Michael Bradford
Michael Patrick Bradford, 90, of Eagle River, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at Seasons of Life in Woodruff, Wisconsin on July 30, 2026. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, and his presence will be deeply missed.
Mike was born in Eagle River, Wisconsin on March 27, 1936 to Edward and Lina Bradford. After graduating from Eagle River High School, he went on to Carroll College to play football. Mike worked for Wisconsin Public Service before spending 38 years at Gustave A. Larson selling commercial and residential heating and air conditioning equipment to dealers throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin.
He also served as a Special Warden for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources during the busy spring and fall seasons. Throughout his working career, he established many special friendships with his coworkers and customers.
After retirement, Mike and his wife, Delores enjoyed snow birding in the Gulf Shores/ Orange Beach area of Alabama with friends.
Mike was an athlete who excelled at hockey, football and baseball. He dedicated 25 years to the youth hockey programs and summer hockey camps in Eagle River. He coached three State Champion teams at the Squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam levels. The players he coached went on to win three Wisconsin high school hockey championships in the 1980s. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996 for his contributions.
Mike also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends, especially those special retirement years at Camp 5 deer camp. Mike had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. He was always willing to help his family, friends and community. He served for the Eagle River Recreational Association, the Lions Club, Saint Peters Catholic Church and the Northland Pines football team, as part of the chain crew. He looked forward to family gatherings, listening to the loud laughter at those gatherings made him very happy. He had a big heart and supported
family and friends during tough times.
Mike is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Delores (Behn), his five children, Michael Bradford of Chicago, Illinois; Robert Bradford of Kenosha, Wisconsin; Lori Jefferson (Bradford) of Tomah, Wisconsin; Jeffrey (Angela) Bradford of Poynette, Wisconsin; James Bradford of Alpharetta, Georgia; his nine beloved grandchildren; one great-grandchild and many special nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his siblings, William Bradford, Lewis Bradford and Elizabeth (Betty) Curtis (Bradford).
A private Celebration of Life will be held for the immediate family. The family would appreciate sharing any memories and/or photos on the Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home website. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Eagle River Recreation Association.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com
