To join Brad’s family for his Prayer Service and Funeral Service, please click on the Live-Stream Link below his obituary.
In Loving Memory of Bradley David Schenck
Bradley David Schenck, lovingly known as Brad, was born on October 22, 1981, in Moorhead, Minnesota, to Richard and Kathleen. As the fourth of five siblings, Brad arrived six minutes before his twin brother, Ben—a playful beginning to a life defined by heart, humor, and resilience.
Raised in Sabin, MN, Brad attended Moorhead High School, where he played football with humility, often jokingly calling himself a “bench warmer.” Summers were filled with camaraderie and competition as he played for the Sabin softball team, forging lifelong friendships and memories.
A Life of Service and Love
During high school, Brad met the love of his life, Sara Henkelman. Their bond grew stronger with time, and after graduating in 2000, Brad answered a higher calling by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He balanced his military service with academic pursuits at Alexandria Technical College, where he studied Law Enforcement while continuing to serve in the Marine reserves.
On January 16, 2003, Brad and Sara were married in an intimate ceremony that marked the beginning of a beautiful life together prior to being deployed. Later that year, on November 28, they celebrated their love with family and friends. Their love blossomed through shared adventures and quiet moments. In 2004, they settled into their home in Moorhead, where they built a life filled with laughter, love, and family.
Brad devoted 16 years to law enforcement, beginning at the Clay County Jail and later serving with distinction as an officer for the Moorhead Police Department. His dedication extended to the Red River Valley SWAT team, where he spent a decade as a skilled sniper. Brad’s commitment to protecting others was unwavering, and his courage earned the respect of colleagues and the community alike.
A Legacy of Resilience
Nine years ago, Brad faced one of life’s toughest battles: brain cancer. Through brain surgery, grueling rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, Brad’s strength never faltered. His perseverance inspired all who knew him. He channeled his experience into a powerful memoir, No Easy Way Out, offering readers a raw and uplifting account of his journey and the importance of grit, hope, and hard work.
Brad found joy in the simple pleasures of life—pontoon rides at the lake with friends, a cold Busch Light in hand, and sun-soaked days on the beaches of Mexico. His magnetic personality made him the life of every gathering, and his TikTok performances were legendary, leaving smiles and laughter in their wake.
Family
Brad passed away peacefully at his home in Moorhead on Saturday, November 8, 2025, surrounded by family and supported by the compassionate care of HIA Hospice. Though the world feels dimmer without him, Brad’s light continues to shine in the lives he touched and the love he gave so freely.
Brad is survived by his beloved wife, Sara Schenck, and their three children:
- Colby, proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force
- Bentley, a freshman at Moorhead High School
- Mackenzie, a spirited 5th grader at Moorhead Middle School
He also leaves behind his parents, Richard Schenck and Kathleen (Dave) Weidner of Sabin; siblings, Angela (Shane) Graham, Chad (Janet) Schenck, Leah (Duane) Glass, and Ben (Angie) Schenck; in-law’s Arlin and Bonnie Henkelman; brother-in-law, Corey (Kari) Henkelman; sister-in-law, Hattie Henkelman; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Brad was preceded in death by his grandparents, Milo and Gloria Schenck and Vincent and Alice Floberg, and brother-in-law, Shawn Henkelman.
His legacy of service, courage, and compassion will live on in the hearts of his fellow officers and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be directed to Pray for Gray.
A Visitation for Brad will be on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 4 PM to 6:30 PM, at the LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD in Moorhead with a Prayer Service and Remembrance Time beginning at 6:30 PM.
Visitation will continue on Saturday, November 22, 2025, beginning at 12:00 PM, followed by Brad’s Funeral Service at 1:00 PM, at HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH SOUTH CAMPUS in Fargo, ND.
Comments