Service Information
Thomas “Tom” W. Bradford, age 66, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025, at The Villas at Brookview in Golden Valley, Minnesota.
Elks Prayer Service will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, with interment at a later date in Boon Lake Evergreen Cemetery, Boon Lake Township, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral chapel.
The family requests those attending to please wear either Minnesota Twins or Vikings apparel in memory of Tom.
Obituary
Thomas William Bradford was born on July 2, 1958, in Glencoe, Minnesota, to William and Shirley (Tebben) Bradford. He grew up on the family's 4th generation farm in Boon Lake Township, rural Buffalo Lake, Minnesota. Tom attended and graduated from Buffalo Lake High School, Class of 1976, and from Ridgewater College in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was employed in the newspaper business in Ortonville, Minnesota, then found his life's work as a printer at Crow River Press in Hutchinson, retiring in 2023.
As a dedicated Minnesota sports fan, Tom endured Viking Super Bowl losses and celebrated Twins World Series Championships. Incidentally, a purple foam brick was conveniently positioned near the family TV to throw during bad calls against the Vikings. A huge highlight was attending Game 7 of the 1987 Minnesota Twins World Series at the Metrodome. He enjoyed music, his cats, fishing, antique collecting, flea markets across the state with family, hanging out with friends, and bike riding. He logged many biking miles for the benefit of cancer research. Tom was the proud owner of a 1979 Hurst Olds which he displayed at local car shows. He loved family trips to Lake Superior, Florida and most recently Branson, Missouri.
Tom served as a Chaplain for the Hutchinson Elks Lodge, working many fundraisers and enjoying the activities and camaraderie.
Tom passed away Monday, June 16, 2025, at a transitional care facility in Golden Valley, Minnesota, following a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer, at the age of 66 years.
Tom is survived by his:
Sister, Laurie Hubin and her husband, Ken;
Twin Brother, Tim Bradford and his wife, Kathy;
Nephews, Ben, Nathan and Nick and Nieces Katie, Kalli and Amy, along with their families;
Aunt, Carol Pilegaard and her husband, Russ;
Many cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, William and Shirley Bradford; and numerous Aunts and Uncles.
Gayle Deal says
Laurie and Tim, Our sincere sympathies to both of you and your families. Prayers for all of you. ?
Gayle & Anita Deal
Linda Buehler Henningsen says
I am so sad to see the passing of Tom. The entire Bradford family were really great neighbors. My deepest sympathies to the family and may he rest in peace in the neighborhood resting place. Blessed be his memory.
Nathan Cook says
Tom was a good friend. He was my roommate for a year. We had a lot of good times through our years at HAVTI. Lots of laughs….he will be missed. My condolences to Tim and Laurie’s families.
S Reid says
With sad hearts we send our deepest sympathies to all of you who loved and knew Tom well. He was always a quiet and friendly presence at our Bradford get-togethers.
Sherwood and Carol Reid
Cyndi Noble says
So sad to hear of Tom’s passing.
Deepest sympathies to Laurie, Tim, and the rest of the family. So many fun memories of cousin times with the Bradford kids.
Love and prayers,
Cyndi Noble
Karen Raske says
My sympathy and prayers to the family at the loss of Tom.
Tom Black says
Tim, Laurie and family, I am so sad to hear the news of Big Tom passing. I have such fond memories of all the time spent at your parents farm with Tom and our families. Tom was such a kind man and will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have met him. I wish you much peace and love.
Little Tom