Lyle L. Bradford

Lyle L. Bradford, 80, of Grawn, passed Saturday, September 13, 2014 at his home, surrounded by the family he loved. Lyle was born on Sunday, December 31, 1933 to the late Walter and Edith (Wier) Bradford in Manistee. He graduated from Onekema High School in 1952 and in 1953, Lyle joined the U. S. Army in the intelligence unit, serving in Japan. On Friday, June 25, 1954, he married Marinan E. Brandt in Baltimore, Maryland. Following his discharge from the Army, Lyle began his post high school studies at NMC. He then transferred to U of M where he earned his bachelors degree. Lyle also attended a summer institute at the University of Southern California and earned his masters degree from the University of Illinois - Champaign/Urbana. Lyle did doctoral work at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Lyle had a long teaching career, having taught math at Onekema High School, Yale (Michigan) High School and then at the University of Wisconsin - Platteville before coming to Traverse City to teach at NMC. Having retired from NMC in 1988 after 20 years of service, Lyle had been awarded the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award in 1985. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Traverse City where he had been a member of the men's work group. He also was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and when at U of M, became a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Lyle enjoyed playing pool and was an avid Wheel of Fortune fan. He especially cherished times spent with this family and grandchildren. Lyle is survived by his wife Marinan; his daughters, Julie Cole of Traverse City and Sheri Bradford of Grawn; his grandchildren Mariah Cole and Nathaniel Cole, both of Traverse City along with many nieces and nephews. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, 7 sisters and 5 brothers. A memorial service celebrating Lyle's life will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Traverse City with Pastor Paul Busekist officiating. Interment will be in the Prayer Garden of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Rather than flowers, the family would ask that Lyle be remembered through monetary gifts to Munson Hospice, The Salvation Army or the NMC Foundation. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Traverse City.

Lyle L. Bradford

December 31, 1933 - September 13, 2014