Allan LeRoy Bratrud

Allan LeRoy Bratrud, 95, of Jackson, passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Temperance Lake Ridge in Sherburn, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 10-11a.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Jackson. Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Lance Isaacson officiating. Burial will take place at Hauge’s Cemetery, in Belmont Township, with Military Honors performed by Jackson American Legion Post #130.

Funeral service will be live streamed on Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Jackson, Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Allan’s Honor may be made to Jackson County DAC, Disabled Veterans, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Jackson, or Temperance Lake Ridge in Sherburn.

Allan LeRoy Bratrud was born in Graettinger, IA. at the home of his parents Melvin and Verna (Allen) Bratrud, on September 1, 1927. A few months later, Allan was baptized in the Graettinger Lutheran Church. Allan was confirmed at the United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ringstad, IA. He attended first grade in the Graettinger School and then seven years in rural schools in the area. Allan was the oldest of 4 children. A big brother to 3 sisters, whom he loved dearly and kept as close friends until they passed.

 Allan attended Lutheran Bible Institute (LBI) in Minneapolis in the winter term of 1946, and the summer term of 1947. It was there he met the love of his life Ardyce. Allan and Ardyce were married on August 6, 1948, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. Allan was an active member of OSLC his entire adult life and participated in numerous Church groups, Bible studies, and special events.

Allan and Ardyce were blessed with 4 children: David, Dennis, Douglas, and Dawn. There was never a doubt of the love they felt for their children and their extended families.

As a young teenager, Allan started farming with his father, Melvin.  After marriage to Ardyce, his Father-in-law asked if he’d want to assist in farming the Jackson land.  Allan’s only requirement was that they use John Deere tractors. Allan eventually took over independently farming the Jackson acreage and that continued until 1979 when he decided to rent out the tillable acres. Allan continued to mow and rake the hayfield, and for several harvests he drove combine for Gordon/Grace Hansen & family. Animals were always a part of farm life: hogs, cattle, chickens, ducks, horses, dogs, cats, and even buffalo.   Allan carefully tended to his pets, yard, grove, gardens, and the home he built well into his 94th year of age. 

Allan served in the MN State Guard, and in 1953-1954 proudly served his country in the Korean Conflict. In his early years, Allan built several homes and did carpentry work; this included the homes for his in-laws and his own family. He was an in-town mail carrier in Jackson from 1957-1986, walking 12-13 miles each day. Upon retiring from the Post Office and farming, he helped on the Jackson County Fair Board, was a volunteer groundskeeper/repairman at the fairgrounds, and later a volunteer groundskeeper at Fort Belmont. He restored numerous old tractors, refinished furniture, designed and built furniture and other hand-crafted wood items.

Allan loved visits with family and friends.  He was always open to a new adventure, especially if it involved fishing.  He looked forward to family gatherings, and outings with his birthday dinner friend group.  Upon moving to Temperance Lake Ridge assisted living in fall of 2022, he enjoyed making new friends, and playing bingo to win candy for his great grandkids.

Allan, a faithful servant, joined his Heavenly Father on Saturday, April 22, 2023, while in the wonderful care of Temperance Lake Ridge, Dr. Kline, UHD Hospice staff, and his loving family. Allan is survived by 3 of his children: Dennis (Michelle) Bratrud of rural Jackson, Doug (Evangelane) Bratrud of rural Jackson, Dawn (Kevin) Kortuem of Duluth, MN; Grandchildren: Matt (Jess) Bratrud of Harrisburg, SD., Brittany Bratrud (Delaney Stevens) of Jackson, Heather (Jonathen) Lueck of Jackson, Elijah Meium-Bratrud of Sioux Falls, SD, Helena Meium-Bratrud of Jackson, and Isaiah Meium-Bratrud of Jackson: Great grandchildren: Hazel, Harper, Henry and Malakai.

Allan is preceded in death by his parents Melvin and Verna Bratrud, wife Ardyce Bratrud; eldest son David Bratrud; Sisters and Brother-in-laws: Donna/Gaylord Olsen, Marlys/Dave Macomber, and Judy/Rodney Olson.

Blessed be the memory of Allan LeRoy Bratrud.

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