Marvin Bradeen

Marvin Andrew Bradeen was born Dec. 29, 1913, in Nebraska to Myrtle (Fink) Bradeen and Alberta Frank Bradeen.  Marvin grew up in the rural Custer, S.D., area on the Bradeen ranch and graduated from Custer High School in 1933.  He served in the U.S. Army from July 21, 1941, through Oct. 31, 1945.  He drove truck with his tour of duty including Italy, Africa, Yugoslavia and Austria.  After Marvin was discharged from the army, he married Beulah Irene Wyland Dec. 25, 1946.

Marvin and Beulah raised registered polled Herefords and operated an irrigation project near Buffalo Gap, S.D., to raise feed for the livestock at their ranch. Marvin ranched at the Bear Mountain Ranch until the early 1960s when the family moved to the Wyland Ranch east of Custer.  They continued to run cattle until he was in his late 80s. Marvin was a leader of the Bear Mountain 4-H Club for 11 years. He was a long time member of the Custer VFW. Marvin also worked many years with Bradeen auctions.  

Marvin’s family members all have fond memories of “Smiley.”  He always had time to stop and visit with friends and family. He enjoyed driving downtown Custer, making his stops at Bradeen Real Estate, First Western Bank, out to the ranch and anywhere else where someone had a minute to visit. Marvin was well liked, had many, many friends and will be deeply missed.

Marvin died  Dec. 25, 2009, at South Dakota State Veteran’s Home in Hot Springs. He was 95.

Marvin was preceded in death by his wife, Beulah; his parents; brothers, Howard and Robert; a sister, Hazel; and infant brothers, Forest and Bert. 

He is survived by three children, Fremont (Kathy) of Custer, Janice (Michael) Roduner of Rapid City, S.D., and Richard (Mary) of Black Hawk, S.D.; 10 grandchildren, Burt Bradeen of Minneapolis, Minn.; Beau Bradeen, Kathryn Bradeen, Wesley and Timothy Hartmann of Custer, Patricia and John Holmes of Cheyenne, Wyo.,  Rebecca Roduner of Rapid City, Timothy and Kelly Bradeen of Rapid City, Jeffery and Kara Bradeen of Custer and  Teresa and Tyler Wright of Rapid City; three great-grandchildren, RuthAnn Marie and Gavin John Holmes and Ella Marie Bradeen; sister, Faye Peterson of Rapid City; and many nieces and nephews.  

In accordance with Marvin’s longtime wishes, private graveside family service with military honors will be held. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at First Interstate Bank in Custer.

Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.