It is with great sadness that we announce that Bradford Adelbert Ames, a beloved father and grandfather known for his quick wit, humor, and generosity, passed away at his home in Crookston, Minnesota on March 14, 2025, at the age of 82.
You could always count on Brad to make you laugh, proudly watch his kids and grandkids from the stands and support them in whatever they do, be the best owner a pet could ask for, engage in conversation (preferably with a cup and coffee and something sweet), and lend a helping hand when needed. Brad had a big heart, forgave easily, and saw the best in others.
Brad was born on January 11, 1943, in St. Paul where his father, Delby, was serving in the Army at Fort Snelling and his mother, Ethel, worked as a home economics teacher with the St. Paul Public Schools. He grew up in Springfield, MN, with his parents and younger brother Tom. He was a strong athlete in basketball and baseball and excelled as a pitcher where he was known for his “major league” curveball, several no-hitters, and pitching the 1961 Springfield Tigers into the MN State H.S. Tournament during his senior year. During his freshman year at the University of MN, he pitched a two-hitter for the Gophers but walked eight batters. Legendary Gopher coach Dick Siebert told him after the game that he was impressed with the two-hitter but “people who walk eight batters in a single game are not going to pitch for me in the Big Ten”. Brad agreed with Coach Siebert and refocused on his studies and attained a Doctor of Chiropractor degree from Logan Chiropractic College in St. Louis, Missouri. He was a chiropractor in Roseville and Alexandria before setting up practice in Crookston, Ada, and East Grand Forks. He truly enjoyed his work as a chiropractor and helping his patients. Brad married Angela Kersten in 1965 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield, MN. They had daughter Alison, son Timothy, and daughter Elizabeth. Brad was a hunting and lawn mowing enthusiast. He loved spending time at the family hunting cabin near Boy River and taking trips to Canada for goose hunting with his family, friends, and dogs Karar and Sawyer. He took pride in his lawn and even in his last years, could be seen riding around on the lawn mower. He was a great friend and enjoyed conversation at the barber shop and breakfast or coffee with the boys. He was a wonderful father and grandfather and will be truly missed.
He is survived by his former wife Angie Ames and their son, Timothy (Cheri) Ames, and daughter Elizabeth (Jeff) Leake; grandchildren Cayden Ames and Claudia, Collin, and Colette Leake; brother Tom (Barb) Ames and many nieces and nephews. Brad was preceded in death by his parents Adelbert and Ethel Ames, daughter Alison Ames, and sister Gwendolyn Ames.
A memorial gathering will be held to celebrate Brad’s life at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., immediately followed by a luncheon at the Crookston Inn. The gathering and memory sharing will be livestreamed, a link to which will be available at www.stenshoelhouske.com/obituaries/bradford-adelbert-ames.
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