Donald Wesley Bradley, 99, passed peacefully from this life on March 23, 2022, at Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth. Don was born July 3, 1922, to George W. and Hattie Miller Bradley at their ranch in the Lee, Montana area. He attended the Lee School and Rosebud High School. He married Margaret Hays in 1944 and they were blessed with three children, Gary, Jack and Donna, before her passing in 1950. In 1959 Don married Phyllis Schied Hartman and the family increased with two more children, Don and Judy.
Although Don spent his work life as a heavy equipment operator and dirt contractor, his true passion was in restoring and operating steam traction engines. For many years he was a welcomed and highly respected participant at steam shows throughout Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota. In the early 1950’s, he was one of the original members of the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion at Rollag, Minnesota. As a recognized authority, he served for many years on the board of directors of the International J. I. Case Heritage Foundation from its inception in 1987. Don also donated time and skill in the restoration of farming implements for the Rosebud County Museum. He was one of the last few who could claim to have made his living with steam traction engines.
At home and around the community, he took every opportunity to play a good prank. Don was always ready to help anyone he could, whether he was shoveling snow or pouring coffee for his fellow residents at the nursing home.
Don was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church at Forsyth for more than sixty years.
Don is survived by his five children, Gary Bradley of Sheridan, Wyoming, Don Hartman (Melissa) of Miles City, Judy (Noel) Blakesley of Forsyth, Jack (Glenda) Bradley of Thurlow, and Donna Brooks of Flora Vista, New Mexico, twelve grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, his wife, Phyllis, his parents, three bothers, Claude, Floyd and Paul, and four sisters, Dolly, Charlotte, Ruth and Alice. Also left behind are numerous close friends from the steam threshing communities throughout the country.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Concordia Lutheran Church in Forsyth or the Rosebud County Museum.
Viewing will be at the Concordia Lutheran Church in Forsyth from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on April 7, 2022. Services will also be held at Concordia Lutheran Church on April 8, 2022, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Blake Marshall officiating. Interment will be at Rosebud County Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at Stevenson & Sons Funeral hosted by LWML.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Nan quinlan says
I am so sorry to see this Don and I had many many hours of visiting . From steam engines to how much he loves his family. Larry and I send our condolences
Kay and Rocky Berdahl says
To all Don’s family,
What a character and fountain of information on steam engines! Sorry for your loss!
Thoughts and prayers for all the family!
Carolyn (Cooky) Hays says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Don and Phyllis were a few of my favorite people when I lived in Forsyth. After I moved from there I married Wendell Hays which made me a shirt-tail relation. They were both wonderful people. Boy, Don you keep those ol’ Rummleys in tip top shape for the gardens up above!
Andy Mitzkus says
Sorry to hear of Don passing. Very interesting man to set and visit with. He will be missed in the area.
Laurie Lelm says
Bradley family, I am so sorry for your loss. It was fun to talk to Don about how Forsyth has changed over the years. He loved his steam engines and loved telling his stories about them. I enjoyed Don and will miss him greatly. He will truly be missed by many,
John W Clark says
Always enjoyed watching the old steam engines. Sad to hear of your loss.
Kim Smarsh says
Don and family–my sincere sympathy to you on the passing of your father.
Clenora Quinlan says
What a tribute he was to his family and his community. We send out condolences clenora and Gary
Joby Parker says
Dear family of Don,
Deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you during this time. Don was a very friendly person and loved by all in our community. He will be greatly missed especially that beautiful smile. Rest in peace Don.
Bill and Joby Parker
Diane M Welbes says
Don–sorry for your loss–you and family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Roger Sprague says
Don was such a great guy, I always enjoyed visiting with him and learning more of the history of people who grew up in the Lee community on the Rosebud Creek. He will be so missed. My condolences to all the member of the family.
Donna McAllister Deisher says
So sorry to learn of Don’s passing. He was one of the “good guys” if ever there was one. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Dawn Reiger says
Sending my deepest condolences to Don’s family….my dad(Don Reiger) worked for him helping with construction jobs and farming jobs. I will always remember hanging out with them when I was little and always listening to their contagious laughter every time they were together. The two are together again I’m sure causing chaos!
From my family to yours, you’re in our prayers and if you need anything please let us know
lynnette watson says
To the Bradley family sorry for your loss.Don is surely going to be missex.lynnette
Rita FitzGerald says
Going down memory lane, each time I go through the old neighborhood I see Don climbing on a stern engine in the field between our homes. He was great to a punk kid as Donna let me come over to play.
The memories from the “old” Speedway are never to be surpassed! Poor Perry Hayes!! With Don and Leroy and their pranks. We got a few on Don, but never to surpass.
Loosing a parent is bittersweet! We miss them but we would not want to bring them back to pain and despair. My prayers are with you all!
Rita Schmidt FitzGerald
Donna and Ralph Mitchell says
What a wonderful man who is now with his Lord and Savior
Susan & Dennis Bakken says
Our deepest sympathies on your loss
Carol Ferguson Moore says
My deepest condolences to Don’s family. Like Rita, I remember the pranks he would pull at the old Speedway. He was full of knowledge. I will forever be grateful for the trip he took my dad, Jack Ferguson, on to retrieve a steam engine up by Bozeman, I think. Dad regarded that as a highlight in his life. Don was a great man and I am better having known him.
Ron Losey says
Sorry to hear of Dons passing. I had never met him, but thru doing genealogy I had heard a few stories of him, sounds like a wonderful man from the memories of those that knew him. Don was a first cousin to my grandfather Wilbur S Losey
Gil and Dynella says
You are in our thoughts and may the Lord give you comfort in knowing that he is at peace.