Wayne Charles Bradley passed away on July 25, 2024 in Rochester, Minnesota at the age of 74 of complications from diabetes.
Wayne was born on October 24, 1949 in Thief River Falls, Minnesota to Elizabeth “Betty” (Scharf) and Walter Bradley. He grew up in Roseau and excelled athletically in baseball and hockey to go on to play Junior hockey and baseball for the Bemidji State Beavers. Wayne pursued baseball with relentless passion, dedication, and hard work advancing to the Cedar Rapids AA affiliate of the San Francisco Giants and the historic Indianapolis Clowns.
After his baseball career, Wayne settled down with his wife Nancy Pederson in Fargo, North Dakota where he built a successful career as an accountant and eventual partner in a local firm. Wayne’s passion for business and incredible work ethic lead him to become a stalwart in the Fargo business community including terms serving on the Fargo-Moorhead Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and President of the FARGODOME Authority overseeing the establishment of the region’s first large events center. His lifelong entrepreneurial pursuit led to a private business advisory practice and business deals all across the region.
Besides business, Wayne’s other lifelong pursuit was sharing his passion for baseball and the outdoors. He spent 20 years coaching baseball at Fargo South High School and always jumped at the chance to watch his children and grandchildren in their athletic endeavors. In 2018 he was elected to the Roseau Athletic Hall of Fame. He also enjoyed many outdoor pursuits such as hunting and fishing with his family in Montana and especially Colorado.
Wayne is survived by his son, Eric (Sheilah) of Maryland, and daughters, Stephanie Graham of Michigan and Sarah Anderson (Josh) of Minnesota; six grandchildren: Isaac, Suzy, Elijah, Julia, Andrew, and Oliver; and his sister Carol Amundson (Dale) of Roseau.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
An open house to celebrate his life will be held at First Free Methodist Church (1501 10th Ave S, Fargo, ND) on Friday, August 2nd from 3:00p to 5:00p. Visitation will also be held at Rose Free Lutheran Church (30804 Co Rd 15, Roseau, MN) on Saturday, August 3rd from 3:00p to 5:00p. In lieu of flowers, please consider donation to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) or the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (www.rmef.org).
Last modified: 07/31/2024
