Bradley Wilson

Bradley Alan Wilson, a Marine Veteran and retired Federal Meat Inspector for the USDA, resident of Alexandria, MN, died on October 30, 2021, at the age of 76 at the St. William’s Living Center in Parkers Prairie, MN.

Brad is survived by his daughter Kimberly (Joel) Bloom of Alexandria, MN, son Brad Wilson of Eagan, MN, grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, and Cathryn Bloom, siblings Dave (Petra) Wilson, Geri Hinck, Bruce (Jana) Wilson, and Dan (Barb) Wilson, and 8 nieces and nephews.  Brad is predeceased by his wife Barbara Wilson and his parents LeRoy and Leona Wilson.

Brad was born in Adrian, MN on November 19, 1944, and grew up in Rushmore and Magnolia MN. Brad graduated from Magnolia High School.  He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September 1962.  He traveled extensively throughout the Pacific Ocean.  Brad didn’t speak much of or often about his time in the Marine Corps, but he proudly attended Marine Corps events. He was Honorably Discharged in September 1968. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion (Hardwick, MN) and was a member and past President of the Alexandria Eagles Club.

While working at South St. Paul Dressed Beef, he saw the meat inspectors walking by and decided he “wanted to do what the guys in the white coats were doing.”  He became a Meat Inspector for the USDA in February 1968.  Brad met Barbara Broughton in Minneapolis; they were married on October 18, 1969, in Lake City, MN.  Brad and Barb lived in Albert Lea, before moving to Sauk Center and then Alexandria in 1972.

Brad and Barb purchased the Sunny Hollow Resort on Lake Latoka in 1974. Brad was known for his pig-roasts, smoked ribs, and hospitality; he made many lifelong friends while running the resort. He loved living in Alexandria and spending time at his home on the lake. He also enjoyed golfing, classic cars, going to the stock car races, country music, visiting casinos with friends, and sharing a beer with his neighbors.

Brad loved his family very much and was proud of all of them. He taught Kim and Brad (BJ) how to swim, ice skate, ski, shingle a roof, and whatever else he thought they should know living at a resort on the lake. He was close to all three of his grandchildren and really enjoyed attending their events and spending time with them.

While Brad wasn’t a religious person; he was a person who never shied away from helping someone in need and had a special place in his heart for those less fortunate.  He believed that if you can do something to help someone, you should.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021, at 1 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel.

A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service on Friday.

The funeral service for Bradley, will be Live-streamed and recorded on his obituary page on the Anderson Funeral Home website, for those who are not able to attend on Friday.

Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria.

Military Honors will be performed by the: Minnesota Marine Corps Honor Guard; American Legion Post #87; Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #936; Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #235;
Marine Corps League Detachment #1409.