John Brady

John Irl Brady died peacefully in Detroit Lakes, MN on November 17, 2020 at the age of 84.

John is survived by wife, Ruth Ann; children, Laurie Bush (Steve), John C. Brady (Cheri), and Michelle Brady-Hanson (Paul); seven grandchildren and one great grandson; twin sisters, Marvel Hoffman of Denver, Co, and Beverly Palmer of Seattle, WA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Josephine Brady and his older brother, Clay Brady.

John was born on September 27, 1936 in Fargo, ND. He married Ruth Ann while still in school at Concordia College, Moorhead, MN in 1959, graduating in 1962 with a degree in Business Administration. They bought a home in Moorhead as the family started to grow. After going to work for Ford Motor Company in Fargo, ND, John was transferred to Indianapolis, IN, moving his young family of five in 1968. John spent his whole career in the automotive industry calling on dealers selling cars, and later, after moving to Nappanee, IN, selling recreational vehicles.

All of his life, John was an accomplished singer who performed in many different venues over the years with several different groups and choirs. He was an active and dedicated member of A.A. for many years, and was more than willing to share his story about overcoming alcohol addiction. John was in the church choir wherever he lived, including his last church, Riverside United Methodist in Park Rapids, MN. He appreciated any and all food and was known to exclaim, “It sure smells good in here!” no matter what was being prepared. John’s happiest place in the world was behind the wheel of his boat, children and then grandchildren in tow. One can only guess how many times he responded to “Hit it!” over the decades.

A memorial service will be held sometime in the summer of 2021. All are welcome to attend and celebrate John's life. Donations will be divided between Hospice, Living at Home, Emmanuel Care Center, Detroit Lakes, and Riverside Methodist. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Emmanuel and all of the wonderful Hospice workers.