Brad Hemerick passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, at Bethany Nursing Home, under the compassionate care of Ethos Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held on October 10, 2025, at 11:00am at West Funeral Home in West Fargo, followed by burial at Fargo National Cemetery.
Born on September 17, 1943, in Cokato, MN to Gordon & Lillian. Brad was the third of five siblings—Barb, Bob, Brad, Bette, and Bev. He spent his early years on a small farm near Howard Lake before the family moved to Moorhead in 1954. Brad graduated from Moorhead High School in 1961 and worked a variety of jobs during his youth, including delivering The Fargo Forum and working at Red Owl Grocery and Regan (Holsum) Bakery.
In 1962, Brad enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Intrepid in the legal office—a role he landed thanks to a chance meeting the night prior with a senior officer who recognized his typing skills.
Brad married Sandra (Sandy) Winjum in 1965, and together they moved to California. He spent 14 years with FW Woolworth Co., relocating frequently across California, Hawaii, Alaska, and Nevada. In 1977, Brad transitioned into real estate in Reno, eventually becoming a broker.
In 1988, Brad and Sandy returned to Moorhead, where Brad managed the Nestor Bar for his brother Bob before purchasing it in 1996. He sold the business in 2006, and the couple retired in Fargo, spending summers at their cabin in Detroit Lakes. Brad was an avid fisherman, especially fond of Northern Pike, and was known for his fish fries and skill in deboning. He often said Pike was easier to catch and tasted better than Walleye. Brad had a knack which he passed on to his sons for fixing just about anything himself, rarely needing to call in outside help.
In retirement, Brad and Sandy enjoyed escaping the cold winters with travel to Arizona, Texas, and Mississippi, and took multiple cruises together. During retirement, Brad cherished the time he spent with his two grandsons—sharing life lessons, laughter, and his sharp wit along the way.
Brad is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sandy; sons Bradley (Charlie) and his wife Wendy of Sparks, NV, and Bob and his wife Jami of West Fargo, ND and grandsons Dylan and Ty. He is also survived by his siblings Bob (Denise) Hemerick, Bette Baer, and Bev (Pat) Bushaw; as well as in-laws Janice Olsby, Carol Ellsworth, and Herman (Rennae) Weiss. Brad leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will fondly remember him.
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