Obituary for Brad Gross

Age 81, of Champlin, MN, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2023. Brad was born and raised in Sheldon, IA by Dwaine & Evelyn Dummett where he was affectionately known as “Pug” by many. He developed many lifelong friendships during his many years in Sheldon, and always had a love for Iowa in his heart.

Brad met the love of his life, Judy, when they were in junior high school, and they’ve been together ever since. Brad’s love for football also began in junior high, and he continued playing through college, before going on to coach boys’ football for more than 10 years. Brad attended the University of Mankato as well as NITC before he started working at McQuay in Minneapolis, MN where he developed patents for commercial air conditioning units and even worked on the space shuttle.

In 1965, Brad and Judy’s family grew when their daughter Michelle was born, and 15 months later, they welcomed Patti. The family moved to Champlin & lived there for nearly 50 years during which time Brad was an active member of the Champlin Park Board.

Brad’s joy for coaching continued when he had the opportunity to coach the girls’ softball teams and they fondly remember that their dad was always there for them, and never missed a single one of their games.

Everyone knew Brad as a family man, who enjoyed vacations, canoeing, fishing, pheasant hunting, exploring, coaching, making homemade pizzas, and bar hopping in the northern suburbs. He never could pass up a dive bar! Brad also spent countless hours in his workshop carving ducks and birds, and creating many gifts for family and friends. His creativity and artistry were apparent and will live on through the artwork he shared.

Brad had a very special relationship with each of his grandkids and instilled many important life lessons that they will carry with them throughout their lives. He always made time for each and every one of his grandkids and made sure that they knew how much he loved them.

Brad was preceded in death by his sister, Pamela Rae; and his grandson, Basil Freeman.

He is survived by the love of his life, Judy; children, Michelle (John) Behm, and Patti (Ed) Freeman; grandchildren, Amanda (Brandon), Jack (Ciara), Chloe (Peter), Brooke, and Jackie; great-grandchildren, Emersyn & Paityn; siblings, Spike (Marlene), David (Judy), and Valerye; as well as many other close family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 5th at 6PM at the Evans-Nordby Funeral Home, 34 2nd Street NE, Osseo. Visitation time will be held from 4-6PM.

Memorials preferred to the family to be distributed to charities important to Brad.

A special thank you to the Family Tree Homes, and the entire staff for the exceptional care that they gave our dad until the very end.

As Brad would always say, “Be Good” and “You have to put at least 60 in to win”.