Bradley J. Botsford

MARSHALL–Bradley J. Botsford, age 66, of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the Sleepy Eye Rehabilitation Center in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Memorial services are 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Grace Life Church in Marshall, Minnesota. A reception for attendees will follow at the church. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. The evening will conclude with a Prayer Service and Memory Share at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will then continue one hour prior to his celebration of life, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, at the church. Service recording and a guestbook are available online at www.hamiltonfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Pheasants Forever of Lyon County or the Marshall Area Dementia Awareness Network (MADAN).

Bradley Joseph Botsford was born on August 15, 1959, to Clifford and Florence (Sullivan) Botsford. He attended school in Marshall, graduating high school with the class of 1978. Brad was active in football and wrestling during high school, achieving second place in the State High School Wrestling Tournament his senior year. He then went on to study accounting at Southwest Minnesota State University. Brad worked with Appleton Silo before finding work at the Schwan’s Food Company while attending college, beginning his long and productive career with the Marshall-based company.

It was during summer softball league that he met Ms. Paula Schotzko. On their many hikes at Camden State Park, Paula fell in love with his caring nature. The couple was married on October 5, 1991, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. They made their home on Elaine Ave. in Marshall and raised their sons, John and Ryan. Brad’s strong work ethic allowed him opportunities to advance at Schwan’s starting on the short-shift, moving to supervisory roles, then being named Distribution Center General Manager. After nearly 40 years with the company, he phased out of working in 2021 as health concerns intensified.

Brad had a generous heart for other people. He was always ready with a helping hand for neighbors and assisted many on the side of the road. He cared for his aging parents and always made time to support his children by attending activities and events. He coached baseball, attended swim meets, and put on many miles watching cross country competitions. During Brad’s life he was a frequent blood donor, and at his passing, his brain was donated to the University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank to aid ongoing research in Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other related neurological conditions.

Brad was a member of Grace Life Church in Marshall and supported many local hunting associations. He enjoyed spending time outdoors running, bird watching, and fishing. Fall was his favorite season, and he spent many days hunting pheasants, ducks, geese, and deer – often with his dogs Lucky, Toby, or Libby at his side. He loved making the Famous Botsford Family Caramels, enjoying Schwan’s Delicious Ice Cream, and drinking a cold Coke.

Brad Botsford died peacefully surrounded by family on November 12, 2025, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. He reached the age of 66 years, 2 months, and 28 days. He was cared for lovingly by many at the Sleepy Eye Rehabilitation Center and his hospice team; his family thanks them for their outstanding care. He will be greatly missed by many.

He is survived by his loving wife, Paula Botsford of Marshall; 2 sons, John (and Sophia Buysse) Botsford of Lansing, MI, Ryan Botsford of Marshall; 3 siblings, Charlene (and Terry) Weibel of Richfield, MN, Dr. Kent Botsford of Fond du Lac, WI, Pat Botsford of Marshall; brother-in-law, Rick Olson of Whitehall, WI; sister-in-law, Jan Botsford of Marshall; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Brad is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Florence Botsford; sister, Kathleen Olson; and brother, Tim Botsford.

Arrangements by Hamilton Funeral Home Marshall, Minnesota 507-532-2933 www.hamiltonfh.com