Basil Milbradt 1956 – 2025

The Celebration of Life open house for Basil Milbradt, of Sebeka, will begin at noon on Friday, Oct. 3, at the Tim and Rita Nolte Livestock Farm, 26914 181st Ave, Sebeka, Minn. Food will be served until 2 p.m. with visiting to follow. Family and friends are invited to wear deer hunting camo and may gather on Thursday, at the Johnson-Schuller Chapel in Wadena from 4-6 p.m. Followed by a prayer service led by Pastor Stephen Meltzer. Burial will be in Zion Cemetery in North Germany Township, Minn.
“And he dreamed and behold a ladder set up on the earth; and the top of it reached to Heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.” Genesis 28:12
Angels guided Basil Corey Milbradt to his heavenly home above on June 23, 2025. He left unexpectedly and peacefully from his childhood country farm home in Rockwood Township, Sebeka. God knew Basil had suffered bravely through a long battle with colon cancer. Basil heard our Lord call and took His hand, following the path prepared for eternal life.
Basil was born to Julius and LaVerne (Redetzke) Milbradt of Sebeka, on Oct. 14, 1956, in Wadena. He was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church, North Germany Township and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church, Sebeka. He was a 1974 graduate of Sebeka High School and attended Wadena Technical Institute to earn a degree as a Parts Technician. Basil’s strong interest in the operation of agricultural equipment led him to employment in Fargo, ND, and then back to his home in Sebeka. Basil’s superior skills as a certified welder led him to a position with Homecrest Industries in Wadena. He was also employed by Peterson-Biddick in Wadena and later as an extensive farm equipment mechanic technician with Nolte Livestock Farm near Sebeka .
With a strong connection to the farm, Basil furthered his interest in raising registered beef cattle. His joy was walking out to the herd to receive warm “licks of love” from his cattle and frolicking calves. Basil’s herd was featured on the cover of the MN Beef Producers publication and was proud to receive the MN Cattlemen’s Association trophy. By observing his father, care of the land continued in Basil’s management of grass plots, water conservation and planting of trees. He always enjoyed being by his mom’s side in her huge garden which created his love of spring planting one seed packet at a time. The seasons warmed his heart as spring returned to nearby Hay Creek that overflowed its banks as geese and ducks flew back to nest. Basil never missed the opportunity to take walks down to the creek and check on the sucker and Northern fish populations. The expanded farmland led to the long awaited season of deer hunting. He shared the land with his closest family and friends as they all enjoyed jokes, stories, laughing and sharing homemade food.
With his kind, generous, and soft-spoken loving personality, Basil will forever be remembered. He will be missed by his extended family and all who called him friend. He was noted for his strong farewell hug and words, “I love you, man!”
Surviving Basil are his siblings: Rosalie Schmith and Ryan (Kerryann) Milbradt; nephews and niece: Travis, Brandon, and Brook Schmith, Jeramie, Taylor (Selina) and Tyler (Sadie) Milbradt; great-nephews and nieces: Amanda, Merissa, and Kassandra Schmith, Emerson Reichensperger, Reese, Wren and Dagny Weber, Easton, Josie, Sophia, Athena and Leo Milbradt; special family member, Travis Weber; along with aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends.
Preceding Basil in death were his parents Julius and LaVerne; brothers, Verlin, Stacy and “Tiny” Lee Milbradt; brother-in-law, Bill Schmith; and soulmate, Connie Hepokoski.
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 KJV
Arrangements with the Schuller Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services’ Johnson-Schuller Chapel, Wadena, MN. Online condolences may be left at www.SchullerFamilyFH.com10-1pd