Brady John Muelken, 31, of Austin, Minnesota (formerly of Prior Lake, MInnesota), passed away on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016.

On April 11, 1985, Julie and Dave Muelken welcomed their son, Brady, into the world. Brady was the oldest child and soon became a big brother to Ben. From the start, Brady and Ben had a special relationship. They were always together. They loved playing outside and spent hours together in their giant sandbox.

When Brady was a young boy, he learned to hunt and fish. He was only a year old when his dad took him hunting for the first time. It must have made an impression on young Brady, because he loved to hunting from that point on. Dave, Brady and Ben took many memorable hunting and fishing trips throughout the years.

The Muelken family took many wonderful vacations together. They traveled to Mexico, Florida, Canada and the Dominican Republic. Their most memorable trip was to Costa Rica. They rode horses, went zip-lining and 4-wheeling. This was the perfect trip for Brady, because he loved adventure.

Brady attended Prior Lake public schools where he made many wonderful friends. He played football, basketball and baseball in middle school, and continued to play football into high school. Brady also played the saxophone in the high school band so he could go on the band trip to France. Brady graduated from Prior Lake High School in 2003.

He then moved up to Duluth to attend the University of Minnesota Duluth. Brady studied business and economics. He earned his bachelor’s degree and began working as a financial analyst. Brady quickly learned that this was not the career for him. Brady needed a desk with a windshield. He had always taken an interest in his dad’s work, so Brady went back to school at Rochester Community Technical College and completed his law enforcement degree. It was clear that Brady had it in his DNA. He was born to serve and protect.

After graduating from RCTC, Brady moved to Austin when he got a job as a correctional officer at the Mower County Jail. He was quickly promoted to sergeant, and was making a name for himself within the department. After a few years, Brady was given the opportunity to join the Mower County Sheriff’s Office as a Sheriff’s Deputy. He loved this job and all of the talented officers he worked with.

The deputy that trained Brady in decided to set him up on a blind date. Brady and Emily met for drinks at a local bar, and they hit it off immediately. They truly had a special relationship. Brady opened his heart to Emily, and she brought out a wonderful side of him. Brady and Emily spent the last three years together and were building a wonderful life. They bought a beautiful piece of land and were fixing it up together. They put so much work into The Property and had big plans for its future. Brady always intended for it to be a sanctuary for wildlife. Emily and Brady often spent evenings walking along the tree line they planted and talking about their plans for The Property and their future together.

Sadly, Brady didn’t get to fulfill all of his dreams. The afternoon of Friday, October 14, 2016 Emily came home to find that Brady had passed away unexpectedly. Brady was a strong, loyal and passionate man. He was also gentle, caring and led a fearless life of service. He had so many wonderful things in his future.

Brady will be forever remembered in the hearts of his parents, Julie & Dave Muelken; brother, Benjamin Muelken; loving partner, Emily Wermager; aunts and uncles, Michael (Kimberly) Holden, David (Ellen) Holden, Bradley (Cindi) Muelken, Gregory (Susan) Muelken, Michelle (Patrick) Roach; many cousins; law enforcement family; other loving relatives and many friends. Brady was greeted in Heaven by his grandparents, John & Marjorie Holden, Gerald & Lael Muelken; uncle, Joseph Muelken.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct.18, 2016, at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct.19, 2016, with visitation one-hour prior at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake with the Rev. Dan Poffenberger will preside.

Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly serves the Muelken family.