Bradfield J. Richards

Bradfield J. Richards, 63, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday July 14, 2018, at the Mayo Clinic Hospital - Methodist Campus in Rochester. Brad Richards was born December 30, 1954 to Donald and Rosalie (Bradfield) Richards in Waterloo, IA. He graduated high school in 1973 in LaPorte City, IA. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1974 - 1976 as an Interior Communication Electrician on the USS Long Beach, a nuclear-powered cruise-class ship. He started his career with IBM in Waterloo/Cedar Falls before transferring to Rochester in 1993. He worked for IBM for over 30 years, spending much of his career as a project manager, organizing and leading workshops all around the world. On June 28, 1986 he married his soul mate Ann DeLong in Oelwein, IA. He was the rock in his family. He was always stable and strong, someone they could rely on. He was warm and tender hearted with a thoughtful perspective on life. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, traveling and bird watching. He also had a great passion for Iowa Wrestling. Brad loved his family and grandchildren deeply. He loved each of his children in their own unique way. He supported and guided them at every stage of life. His grandchildren were his joy. Bradfield is survived by his wife, Ann of Rochester, MN; his children, Matthew (Stacey) Richards of Swisher, IA, Melinda Mettner of Chicago, IL, Kate Richards of Wellington, CO and Claire (Nick) Beise of Rochester, MN; three grandchildren, Caden, Kayla and Sam; one brother, Reid (Cathy) Richards of Bloomington, IL; and two sisters, Cindy Gross of Odessa, MO and Cathy (Jerry) Siemens of LaPorte City, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes with Pastor Steven Schauder officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Rochester American Legion Post #92. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Brad's family would like to thank the Methodist Hospital nursing staff on Station 43 and the Mayo Clinic Palliative and Pain team. The comfort and care they provided for Brad and our family were immeasurable. Donations can be made to the Target Cancer Foundation for esophageal cancer research: https://www.targetcancerfoundation.org/support-us/donate/ To leave a special memory or a condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com Arrrangements are with Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901.