Lee "Tiny" Milbradt

"Tiny" Lee Milbradt entered into Eternal Life very peacefully and unexpectedly at his home in rural Sebeka, Minnesota on September 24, 2015. Lee Julie Milbradt was born on April 5, 1954 in Wadena, Minnesota to Julius and LaVerne (Redetzke) Milbradt of Sebeka. He was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church, North Germany Township and was Confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Sebeka. "Tiny" was a 1972 graduate of Sebeka High School. He attended Staples Technical College for Diesel Mechanics and Heavy Equipment. "Tiny" worked as a milk truck driver in north and south central Minnesota. He was so happy to know and serve all the hard working dairy farmers on his routes. "Tiny" was a 'Proud 49'er' and a strong advocate for construction and environmental safety and quality! Through the years he worked for numerous highway contractors throughout the state of Minnesota that will never forget him over the years for his unending love for people and life! Operating a bull dozer for designing and refining the slopes of highway ditches was "Tiny's" expertise in heavy construction. He also drove gravel and tar trucks for contractors along with working for the State of Minnesota Highway Department spending long windy and freezing cold days and nights plowing snow! Most recently "Tiny" had been trucking for Joel Olson delivering seed corn, trees and wooden pallets throughout Minnesota, North and South Dakota. "Tiny" had a passion for raising quaint hen chickens and shared the production of the beautifully colored brown, blue and pink eggs with all his friends and family. He loved 'Mother Nature' immensely by spending time watching the hundreds of wild turkeys that would enjoy grains in his yard. He couldn't wait for deer hunting to enjoy time with friends and family. Ice fishing in his deluxe fishing house that he designed and built on wheels was a quiet peaceful get away on a cold winter's day! "Tiny" was an enthusiastic member of the 'Minnesota Darkhouse and Fishing Association'. He enjoyed the opportunity to ride his Harley Davidson Motorcycle with friends and especially enjoyed riding to benefit the 'Ronald McDonald House' each year! "Tiny" loved looking at seed catalogs for months in preparing to plant his big garden that produced the most delicious produce! He worked hand in hand with his neighbor, Ryan Ritari, to can tomato juice, tomatoes, salsa, pickles and dilly beans! Friends and relatives were always awaiting "Tiny" to deliver a 'sample' of his garden’s glory! "Tiny" was loved by everyone he met because he was always there to help out before you even had a chance to ask him personally! He was always "On Call" day or night if there was an emergency! He enjoyed visiting with his close neighbors with his huge coffee cup in hand as they listen to his "stories" even if it was the second or third time around! You didn't need the radio on when you traveled with "Tiny" because he would be sharing all of his life's experiences with you the entire trip. He will be deeply missed by his great-nieces that loved the chance to watch birds with him; read books, color and be creative with play dough! "Tiny" is lovingly remembered by his mother, LaVerne Milbradt; his sister, Rosalie (Bill) Schmith and brothers; Basil, Ryan (Kerry Ann) Milbradt and 'Adopted Brother' to our family, Sean A Irish. Dear to "Tiny's" heart were his niece, Brook Weber and five nephews, Travis and Brandon Schmith; Jemmie, Taylor and Tyler Milbradt. "Tiny" was also blessed with five great-nieces; Amanda, Kassandra and Merissa Schmith, Emerson and Reese Izobel Weber. "Tiny" was preceded in death by his father, Julius E. Milbradt; brothers, Verlin and Stay-c Kent Milbradt; grandparents, Henry and Olga Milbradt and Elmer and Margaret Redetzke and cousin Cory Hought. Funeral services were held 4:00 PM Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Grace Lutheran Church in Sebeka with Pastor Mark Hesse and Pastor Raymond Hendrickson officiating. Honorary Pallbearers were "Tiny's" niece, nephews and great-nieces. Active Pall Bearers were; Ryan Ritari, Justin Eckman, Bill Richards, John Mantyla, John Mallory and Dale Meidinger. Inurnment will be at the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, Sebeka, Minnesota. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. " -Revelation 21:4