Marvin Andrew Bradeen,95, died December 25, 2009, at South Dakota State Veteran's Home in Hot Springs. In accordance with Marvin's longtime wishes, private graveside family service with military honors will be held. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Marvin's name at First Interstate Bank in Custer.


Marvin was born on December 29, 1913, in Nebraska to Myrtle (Fink) Bradeen and Alberta Frank Bradeen. Marvin grew up in the rural Custer area on the Bradeen Ranch and graduated from Custer High School in 1933. He served in the United States Army from July 21, 1941, through October 31, 1945. He drove truck with his tour of duty including Italy, Africa, Yugoslavia, and Austria. After Marvin was discharged from the army, he married Beulah Irene Wyland on December 25, 1946.

Marvin and Beulah raised registered polled Herefords and operated an irrigation project near Buffalo Gap to raise feed for the livestock at their ranch. Marvin ranched at the Bear Mountain Ranch until the early 1960's when the family moved to the Wyland Ranch east of Custer. They continued to run cattle until he was in his late 80's. Marvin was a leader of the Bear Mountain 4-H club for 11 years. He was a long time member of the Custer VFW. Marvin also worked many years with Bradeen auctions.


Marvin was preceded in death by his wife, Beulah, his parents, brothers Howard and Robert, a sister, Hazel, and infant brothers, Forest and Bert.


Marvin is survived by three children: Fremont and wife Kathy of Custer, Janice and husband Michael Roduner of Rapid City, and Richard and wife Mary of Black Hawk; ten grandchildren--Burt Bradeen of Minneapolis, Beau Bradeen, Kathryn Bradeen, Wesley and Timothy Hartmann of Custer, Patricia and John Holmes of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Rebecca Roduner of Rapid City, Timothy and Kelly Bradeen of Rapid City, Jeffery and Kara Bradeen of Custer, and Teresa and Tyler Wright of Rapid City; three great grandchildren—RuthAnn Marie and Gavin John Holmes and Ella Marie Bradeen; his sister Faye Peterson of Rapid City; and many nieces and nephews.


Marvin's family members all have fond memories of "Smiley." He always had time to stop and visit with friends and family. He enjoyed driving downtown Custer, making his stops at Bradeen Real Estate, First Western Bank, out to the ranch, and anywhere else where someone had a minute to visit. Marvin was well liked, had many, many friends and will be deeply missed.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.