John Brady

Published 12:00 am Sunday, April 4, 2010

John D. Brady of Austin passed away at Austin Medical Center on Friday, April 2, 2010 after a brief illness.    He was 88.  John was born on November 25th, 1921 in Sargeant, Minnesota.  His parents were George and Mary (Taggart) Brady.  In the 1930’s, the family moved to Austin and John has lived here ever since.  He was employed by the George A. Hormel Company, retiring in 1983 after more than 40 years.  He continued working well into his 80’s, for local businesses Kuehn Motors and Austin Ford. 
            He served with the 12th Armored Division in WWII and was a member of Troop A, 92d Armored Reconnaissance Squadron.  He campaigned in France, the Ardennes, Rhineland and Austria.  He returned to Austin in 1946, resuming his work at Hormel.   He married the former Lillian Helle in 1947.  He became a lifelong member of Queen of Angels Catholic Parish.
            John is survived by his beloved Lillian, and their four children, Colonel (r) Steven Brady (Ann), Virginia, Nancy Meriwether (Colonel (r) David), Kentucky, Colleen Siemers (Dr. Ross), Maple Grove, and William Brady (Teri), Nebraska.   He leaves 13 grandchildren and one great grandson:  Charles  Brady (Stephanie), Virginia, Megan  Brady, Virginia, great grandson W. Brennan Brady, Virginia, John Meriwether (Danielle), Kentucky, Kristin  Meriwether, Kentucky, Jamie Meriwether, Kentucky,  SPC Ryan Meriwether, USA, now serving in Iraq, William Siemers, Maple Grove, Kaye Siemers, Maple Grove, Elizabeth Siemers, Maple Grove, Timothy Siemers, Maple Grove,  Maggie Sleigh (Josh), Texas, Mark Brady, Nebraska, and Jill Brady, Nebraska.
            He is also survived by his sister Sarah King of Adams and brother Harold Brady of Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Mary, brothers Edward, George, James and Jacob, and grandson Gregory Brady.
            John was devoted to the Catholic faith.  As a citizen and soldier, he was a model of patriotism, valor, and fidelity.   He inspired those around him, and especially his children to do their best and never relent.  He and Lillian successfully navigated the rocks and shoals of marriage, family, and work for 63 years.  His children and grandchildren are among the many who marvel at this achievement, and mourn that he is no longer here to show how it was done.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dale Tupper officiating.  Visitation will be at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Monday from 5-7pm and also for one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday.  Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery with Post #91, American Legion and Olaf B. Damm Post #1216 VFW, in charge of military rites.
In Lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to: Austin Medical Center Foundation
1000 1st Dr. N.W. Austin, MN 55912

Email newsletter signup