Brad Shoff, 1955-2017

Published 12:01 am Saturday, June 24, 2017

Brad Shoff, 62, of Akeley passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 18, 2017, at his home, following a tough and courageous battle against cancer.

Bradley Wayne Shoff was born on May 8, 1955, in Albert Lea to parents Niles and Orrie Shoff. Brad grew up in a big family with seven other siblings and attended school in Albert Lea. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1973, where he also played football and basketball and participated in track. Brad continued his education and played college football at Golden Valley Lutheran Junior College in Golden Valley and then for his final two collegiate years at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. He graduated in 1977.

Brad Shoff

While still in college, Brad started working for United Parcel Service and after graduation moved directly into a supervisor position. He eventually had several management positions with UPS, including terms as a center manager in Rochester and Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Brad enjoyed duck hunting for many years, being outdoors and boating on Leech Lake and listening to the music of Merle Haggard. He especially liked watching and following both the Gophers and Vikings football teams every fall. Most of all, Brad loved animals and was especially good at raising, training and caring for his many dogs over the years.

Brad is survived by his mother, Orrie (Larson) Shoff, of Albert Lea; his seven siblings, Greg (Sally) Shoff of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Susan (Mike) Zmyslony of Moose Lake; Cindy (Rick) Steinberg of Eagle Lake; Laura Brink of Springfield; Michael (Ellen Shoff of St. Louis Park; David (Laurie) Shoff and Christopher Shoff of Albert Lea; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Brad is also survived by his friend and companion, Annette McCusker, who unselfishly provided so much support and care for Brad in his final months and by her children, Kelly, Ryan and Colin, of whom Brad maintained so much pride and affection for.

Brad was preceded in death by his father, Niles R. Shoff; his paternal grandparents Lloyd and Jesse (Jeffrey) Shoff; and maternal grandparents Alf and Mina (Thorpe) Larson.

A memorial service and celebration of Brad’s life will be at 11 a.m. Friday at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. John Holt will officiate. A lunch and inurnment at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery of Albert Lea will follow. A visitation with family and friends will be available one hour before the service.