Brad Braafhart, 57, passed peacefully at his home north of Lynnville on Friday morning, Feb. 13, 2026. Funeral service was at 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 16, at Lynnville Friends Church. Interment was in Sully Cemetery. Memorial contributions are preferred for Lynnville Friends Church or Hospice of Pella.
Bradley Stewart Braafhart was born May 29, 1968, in Iowa City. He was the oldest of three sons born to Mary Gayle (Kane) and Harry Braafhart, Jr. Brad spent much of his childhood growing up in Pleasant Hill and graduated from Des Moines East High School in 1986. Over the years, Brad worked for Mediacom, Com-Tech, and most recently at Co-Line Welding Inc. where he retired in 2022. Brad and Angie Kae Van Maanen married on June 7, 2007, in Dubuque and lived north of Lynnville where they built their dream home in 2013 on land that embodied everything Brad could have ever wanted. They enjoyed farming, traveling, and camping together and always shared the “chores” that come with farm life. Brad was born with a passion for farming and spent much of his time pursuing that lifelong interest by raising sheep and chickens, always working to perfect his flocks. Brad truly loved gardening and sharing all that he grew, especially with his grandchildren, who all loved helping “Papa” with chores. Brad always had a dog by his side and most recently enjoyed a special bond with their German Shepherd Reba. Brad was strong in his faith and an active part of Lynnville Friends Church and will be remembered for his kind and compassionate heart.
Brad is survived by his wife Angie; his son Blake Braafhart; and the following stepchildren and their families: Aaron (Gabby) Van Dyke of Searsboro, Gina (Jake) McElroy of Lynnville, and Ashten (Malachai) Harris of Baxter; his brother Bret (Jenny) Braafhart of Pleasant Hill and their children; and the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Dana (Rod) Rozendaal, Marc (Shelly) Van Maanen, Tim Van Maanen; mother-in-law Dorothy F. Van Maanen; nieces and nephews and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Brad was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ben Braafhart, and his father-in-law Marvin D. Van Maanen.
