Ralph "Buster" Victor Bradford died peacefully after a long courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the age of 90.

He was born on May 24, 1935, in Pine Island, MN to Ralph and Ida Bradford. They moved to the Iron Range where they lived in a tar paper shack. Then they moved to Minneapolis in time for Ralph to start school. He attended school in Minneapolis, MN. Then he enlisted into the Air Force which he served for 4 years. He married and had one daughter. He got divorced and on November 16, 1963, he married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Weaver. They had two sons then moved back to a hobby farm next to Ruth Ann's homestead by Colfax, WI, where they had one more son and two daughters.

He worked very hard from a very young age. His first job was a paper route, then he set pins for a local bowling alley, he worked for Donavan Construction, he worked as a laborer. He drove many truck routes for Bob Schmidt Trucking, Bambie Trucking, American Linens, and Franklin Trucking. He was self-employed hauling cattle for the local farmers. He also drove semi over the road for Transwood Trucking hauling resin. Then ended his career with driving school bus for the Colfax School District where he finally retired at the age of 80.

He had many hobbies he enjoyed through the years. He was a tractor puller for many years. He was a baseball coach for the youth. He also coached his own adult slow pitch softball team, The Bradford Bunch, where they won many tournaments and beer trophies. He loved bowling in the winter and later took up golfing when he no longer coached softball. He enjoyed deer hunting with his family and friends. He traveled around camping through the years then finally found a permanent site at Lotts Landing Campground with his family in the Fall of 2002 and made many new friends. He was nominated as the "Governor" of the Lotts Landing Campground. He loved watching the MN Vikings and MN Twins. His favorite past time was spending time with friends and family and telling stories and having a good time.

Ralph is survived by his brother, Richard (Annette) Bradford of Minnesota, his 6 children: Brenda Murray of Tennessee, Allen (Linda) Bradford of Ridgeland, Scott (Jill) Bradford of Colfax, Karen (Terry) Hinrichs of Plum City, Tim (Deanna) Bradford of Colfax, and Kathy Bradford (Bill Greifzu) of Spring Valley. He is further survived by his beloved 12 grandchildren, Lorrena Harvey, Lindsey Allman, Brittany Hinrichs, Ashley Hinrichs, Rebecca Bradford, David Bradford, Nicole Bradford, Olivia Bradford, Abigail Erickson, Dalton Bradford, Braden Erickson, and Bailey Bradford. He also leaves behind 10 great grandchildren that he treasured. Many nieces and nephews. Furthermore, he left behind several friends and relatives.

Ralph is preceded in death by his wife Ruth Ann, his father and mother, Ralph and Ida Bradford, his sister, Margie Vickroy, and his brother, Harry Bradford.

The family of Ralph Bradford would like to thank the staff at the Mayo Health System, The Neighbors of Dunn County and St. Croix Hospice. They further extend their gratitude to his friends and acquaintances for their kind words and support.

The family of Ralph Bradford wish to have a private funeral and burial. On Saturday, July 26, 2025, there will be a Celebration of Life at the White Birch Bar & Grill, 1039 State Highway 64, Bloomer, WI, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Ralph's wishes were for everyone to remember him with stories and laughter.

Sampson Funeral Home, Colfax is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.sampsonfuneralhome.com