Bradley L. Beal

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, Bradley L. Beal, age 80 of New Glarus and funeral director of fifty-eight years began preparing for his last funeral. Brad died at University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison weeks after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of Leukemia. He was born on May 7, 1946 in Stoughton, WI a son of Clark & Dorothy (Zimmerman) Beal. Brad graduated from Evansville High School in 1964 and continued his education at UW-Platteville and graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in Milwaukee in 1968. Brad would serve his funeral director internship at Hansen Funeral Home in Marshfield, WI. While serving his internship at Hansen’s Brad met Gail Mess and they were united in marriage on September 7, 1968 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Marshfield. Brad and Gail would make their home in New Glarus, WI where Brad had begun working at the Zentner Funeral Home. In 1976, they would purchase the Becker Funeral Home in Belleville, and the Zentner Funeral Home in New Glarus in 1979. In 2006, Andrew joined his father Brad in funeral service. In addition to his funeral service Brad served the New Glarus Fire Department for 40 years many as Assistant Chief and later as a Village of New Glarus representative on the New Glarus Fire District Board. Brad was a charter member of the New Glarus EMS and Edelweiss Chalet Country Club along with being a founding member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He had also served on the boards of the Swiss Historical Village, Swiss Center of North America, and Union Bank & Trust. He was also a member of the New Glarus Masonic Lodge #310, Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association, and the Swiss United Church of Christ.

Brad never considered retiring just slowing down a little. He supported and provided guidance to Andy making sure to attend every sporting event, band concert or activity. Brad & Gail loved traveling including trips to Switzerland and throughout the USA following the Badgers especially the UW Band Tubas. Brad also enjoyed times spent in the field hunting or on the water fishing and boating. There were many memories and stories of the trips to Wyoming to hunt mule deer. He found solace in the quiet times sitting on the porch watching the water at the lake. With the arrival of his grandchildren, he earned the new role of “Papa”. Alex and Ethan have provided him many academic and athletic accomplishments to be proud of. Brad also enjoyed his routines to catch up and chat with those in the community by going for coffee; once upon a time at Borlands, now the Chalet Landhaus on Tuesdays, RiverVille on Fridays, and most afternoons at the Co-Op. To all of those who have reached out in the last few weeks we greatly appreciated your thoughts and concern.

Brad is survived by his wife Gail, son Andy (Katie), and grandchildren Alex & Ethan. He is further survived by his brother Gary (Kathy) Beal, brothers-in-law Gary (Julie) Mess and Glen Mess, special niece Lisa Mess, and many other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father Donald Wilhelm, step-sister Lynn Weissert, father-in-law and mother-in-law George & Gladyce Mess, Sr., brother-in-law and sister-in-law George & Jean Mess, Jr., niece Bonnie (Mess) Long, great-nieces Ella Kane and Rodi (Mess) Erickson, great-nephew Derek Mess, and great-great niece baby Emery King.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at the New Glarus Fire Station, 218 Fourth Ave., New Glarus, WI. Entombment will be in the New Glarus Cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at the Becker-Beal Funeral Home, 109 Greenway Cross, Belleville, WI and from 10:00 a.m. until time of services on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at the New Glarus Fire Station.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of B6 at UW Hospital for the kind and compassionate care given to Brad.

In lieu of flowers consider memorial donations to your preferred local charity or organization.