Service Information
Curtis M. Bradford, age 84, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Hutchinson Health in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be Friday, March 27, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 P.M., at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.
Obituary
Curtis “Curt” Milbrath Bradford was born on April 24, 1941, in Bertha, Minnesota. He was the son of Robert and Jeanne (Milbrath) Bradford. Curt was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth. He grew up in Verndale and by the fifth grade moved to Moose Lake, Minnesota. Curt was active in baseball, basketball, football and golf. He attended elementary school in Verndale and junior and senior high in Moose Lake graduating with the Moose Lake High School class of 1959. Curt furthered his education in North Dakota and graduated from the University of North Dakota Law School with a Juris Doctorate degree in Law in 1965. That degree followed an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree also at North Dakota University. While at the University, he became a member of the Sioux varsity baseball team and served as the President of Phi Delta Phi International Legal Fraternity, North Dakota Chapter.
On October 27, 1962, Curtis was united in marriage to Denise Proulx at the Episcopal Church in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with two sons, Scott in 1963 and Bart in 1964. Curt and Denise resided in North Dakota prior to making their home in Hutchinson, Minnesota, in 1969. They shared 63 years of marriage.
Curt opened Bradford Law Office in Hutchinson in 1969. He served the McLeod County Attorney’s office as a prosecutor. He also prosecuted for the City of Hutchinson. Over the years, he has engaged in the general practice of law with emphasis on Estate Planning/Probate, Real Estate, Personal Injury, and Business Law. Susan Brice was Curt’s legal secretary and friend for many years. They would have celebrated 57 years of working together on April 1, 2026.
Curt enjoyed being active in the Hutchinson community. He was associated at various times with the Elks, served as President of the Crow River Country Club aiding in planning the second nine holes on the course, Cub Scout leader, Optimists, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Youth Hockey, Youth Football, Commodore of the 1971 Hutchinson Jaycees Water Carnival, Chairman of the Executive Committee formed to raise funds for the Civic Arena completed in 1976, and various other community involvements. Curt also enjoyed playing golf with his sons and friends at various golf courses in the Midwest and Arizona. He especially enjoyed the annual Tuffy Nelson Golf Classic in Perham, Minnesota. Curt cherished time spent with his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.
Curt passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Hutchinson Health in Hutchinson, at the age of 84 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Curt is survived by his:
Wife, Denise Bradford of Hutchinson, MN;
Sons, Scott Bradford and his wife, Lyn of Victoria, MN,
Bart Bradford and his wife, Melissa of Hutchinson;
Grandchildren, Zack, Lola, Libby, Hannah and Paige;
Great-grandchildren, Ellary, Madden and Lennon;
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Curt is preceded in death by his Parents, Robert and Jeanne Bradford; Brother, Robert Bradford; Sister, Roberta “Bobbi” (Howard “Skip”) Quade; Parents-in-law, Lester and Clara Proulx; Aunts; Uncles.
Mary Berger says
Denise and family, we are so sorry to hear of Curt’s passing. We recently found out he was not well.
Words cannot express our sympathy for your families loss.
Dave and Mary Berger
kirk quade says
We will all miss the “Grand Poobah”.
JEFF TRAXLER says
Sorry to hear Denise and family. I used to work for Curt at Prairie House and even remember the days of him sponsoring my Demo car. What a guy! He will be missed.
Eric Skeie says
A great man.
Daniel Luhman says
He was a great bantam hockey coach, will always remember Mr. Bradford! I am sorry for your loss Denise, Scott & Bart.
James Backlund says
Denise, Scott, and Bart, very sorry for your loss. A lot of great youth hockey memories with Curt and your family! Curt was always a joy to spend time with.
Sincerely, Jim Backlund
Troy Woller says
Condolences to Scott, Bart and Denise. I grew up with you guys. Sad to hear of Curt’s passing.
Bonnie Karl says
Denise, Scott, Bart and families,
So sorry to hear about Curt. Sending hugs and prayers to you all. Many fond memories from the “Title days”.
Bonnie and Rick Karl
Lisa Galarce Kapp says
We are so sorry for your loss and continue to send love, prayers and strength to the Bradford family. May your memories provide comfort during this difficult time.
Love,
Kappie and Lisa
Cheryl Buboltz says
Denise and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Curt’s passing. Wishing you peace and comfort in this difficult time.
Cheryl Buboltz
Claire Woelfel says
Denise and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Curt. Please know you and your family are
in my thoughts and prayers.
BETH Kost says
Denise, Scott and Bart… I am so sorry to hear of the news of Curt. Our family has many great memories of past years. I know my Mom would want to send her sympathies as well to you Denise.
I will be out of town and unable to make friday, but want you all to know how I am so thinking of you and sending much love.
Beth and Nancy Kost
Nancy Hill says
He was a very important part of our family, after we lost parents. Martha, Robert and I will never forget him and all his help he provided us over the years. Denise, Scott, Bart and your families our hearts hurt with you. Curtis was a fun guy so go forward with the sun (Curtis) always shinning on you.
Lori and Brian Kaping says
Curt was an outstanding man. We send our sympathies to you all. Cherish your beautiful memories.
Marty Gorka says
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Curtis,
Thank You For Always Being There For Us
Denise, Scott and Bart,
May Your Memories Bring You Peace,
With Our Deepest Condolences, Prayers and Love,
Martha Ann Milbrath-Gorka
Robert Eli Milbrath
Nancy Jean Milbrath-Hill
Roger Laabs says
Your godson Matt was so fortunate to spend time with Curt couple summers ago!! He valued every moment and our family will never forget the great memories of Curt, Denise, Scott, and Bart; what a treasured time of our life living in Hutch near you all. God bless you all on your way forward.
Matthew Laabs says
My condolences to Curt’s family – he was an amazing godfather along with my godmother Denise. They sent Christmas ornaments for decades every year and the ornaments hang on our Christmas tree every year and are all so special. As Roger said, I was fortunate enough to introduce my son to Curt a couple of summers ago in his office and we had a great talk. Curt gifted me a putter grip that I cherish to this day! Rest in peace Curt and I pray for the rest of the family during this time of grief.
Jeff haag says
Curt was a great friend. I tried to see him regularly as we always engaged in great conversations. He was a “one of a kind”. I will miss his humor, candor and kindness. Hoping Denise and family find comfort in his passing.
Paul Ryan says
It was an honor and pleasure to know Curt. I enjoyed golf with he and his sons, time at Melvin’s in Spicer during the summers. A true gentleman. As a part of the Elks, we say until the hour of eleven, that is when we remember our departed members, well Mr Bradford….. u til the hour of Eleven.