Bradley James Nielsen

Bradley James Nielsen, 69, of Centuria, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, surrounded by family.

Brad was born on August 1, 1956, in Minnesota to Axel and Elizabeth Nielsen. He was a fun-loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who never failed to bring laughter to those around him with his playful sense of humor.

He spent his early years in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, before the family relocated to Centuria, where Brad attended school in Centuria and Milltown before graduating from Unity High School in 1974. A fond highlight of his school years was his participation as a gymnast in the Eagle Circus, where he performed a tightrope act along with other routines.

Brad dedicated 20 years to Gross Given Automatic Products in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he served in various roles. In his free time, he was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and tending to the family garden. He took pride in being active in the community and helping others, including his role as an altar boy at a young age and his involvement in Memory Days, Centuria’s annual town celebration.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Marcia; his children, Eric Nielsen, Nichole (Lucas) Priestley, Elizabeth, Hans (Autumn) and Jonathan Nielsen; three grandchildren; siblings, Michael (Susan) Nielsen, Cindy (Gary) Hansen, Mitchell (Jeanne) Nielsen, Michelle Hildebrand and Mark (Jody Bronson) Nielsen; many nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Stephen Nielsen.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., followed by a service at 1:00 p.m. at Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria, Wisconsin.