Obituary: Bradley Alan Clinkenbeard Sr.

Nov. 23, 1954 – Jan. 28, 2020

Bradley Alan Clinkenbeard Sr., 65, of Sturgeon Bay died at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, with family at his side.

He was born in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Leo Winfred Clinkenbeard and Alberta Allene (Robbins) Clinkenbeard. Brad attended Hiawatha High School in Kirkland, Illinois, before enlisting in the United States Air Force on May 19, 1972.

He served for nearly 10 years, working in graphics and aircraft maintenance. Brad earned the Longevity Service Award, National Defense Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal with one Leaf cluster, and the Overseas Ribbon. He was honorably discharged from service on Feb. 1, 1981, with the rank of sergeant.

Brad went on to be a Renaissance man. A lifelong student, he studied everything from electromechanical engineering at the University of Arizona, to art at the Peninsula School of Art. He worked as an EMT, electrical engineer and mechanical engineer. His most beloved outlets were his work as a graphics artist and audio/visual creations.

Brad had a tinkerer’s mind and constantly sought to make everything around him better. He was an avid car enthusiast who enjoyed working on cars, most recently his 1965 Ford Mustang. Brad also liked ATVs, drones and all varieties of remote-control toys. He had a love of fishing and boating since he was young. Brad’s passion for art began early in life with doodling on the walls and evolved into everything from painting to carving and hand stitching. Brad also enjoyed photography, capturing Guam, his family and other beautiful scenes. He also played the guitar and electric keyboard, hoping to learn enough to write scores to his own videography. 

Brad was a volunteer firefighter; a member of the Pima County, Arizona, Sheriffs’ Auxiliary Volunteers; Forestville-Maplewood Lions Club; and president of the local Toastmasters International chapter. 

Brad will be deeply missed by his children, Bradley (Heather) Clinkenbeard II of Horn Lake, Mississippi, Shawn (Jessica) Clinkenbeard of Horn Lake, Mississippi, and Kimberly (Shannon) Brumm of Algoma; grandchildren, Michaela, Charlie Wilson, Bradley III, Karissa Clinkenbeard, Taylor (James) Williams, and Morgan, Wyatt, Toni, Clinkenbeard, and Brayden, Brenden, Conor, Cullen, Cordelia, and Cassandra Brumm; significant other and sweetheart, Janice Neal of Sturgeon Bay; four siblings, Calvin Clinkenbeard of Belvidere, Illinois, Denise (Gregg) Olson of Rochelle, Illinois, Tammy (Jim) Maggio, and Brian Clinkenbeard, both of Rockford, Illinois; good friend, Pastor Gary (Jeanette) Stangland of Sturgeon Bay; and many other friends and family members.

He joins his parents; former wife, Patti Kassner; and sister Ramona Clinkenbeard in Heaven.

Brad’s life will be honored during the summer on Lake Michigan, per his wishes.

Huehns Funeral Home and Door County Crematory in Sturgeon Bay are assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos of Brad can be shared through his tribute page at huehnsfuneralhome.com.

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