Bradley C. Suter

Bradley "Brad" Curtis Suter, 71, of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Aurora Lakeland Hospital in Elkhorn, Wisconsin.

Brad was born on August 5, 1955, in Rockford, Illinois, to Virginia (Bettner) Suter and Jesse Suter. He grew up in Oregon, Illinois, and graduated from Oregon High School in 1973. Brad married Angie Bowers Suter on June 7, 1986 in Rockton, Illinois.

On September 12, 1997, at the age of 42, his career as an ironworker came to a sudden halt after a severe work-related traumatic brain injury. Doctors predicted he would remain in a persistent vegetative state and gave him a life expectancy of 11 years. Brad, possessing a legendary streak of stubbornness and twice the sense of humor of the average human, looked at those odds and decided he had too much living left to do. He didn't just survive; he fought his way back, cracked jokes, and defied every single expectation placed upon him for nearly three decades. He officially proved the medical community wrong on September 12, 2026 - exactly 29 years to the day after an accident that was supposed to have the final say. He was a man who loved a good joke, so it is only fitting that he got the last laugh.

Before and after his accident, Brad was an avid outdoorsman. His love for hunting and fishing was an immovable force. He will be remembered as wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend, quite the character—a fighter, a jokester, and a man who refused to follow the rules of a medical textbook.

Brad's incredible journey was a team effort. He is survived by his wife, Angie; his three children, Lindsay Harter, Chad Suter, and Colton Suter, all of Fort Atkinson; and his three cherished grandchildren, Gavin Hibbs, Lily Harter (both of Fort Atkinson), and Kaylee Harter (of Oshkosh). He also leaves behind his stepmother, Kathy Suter; his brother, Craig (Laurie) Suter of Oregon, Illinois; brother in-laws, Marty (Diana) Bowers of Roscoe, Illinois, and Mike (Laura) Bowers of Machesney Park Illinois. Nephews Brian (Audra) Suter, Brent (Stacey) Suter of Oregon, Illinois, Josh Bowers of Machesney Park, Illinois, Cody (Alissa) Bowers of Rockford, Illinois, Matt and James Bowers of Roscoe, Illinois. Niece Danielle (Chris) Spiess of Machesney Park, Illinois. His aunt Bonnie, Oconnell of Oregon, Illinois, and uncle Pete (Barb) Bettner of Oregon, Illinois, and numerous great nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members whom he loved very much. He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia (Bettner) Suter and his father, Jesse Suter; his mother-in-law, Barbara Johnson, his father-in-law, Randy Johnson, and Alvin Bowers. His maternal grandparents, Hazel, and Sedoris, Bettner, and paternal grandparents Jesse and Nellie Suter, his two brothers, Timmy and Eddie; his aunt and uncle Martin and Lottie Whetsel, his uncles, Pat Bettner, Gary Bettner, Ed Bettner, Kevin Bettner, and Roy Bettner; and, as he lovingly called her-his hillbilly aunt, Lena Newton.

The family extends their deepest, most heartfelt gratitude to two people who truly kept Brad’s spirit alive: his best friend of over 50 years, Dave Carey, who stayed by his side and made sure Brad never had to give up his beloved hunting trips; and his amazing nurse case manager of 29 years, Janeen Drog-Glenny, who became family and was entirely instrumental in keeping Brad here a lot longer than anyone expected. The family truly doesn't know where they would be without her. They also extend a special thank you to the staff at Vintage on the Ponds in Delavan, Wisconsin, for their exceptional care and compassion.

A celebration of life for Brad Suter will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Janesville Elks Lodge, located at 2100 N Washington St, Janesville, WI 53548.

Family and friends are warmly invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate a life well-lived in an informal setting.

Schedule of Events: • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Visitation and gathering with family • 2 PM - 2:30 PM - Brief memorial service • • 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Food, conversation, and cash bar reception.

Nitardy Funeral Home of Whitewater is proudly serving the family.