used to in the good old days and sorry it has to be under this circumstance. We pray for all during this difficult time and can only hope in time your pain will ease. Thinking of all. Kevin and Jennifer Stallman and kids.
Stella I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Toni Simpson
Richard, Stella, Craig and Malinda and Family, I am so sorry for your loss of Brian here on this earth. I wish I could help ease your pain and saddness somehow but I know I can not… But I do know deep in my heart that there is a heaven and that Jesus has made it oh so beautiful and that he has Brian there now to enjoy all the greatness with him. Brian has no fears, pains or ?’s anymore, He knows everything that we have questions about… I remember Brian as always having a great smile and loving to use his camera any way that he could. He was always very good at taking all types of photos. I was glad to have known Brian. I wish you all peace.. Kevin White
I am so sorry for your terrible loss. The Bible provides comfort during difficult times. At 1 Corinthians 15:26, we are promised that very soon now ‘death will be brought to nothing’ Then, we have the prospect of being reunited with our loved ones right here on this earth (John 5:28,29). I truly hope this has brought you some comfort and hope. Sincerely, Gwen.
I am deeply sorry for your loss! I pray that the Lord would give you the strength that you need for each day, that He would bring comfort and healing to you. I pray that He would bless you with the peace that surpasses all understanding and guard your hearts and minds! In Thought and Prayer, Cindy