A memorial service for Bradley J. Schmiesing of Lismore, Minnesota, formerly of Chokio, Minnesota, was Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Chokio. Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, at Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation continued at the church one hour prior to the service. Inurnment was in Lakeside Cemetery in Herman, Minnesota.
Bradley Jay Schmiesing was born on January 22, 1954, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to Harold and Elaine Schmiesing. During the 1950s, Brad and his family lived on a farm near Nashua, Minnesota, until 1961, when they purchased a farm and moved to Chokio, Minnesota. Bradley developed a strong work ethic doing livestock chores and harvesting grain, and many of his most treasured memories were growing up hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors with his brothers and parents. Bradley always had a special connection with animals and was known to persuade his mother into letting his five pet cats into the house to play with his brother Randy. He also once fostered a baby raccoon that lived with the family for a short period of time. His favorite dog Ginger, accompanied him on many adventures on the farm and rarely left his side. When Bradley was a senior in high school, he worked hard doing the cattle and hog chores while his father recovered from heart surgery.
Bradley graduated in 1972 from Chokio-Alberta High School where he actively participated in football, wrestling, track, choir, drama, band, and 4-H. He loved working with animals and tamed his championship Angus 4-H steer so well that he could comfortably lie across its back. Bradley was a gifted musician and could play piano by ear, which his friends enjoyed seeing him do through the years. He sent Christmas cards to friends and family every year and stayed active in writing letters to his classmates in his later years, always enjoying class reunions.
Bradley attended Moorhead State University and received degrees in social work, sociology, and business management. While he was in college, he trained hard to become a black belt in Karate and was featured in the University Newspaper and Alumni News where he could be seen breaking boards and cement blocks with his hands.
During the summers off from college, he worked as the stage manager of the Medora Musical in Medora, North Dakota, where he developed many lifelong friendships. Bradley attended many Medora employee reunions throughout the years and always enjoyed traveling back there whenever it was possible. Many of these lifelong friends were there for him after he was diagnosed with cancer later in life, and one even flew in from Colorado to the hospital where he was for the last days of his life.
After graduating from Moorhead State, he purchased a house in the country by Lismore, Minnesota, and worked for 12 years on a farming operation for Gene Metz. Then for 25 years he worked as a youth supervisor in the juvenile correctional field where he helped to mentor troubled youth and guide them into adulthood. He found his job to be rewarding and always enjoyed the camaraderie with his coworkers.
Bradley enjoyed working on various home improvement and farm projects throughout the years, even continuing to remodel his home well into 2024. He especially enjoyed traveling to be with family, relatives, and friends during weddings, holidays and other events, including flying to Colorado to see a friend who would go with him to the first showings of new “Star Wars” movies. Bradley has always been known for his love for “Star Trek” and would often be found watching episodes long into the night.
Bradley fought a courageous battle with cancer from May of 2019 until his passing on August 27, 2024. His last wishes were to see his newborn grandnephew in Bismarck (a seven-hour drive) and to spend time with his best friends and relatives. Brad was blessed to receive comfort from almost all of them during his final days and passed away knowing how he touched so many people in his life. Brad was thankful for everyone who called, sent cards, prayers, and visited him.
Bradley is survived by his brother Randy (Karla) Schmiesing of Chokio, Minnesota; his aunt Fern Schmiesing of Tracy, Minnesota; and his best friends Lavetta Gonzales of Lakewood, Colorado, Eleanor Jacobsen of Little Falls, Minnesota, Becky Bergstrom of Donnelly, Minnesota, Bonnie Moses of Donnelly, Minnesota, and Kent and Nancy Davis of Magnolia, Minnesota; nephews Justin and Lucas; nieces Brittney and Katherine; grand-nieces Audrina, Violet, Wren, and Cassie; and grand-nephews TJ, Wilder, and Brooks.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Elaine Schmiesing, Brother Dr. Brian Schmiesing, grandparents and many special cousins, uncles and aunts, all of whom he was very fond.
The Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of arrangements for Bradley.
