Chet E. Bradley

Chet E. Bradley, age 85, passed away in Griffin, GA on Thursday, January 25, 2024.  He was born on March 27, 1938 in Dalton, Wisconsin, the youngest son of Lester and Gertrude (Dykstra) Bradley.   Chet graduated from Pardeeville High School in 1956.  After high school, Chet enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country in active duty from 1961-1962 during the Berlin Crisis and was stationed at Ft. Louis, WA.

He earned a B.S. Degree from UW La Crosse State Teacher’s College in 1963 and a Master of Science (M.S). Degree from La Crosse in 1966.  He went on to earn a second Master’s Degree in Education Programs from the University of Oregon in 1967.

Chet retired in September of 2000 after serving 28 years as the Health Education Consultant with the Wisconsin State Department of Public Instruction.  He also spent nine years teaching and coaching at Menomonee Falls High School.   Chet also served as the Regional Director of Outreach for Cardinal Stritch University Master’s Degree in Education Programs in Madison for nine and a half years.

Chet and Lou were the first members of the Prairie Athletic Club in Sun Prairie.  They established membership there in the 1970’s, and Chet enjoyed these many friendships after Lou’s passing and throughout his years as a regular face at the PAC.  

Chet is survived by his daughter Julie (Dave Walesh) Poff of Manitowoc, WI; and grandchildren Jenna of Minneapolis, MN and Max Poff of Manitowoc, WI; and his partner later in life Merrilyn Trombly of Griffin, GA.  Chet is further survived by his sisters-in-law Hazel (Ray) Rogers, Betty Levzow, and Marilyn Bradley; and many other relatives and friends.  

Chet was preceded in death by his first love and wife of 35 years Lou Bradley; parents Lester and Gertrude; siblings Clifton, David, and sister Phyllis Schultz.  

Chet believed that his most important legacy was that he was a good person, a devoted husband and father, a fun grandfather, and a loyal and trusted friend.  His daughter, Julie, says that Chet didn’t just talk about being caring-he lived it every day.

Finally, Chet believed that the three most important things in his life were marrying Lou, helping raise Julie along with supporting her and her children, and enjoying being with Merrilyn the final years of his life.

Cress Funeral Service-- Sun Prairie

608-837-9054.