Timothy Joseph Gradin – Bemidji, MN

Remembering and Honoring the Life of Timothy Joseph Gradin Timothy Joseph Gradin of Bemidji, MN formerly of Ashby, MN passed away Friday, April 7th, 2023 at Sanford Hospital in Bemidji due to complications from Diabetes. Tim was born September 30, 1967 in Anoka, MN and was adopted by the Joe and Janice Gradin family of Ashby, MN in April of 1968. Mom, dad and sister, Gwen were overjoyed to have a baby boy! Tim was baptized and confirmed at Grue Lutheran Church of Ashby, MN. He attended Evansville School and graduated in 1986. He was a member of the FFA, band, choir and participated in sports, especially enjoying football. He was also a member of Christina Lake 4-H Club and later the Eagle Lake Club. Tim loved snowmobiling, riding motorcycles (especially his Harley), fishing and hunting. He looked forward to the Jacobson, Lystrom, Gradin deer hunting weekend every year. After high school graduation, Tim enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served four years stationed in San Diego and southeast Asia. After discharge, he attended truck driving school in Denver, CO. He worked for England Brothers, Thompson Brothers and Dagget Truck lines before purchasing his own semi. At a young age, both of Tim’s nephews had the great experience of taking a week-long trip in the semi with him, which they loved! In 2005, Tim married Kris Baardson. Together with her children, Zach, Jordan and Jasmine, they lived at the Gradin farm of Christina Lake. Over the years, Tim spent a lot of time gaming and watching western movies. He also had a love for Dachshund dogs – he had Domino, Tina, Harley and Jessie. Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Janice Gradin; and uncles, Carlton Johnson and Maurice Johnson. He is survived by his sister, Gwen Lillemon (Greg); nephews, Alex Lillemon and Jordan Lillemon (Becca); and grandnephew, Britton Lillemon. He is also survived by his aunts, Twyla Johnson and Lorraine Johnson; numerous cousins, friends and his dog, Jessie. A memorial service is plan for May 27th, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Grue Lutheran Church in rural Ashby, MN with visitation one hour prior to the service.