Bradley Hemphill

Our father, Bradley Jay Hemphill, was born in Wadena, MN on March 6, 1951, to Stanley and Marie Hemphill. He passed into the arms of his Savior on July 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He lived a full and adventurous life defined by hard work, devotion, creativity, and deep love for God and family.

Brad served in the United States Marine Corps from 1969-1971 and in the Army National Guard from 1971-1975. A skilled craftsman and builder, he restored historic mansions in Minneapolis before establishing himself as a respected independent contractor in the Crosslake area. His handiwork can be found in countless homes and at the Crosslake Log Church, where he crafted the original wooden cross and was a founding member. He also served his community as a first responder with the Crosslake ambulance service.

On July 7, 1973, he married the love of his life, Susan (McKenzie) Hemphill, beginning a 51-year marriage marked by partnership, humor, and unwavering support. Together they built their home and raised their family on 40 acres in the north woods, where he continued creating furniture, tools, and treasures for more than four decades.

He was a devoted and adventurous father who raised his children with creativity, independence, and a sense of fun (often involving explosives, tractors, or homemade inventions). Whether hunting, fishing in Canada, building trails, or taking up new hobbies like brewing beer or maple syruping, he brought ingenuity and a spark of mischief to everything he did. Above all, he cherished time with his family and especially loved being “Bop” to his grandchildren.

He joined those who preceded him in death: his infant daughter Katherine Jean Hemphill and his parents Stanley and Marie Hemphill.

He was survived by his loving wife Susan; his children and their spouses: Zack and Jesse Hemphill, Andy and Megan Hemphill, Nikki and Ken Carlton, and Jenna and Mike Weiss; his 13 beloved grandchildren: Jack, Israel, Justice, Ava, Clara, Vera, Calvin, Carter, Greta, Renwick, Fiona, Sebastian, and Hugo; sister Debbie (Randy) Volk; many nieces, nephews and extended family. A year after our dad’s passing, his 14th grandchild, who bears his name, was born: Crusoe Bradley Jay (Carlton).

Brad lived life with conviction, not swayed by the world's expectations, and he left it the same way. He remained at home and in good health until near the end, and he died with his family by his side. His memory is a blessing to all who knew him, and his impact will be felt for generations.