Bradley “Brad” James Payne

Obituary

Bradley James Payne was born on July 3, 1980, in Davenport, Iowa.  He was the son of Darrell and Patti (Knight) Payne. Brad was baptized in 1991 at Bloomington Christian Church.  Brad graduated from Lakeville High School with the Class of 1998.  He furthered his education and graduated from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, with a degree in Social Studies Education.

On November 12, 2005, Brad was united in marriage to Katie Fleck by Rev. Penny Entringer at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Glencoe, Minnesota.  Brad and Katie lived in Minnesota, Arizona and Wisconsin but always felt that Minnesota was home.  They shared over 10 years of marriage.

Brad most recently worked as a store manager for Harbor Freight Tools for the last five years.  He loved adventure and travel.  Brad visited most of the Caribbean, Mexico and Tahiti.  He loved visiting Memphis and Las Vegas as well.  Brad loved to watch and play basketball.  He was obsessed with NCIS, Boy Meets World and The OC.  Brad loved movies, and often could carry whole conversations in movie quotes.  He loved to sing karaoke, particularly Ice Ice Baby.  Brad loved to bowl, gamble, and watch WWE wrestling and anything with Will Farrell.  He loved Elvis and had a soft spot for all animals.  Brad loved to toil away on his Ranchero.  He eagerly awaited Labor Day and BIR every summer.  Brad was a proud sponsor of Miller beer.

Brad loved life and he lived his life to the fullest.  He loved with his whole heart and all his friends became his family.  For Brad, there was always plenty of time and it was never too early for a cool refreshing adult beverage.  He was selfless throughout his illness. 

Brad passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the age of 35 years, 9 months and 2 days following a long, courageous fight against leukemia.

He is deeply missed.  Blessed be his memory.

Brad is survived by his Wife, Katie Payne of St. Cloud, MN;
Parents, Darrell & Patti Payne of Punta Gorda, FL;
Siblings, Andrew “Bud” Payne of Burnsville, MN,
Stacey Hicks and her husband, Aaron, of Eden Prairie, MN;
Niece, Sadie Hicks;
Nephew & Godson, Nolan Hicks;
Paternal Grandmother, Naomi Payne of Paris IL;
Father-In-Law & Mother-In-Law, Greg & LuAnn Fleck of Glencoe, MN;
Grandmother-In-Law, Charmaine Picha of Glencoe, MN;
Aunts, Uncles, Other relatives and many friends.

Brad is preceded in death by his Brother, Curtiss Payne; Paternal Grandfather, Jesse Payne; Maternal Grandparents, Buck & Bonnie Knight; Grandfather-In-Law, Maynard Picha.