Brad Gorter

Bradley “Brad” Jay Gorter was born on May 4, 1970, to John and Geraldine (Hoff) Gorter in Pipestone, Minnesota. Brad was the youngest of nine siblings while growing up. Together they worked and played on the family farm, located just south of Pipestone. They spent endless hours baling hay, milking cows and working during the summers. From a young age, Brad had learned how to work hard and to be proud of his work. Brad attended Southwest Christian High School in Edgerton, Minnesota, graduating in 1988. Some of his favorite memories were the many family trips to Colorado, going to Interstate Auctions and most recently his first trip hog hunting. He enjoyed his trip so much that he was already planning his next one. Brad was united in marriage to the love of his life, Sue Carstensen, on October 7, 2006, the same date as Sue’s parent’s, Jack and Carol, 50th anniversary. The two created a beautiful family and countless memories through their years together. Brad worked for many construction companies throughout his life as a heavy equipment operator. He worked for Carstensen Contracting, Winter Brothers, John’s Construction, LG Everest and was currently working for Hardrock Aggregate. He also worked for Bill Winter doing snow removal for many years. Brad passed unexpectedly but peacefully in his home on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the age of 54 years, 10 months and 17 days.

Brad had the biggest personality and an even bigger heart; he was always making new friends everywhere he went. He had an unforgettable laugh that filled the room. He was known for his dad jokes and being ‘Grumpa’, even though he took his job being Papa very seriously. Everyone knew that if Brad started telling a story that they should just grab a seat because he wouldn’t be missing a single detail of it for them. Brad’s family and friends were his whole life, he would do just about anything for anyone – his garage door was always open and there was beer in the fridge if someone needed to stop over to talk. Numerous times he could be heard cheering/yelling at the Vikings, as he had a love/hate relationship with them. He always had something good to say about someone. Brad touched the lives of countless people in many different ways. His absence in life will be felt deeply by those who knew him.

Brad’s memory will live on through his wife, Sue Gorter of Pipestone, Minnesota; his children, Austin (Maranda) Richardson, Cassie (AJ) Bucher, Brandon Gorter and Hayden Gorter, all of Pipestone; mother-in-law, Carol Carstensen of Pipestone; siblings, Lynn Carr of Loveland, Colorado, Gary Gorter of Pipestone, John Gorter of Holland, Minnesota, Kevin (Lisa) Gorter of Pipestone, Del (Reggie) Gorter of Pipestone, and Doug (Tammy) Gorter of Pipestone; brother-in-law, Dave (Linda) Greve of Holland; his beloved grandchildren, Lochlan Bucher and Araya Richardson; and numerous nieces and nephews. Brad was preceded in death by his parents, John and Geraldine Gorter; father-in-law, Jack Carstensen; sisters, GleAnn Greve and Shar Drew; and his brother-in-law, Dave Carr.