William (Bill) Bradley

Age 81 of Wayzata passed away April 1, 2026 after

complications of a stroke. Bill was known for his

entrepreneurial success, quick wit and spirit of adventure.

Preceded in death by his loving parents Leon and Mary Ruth

Bradley and sister Becky(Chip) Newcomer of Kansas City.

Born July 23, 1944 Independence, Missouri, Bill grew up in

Edina and Kansas City, Kansas. He attended the University of

Colorado and the University of Minnesota, where he earned his

Business Administration Degree in 1966. He was a proud

member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at both Colorado

and Minnesota where he met many life long friends. He often

espoused the official SAE creed of "The True Gentlemen" and

attempted to live accordingly. After graduation, he joined the

Coast Guard Reserve and proudly served his country.

Bill's entrepreneurial successes began during his college days

led by his father's similar orientation and his encouragement of

Bill. As they grew and expanded their fastener business to a

multi million dollar enterprise, they overcame adverse industry

conditions through numerous unique, innovative solutions,

including several patents.

In 1985, Bill negotiated the purchase of Armco Steel

Corporation-Fastener Division, the 2nd largest facility in the

world. Bill then completed a joint venture agreement with the

CITIC (Chinese International Trust and Investment Corp) and

the government of China to relocate the facility to the province

of Wuxi, China. At the time, it was one of the largest joint

ventures China had taken with the free world involving Bill meeting

and working with many top Chinese government officials.

It proved to be the crowning achievement for Bill.

In his ongoing entrepreneurial spirit, Bill also funded and

guided several start up businesses throughout the years. Many

of these proved to be successful ventures while developing

enduring long term relationships with the other principals.

Throughout Bill's life, he balanced his strong, focused work

ethic with a zest for life through his friendships and adventures.

When he was young, it was bare foot water skiing on

Minnesota lakes, riding motorcycles (on and off road), racing

cars on ice, and many other spur of the moment adventure

opportunities. As he got older, his life's passions transitioned to

golf and fishing (He attended the Minnesota Fishing Opener

with 7 friends for 40 years) establishing other, more sedate

types of life time experiences.

Throughout his life, Bill was always a wonderful husband and

true friend. He was generous to a fault, kind and so much fun

to be around as his story telling and jokes are legendary and

beyond compare. He will be greatly missed and remembered

with love and admiration.

He is survived by Susan, his loving and devoted wife of 49

years.

A special "Thanks!" To Tom and Maureen Adams and John

Jagiela for their devotion to Bill throughout the last few years

and especially the past couple of months.

Private interment.