Bradley Alan Erickson

Bradley Erickson, 69, of Atwater, died Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.

A Celebration of Life for Brad will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at the Lake Lillian City Center.

Brad was a free spirit who dearly loved his family. He enjoyed farming alongside his father, Roger, and always dreamed of running his own farm. His mother, Maige, recalled that when Brad was only seven years old, he knelt beside her and accepted Jesus into his heart. Throughout his life, Brad loved attending church and reading the Bible.

Brad was a fearless athlete who excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. In football, he once recorded 24 tackles in a game, breaking a school record. In basketball, he scored 32 points in one game, including 26 points in the first half. In baseball, he was an all-conference and MVP pitcher, as well as a talented third baseman. He was recruited by the Willmar VFW baseball team and advanced to the state tournament during his first season. In his second year with VFW, he led the team in hitting with a .413 batting average.

Beginning around 1990, Brad spent his winters in Mesa, Arizona. He worked several Spring Training seasons for the Chicago Cubs. He also worked Super Bowl XXX. During halftime, he slipped away from his post and watched the halftime show featuring Diana Ross as she famously flew into the stadium by helicopter at midfield.

Brad was a friend to all. He often greeted family and friends by saying, “Jesus loves you, and so do I.” After suffering during his final 100 days, Brad is now at peace in heaven with his father, Roger. One can imagine the two of them once again talking about farming and the loved ones they left behind who miss them dearly.

Brad is survived by his mother Maige, 6 brothers Bruce, Todd, Tom, Greg, Grant, and Ross. Sister-in-law Donna (Grant), nephew Rodney(Grant) Erickson, niece’s Tiffany (Bruce) MacMillan and Alexa (Grant) Huss. Preceded in death by his father Roger Erickson.

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