Obituary for Bradley M. Schwaegerl

Brad’s younger years were spent in the Coulee Region, along the riverbanks of the Mississippi. A blond-haired, broad-smiling boy, he enjoyed time at his Grandparents home, fishing on the river, climbing trees, and playing cards on the porch.

Brad attended Central High School, enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, and then transferred to the US Navy. He served as a Gas Turbine Technician on the USS San Jacinto during Desert Storm. He passionately supported fellow veterans everywhere he went, always willing to lend an ear, offer advice, deliver a flag, and pay respects to the departed.

Throughout his 57 years of life, he embarked on many “journeys” (as he would call them). The military provided opportunities to travel the world, and then as a civilian, he toured around the US. He frequently moved to and from the LaCrosse area, always regarding (the coulee region) as his hometown and where he spent the last years of his life.

He wore many hats in his lifetime besides those of a soldier and sailor. His jobs as a bus driver, cement slinger, snowplower, DJ, Hammerschlagen host, pool installer, security officer and many others allowed him to build personal and meaningful connections with hundreds of people across the country.

After many years of suffering from PTSD and addiction, he found faith in the Lord. Scripture, prayer, and worship became his daily practices, and his relationship with God led him to servanthood. In his final years, Brad found his purpose in Psalm 82:3, “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed” and felt called to live out the quote “My past is what God expects me to use to help others through their present.”

Bradley will be dearly missed by those he left behind: his soulmate Zenn (dog), cherished friends and supportive shipmates, along with his parents, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers and cards, please consider a donation to WINN Inc. (www.whatineednow.org), a non-profit organization that lovingly cares for our un-sheltered neighbors in the Coulee Region.

A private service will be held. Online condolences may be offered at this site.