Obituaries

Bradley Karl Nelson

10/6/1976 – 2/9/2026

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Obituary For Bradley Karl Nelson

Brad Nelson, age 49, of Vadnais Heights, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, with his family by his side. Brad worked for many years as an IT supervisor in county government, and eagerly collected a variety everything from action figures and comic books, to rocks and gems, hockey memorabilia, and so much more. He was an avid Colorado Avalanche fan. He will be remembered for his sarcastic sense of humor and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, Heather; daughter, Jordan Nelson (fiancé John Glebus); parents, Ronald and Nancy Nelson; siblings, Joe (Theresa) Nelson and Cyndi (Ryan) Blume; nieces and nephews, Alex, Josh, & Abbey Nelson and Nathan & Sam Blume; parents-in-law, Bob and Penny Skrentny; aunts, uncles, other relatives, other loving relatives and friends, and his beloved dog, Lettie. A celebration of his life will take place on Tuesday, February 17, with gathering at 9 am and ceremony at 11 am, at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, 1669 Arcade St. N., St. Paul.

Services

17 Feb

Celebration of Life

11:00 AM

Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church 1669 Arcade St. St. Paul, MN 55106 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Tributes

  • Red and White Floor Basket

    Andi Nelson sent Red and White Floor Basket for Bradley Karl Nelson – 02/17/2026

    We are all here for your family during this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts. – Your friends at EPHC

  • 5 TREES

    Michael Chang planted 5 trees in memory of Bradley Karl Nelson . – 02/17/2026

  • 7 TREES

    KeAndre Withers planted 7 trees in memory of Bradley Karl Nelson . – 02/16/2026

  • 5 TREES

    Mary Betinsky planted 5 trees in memory of Bradley Karl Nelson . – 02/14/2026

  • 5 TREES

    Theresa L. White planted 5 trees in memory of Bradley Karl Nelson . – 02/12/2026

  • 5 TREES

    Charles Goyer planted 5 trees in memory of Bradley Karl Nelson . – 02/12/2026

Condolences

  • 02/21/2026

    My deepest sympathies for the family and friends of Brad. He was a great man. I had the honor of knowing Brad in the earlier years when we were 13-25’s. He was always that guy who would give you the “jersey” off his back. Unfortunately, I did not get to say goodbye. He will always be remembered as a great man.

  • 02/17/2026

    When you bravely walk into the lives of others with zero pretense, a grand sense of humor, a winning smile and a certain friendly glow you’re never really gone. That’s Brad. I will always admire you and be forever thankful to for your light spirit. Friday, Friday.. fun, fun, fun, fun. Cheers!

  • 02/17/2026

    I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Brad. He wasn’t just an incredible supervisor—he was an amazing person and a true friend. Brad had a way of making everyone feel heard and valued. He was always supportive, easy to talk to, and brought positivity into every conversation. I’ll truly miss our weekly chats about sports, video games, and our dogs. Those moments weren’t just work-related—they were genuine connections that showed the kind of person Brad was: kind, thoughtful, and full of life. Brad’s impact will never be forgotten. He leaves behind not only professional accomplishments but also countless memories of friendship and laughter. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

  • 02/17/2026

    I had the privilege of working for Brad at Hennepin County for almost two years. It was my first “real” job since getting out of the military and I was new to the IT world and its processes outside of it. He was always helpful and genuinely cared about his staff and was someone I really enjoyed working for and with. He was genuine, his sense of humor was top notch, and though I only worked with him for those two years I will never forget it. I greatly appreciate the learning I received while he was my Team Lead.

  • 02/17/2026

    I will forever be grateful for the memories we shared. Brad was a great colleague and friend to me. I will always remember his compassion for people working alongside him. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this incredibly difficult time. We’ve lost a great person far too young. Brad, you will be deeply missed.

  • 02/17/2026

    I worked with Brad in IT for a little over a year when I worked as a Concierge for SC2. Brad was always so generous with his knowledge and willing to help answer any questions I had. We also shared a love of gardening and he would always offer wonderful tips and tricks when Spring rolled around. He was a genuinely kind and funny person. I haven’t worked with him in a few years, but my heart is truly saddened to hear of his passing and I am wishing your family comfort during this difficult time.

  • 02/17/2026

    Please accept my deepest and most sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved husband, father, and family member, Brad. I was privileged to work under his leadership, and I can confidently say that he was not only an exceptional supervisor, but also a man of integrity, wisdom, and genuine care for people. His guidance, encouragement, and professionalism left a lasting impact on my life and career. Brad’s legacy will continue through the many lives he touched, the values he upheld, and the kindness he consistently showed. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. During this difficult time, may you find comfort in cherished memories, strength in one another, and peace in knowing that he was deeply respected and appreciated by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. May God grant you comfort, strength, and enduring peace. With heartfelt sympathy,

  • 02/13/2026

    I met Brad while attending GA Lutheran Church. He was funny, kind, and always willing to help others. I am going to miss him.

  • 02/13/2026

    Brad was my supervisor for the 2 years I have been with the county; Brad always ended our 1:1 by thanking me for everything, and he always looked out for his team, be it trainings or any concerns. He loved talking about his hobbies, family and his garden. There was so much he wanted to do and experience. He will be dearly missed and hope his family find strength and courage to go on during these difficult times.

  • 02/13/2026

    I was fortunate to work with Brad at Hennepin County at the Enterprise Service Desk from 2019 – 2023. He was a great co-worker and friend. He served our internal customers with care and expertise every single day. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his wife, daughter and extended family.

  • 02/12/2026

    My condolences to the family. You are in my thoughts. I have known Brad for 16 years when he first started at the Service Desk. Many, many, many excellent memories that I could go on and on about. One that I want to share – Our Support World training/conference in Denver, Colorado in 2024. Brad’s wife, daughter and her finance were able to join for part of the trip. You could see the love they all had for each other. It warmed my heart. Their humor, the bantering. Plus, they were excellent tour guides. Brad talked of his family often. I will miss working with him as well as listening to his stories of his family, trips and more.

  • 02/12/2026

    I have had the pleasure of working with and knowing Brad for the last 8 years. I remember when I started working with him and we were still in the office how much he lit up a room with his big smile and big laugh. When I came back to the Service Desk 3 years ago I was very excited to be working with him again and get to know him. We had excellent conversations that I will miss dearly. Brad was a funny, kind, excellent friend and co-worker. I will miss him. My sincere condolences to his family.

  • 02/12/2026

    Brad was my supervisor the last couple of years. I enjoyed our weekly meetings and catching up on how our weekends went. He loved his family and always shared the moments he spent with his wife and daughter. From the trips to Florida and Hockey games in Colorado and his gems and stones collection. RIP Brad and my condolences to his family.

  • 02/12/2026

    I’m sadden by the passing of Brad. I’m sorry for the loss, most especially to Brad’s family. This is a huge loss to me personally…..He was one of my “go to” for literally everything, IT related, at Hennepin County, IT Service Desk. Brad practically mentored me into the HC IT department since my employment from 2022 up to his passing. He was very resourceful and great at what he did. Gerald Wright, Hennepin County IT!

  • 02/12/2026

    I worked with Brad for many years on all kinds of projects for IT. He was always kind, honest, and amazingly helpful to me personally and never failed to keep our customers first. Brad cared – about people, the work, and keeping standards high. He was so professionally adept, funny, and will sincerely be missed.

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