Earnest Bradley

Earnest F. "Free" Bradley, 86 of Elk Rapids, died Thursday, October 25, 2007 at home. Free was born January 6, 1921, in Avery Twp., Michigan the son of John and Ethel (Bays) Bradley. He was a lifelong Antrim County resident and served in the United States Army during WWII. After his retirement as a machinist he became known as the firewood man and was often seen in the Harbor Days parade with his Shetland pony, Henry. He had a great love for card games with his family. On September 5, 1959 in Kalkaska, he married Neva K. Wilson who survives. Also surviving are four children Gregory (June) Bradley of Rapid City, John (Susan) Bradley of East Jordan, Lori (Kevin) Kaltenbach of Elk Rapids, Thomas (Jeannie) Bradley of Mancelona, two daughters from a previous marriage, one brother "Mike" Erval (Rose) Bradley of Frankfort, one sister "Joyce" Ethelyn Dangremond of Bear Lake, seven grandchildren, one very special granddaughter Tiffany, Mitch, Floyd, Eric, Bill, Chastity and Kevin, eight great grandchildren and one soon to be, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Elma, Luke, Elsa, Ermie, Lee, and Lynn. Funeral services will held Monday, October 29, 2007, One-Thirty p.m., at the Bates Missionary Church with Pastor Clifford Batterbee officiating. The family will receive friends from Eleven a.m. until the time of service. Interment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in Elk Rapids under the auspices of the Elk Rapids Amvets Post #114. A luncheon will follow at the Post at 410 Bridge St. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign our online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.