"Gus and all of Brad's family ... condolences on the passing of Brad. I was shocked to hear this was 4 months ago. I'll always remember him as a great guy to be around and an extremely hard worker at FedEx. He was just one of those guys you gravitated towards when you needed something done right. "
In loving memory of
Bradley John Gaustad
April 29, 1975 - October 30, 2020
Bradley John Gaustad, 45, passed away Friday, October 30, 2020 at his residence in Eyota.
Brad was born on April 29, 1975 to Verdale (Gus) and Marcia (Hayden) Gaustad. Brad attended Rochester Public Schools and graduated from Mayo High School in 1993. After high school, he attended RCTC and graduated with a 2-year degree in carpentry. Brad worked for many years at Andy's Liquor, Schott Distributing, Farr Distributing of Waterloo, and most recently at Superior Mechanical.
Brad married Bridgette Keller in April of 2002 and together they had one son, Evan. They were later divorced.
Brad enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and attending sporting events of Evan's and his nephews. Brad was a loyal friend to everyone he met, a hard worker, and always willing to extend a helping hand. He will be missed by many.
Brad is survived by his parents; son, Evan (at home); sisters, Jana (John) Beckman of Houston, MN, Lisa (Matt) O'Brien of Rochester, and sister-in-law, Tami (Tim) Boldt of Houston, MN; nieces and nephews, Tanner and Trisha Johnson of Houston, MN, Janell (Aaron) Auger of Houston, MN, Jacob and Caleb Johnson of Rochester, Erin and Sean O'Brien, and great-nephew Case Johnson. He is preceded in death by his brother, Van Johnson; maternal grandparents, Byron and June Hayden; paternal grandparents, Otis and Rudy Gaustad; aunts and uncles, Donald and Myra Gaustad and Elmo and Avis Wojahn.
A memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901. The service will be live streamed on Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes Facebook page at the time of the service. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. one-hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Gaustad family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Gus, Marcia, Lisa and the rest of Bradley?s family...there are no words for how our hearts ache for all of you at this very sad time. We pray for peace for all of you. Embrace your memories, they will be with you forever. Brad continues to live in all of you. He was an amazing man and we are blessed to have known him. Hugs to all! Love Tom and Chris Marlborough and family. "
"My condolences to Brad's family. Brad was always very friendly, quick to laugh and fun to be around. I hadn't seen Brad in a while, but I will always remember the good times we had in high school and our young adult years. Rest in peace, Brad. Ryan Shannon"
"You have my deepest sympathy for the death of Bradley! Mercedes & Sam Benson"
"My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family family for your loss.. I cannot imagine the profound grief you are feeling at this time..I never met Brad but my son Matt graduated with him...May your wonderful memories of him flood through your hearts and ease the pain in the coming years"
"I'm so very sorry to hear the news of Brad's passing. I went to Mayo High School with Brad and graduated with him in 1993. He was a great friend and I have many fond memories of him, we also worked together at Andy's Liquor store. I will forever be grateful for his friendship and will miss him greatly. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. "
"I was shocked to see this. Worked with Brad at Andy's Liquor years ago, he was a very kind hearted guy! Deepest Sympathies to you Gus, Marcia and family during this difficult time. Micky Ferguson Briese"
"So sorry To hear of BRAD's passing, I've known brad for 28 years working at Andy's liquor and he did a few favors for me, he was a great friend and he was always willing to help me out, he will be sorely missed Johnny P !!"
"My heart just breaks for you all. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Flo"
"Our deepest sympathies. I can?t imagine losing a child and such a special one. May your memories be a comfort! From Tom and Sandy Shanahan"
"Our deepest sympathies. I can?t imagine losing a child and such a special one. May your memories be a comfort! From Tom and Sandy Shanahan"
"So sorry to hear of Brad's passing. We had many fun summers with the Gaustad family playing youth baselball. May he rest in peace. The Christiansen Family (Phil, Jan, James, Jamie and Jenna)"
"Our deepest sympathies. I can?t imagine losing a child and such a special one. May your memories be a comfort! From Tom and Sandy Shanahan"
"?????S and hugs to you Verdale,Marcia and family. Yoiu have our deepest sympathy! "
"So sorry for your families loss! ??"
"Gus, Marcia & Family, I'm beyond shocked at hearing this news. Brad was always so kind and funny. I'll never forget his laugh as it was so contagious! It's beyond difficult losing someone you love so much and I know Brad was loved by all. Please find comfort in all of the great memories you will carry forever. My sincerest sympathy to all during this hard time. With Love, Kelly (Stensrud) Wangen"
"We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. If there's any thing you need please don't hesitate to call us. Love and prayers. Chuck and Pat "
"I am so very sorry for you loss. Prayers to all??"
"When we heard of the news of Brad's passing, like many I am sure, it was stunning. My family moved to Rochester in 1981 and we lived on 14th Street SE. The Gaustad's were our neighbor's and 39 years, remain family friends. I was 15 and Brad was 7. We had a great neighborhood of kids. We did all kinds of things together! What we most remember is when we would get in water balloon launcher fights with our house shooting them across to Brad's house. Well, it went from water balloons to garden veggie's. Did we ever laugh.
Brad was a gentle man. Passionate. Caring and above all, hard-working! Brad didn't have a mean bone in his body. A great neighbor, a great employee to his employers, a great Son, a great Brother, and clearly, a great Father.
Evan, Gus, Marcia, Lisa and extended family, our sympathy goes out to you! Words can't describe how our hearts ache for you. We know Brad will forever Rest in Peace and his light will never burn out. I pray for your Strength in Faith and may you find Peace in Prayer.
Love and God Bless your family,
Brad, Joanie, Brenden, Reece and Payton Trahan"