Miles W Gradin, 69, Bismarck, formerly of Washburn, ND, passed away on April 24, 2015, at Marian Manor Nursing Facility, Glen Ullin, after a heroic battle with ALS.

Services will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, April 30, at Good Shepard Lutheran Church, Bismarck, with Pastor Pam Powers officiating. Burial will take place at 3:00 PM Thursday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. Military rights will be offered by the V.F.W. #1326 and the NDNG Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday at Goetz Funeral Home, Washburn, & continues one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Miles was born March 3, 1946, in Minot, to Wallace and Edith (Johannes) Gradin. He grew up on the family farm, northwest of Washburn, which included attending 3 years of country school. While in high school, he was given the opportunity to participate in the ND Farm Bureau Citizenship Conference at the International Peace Gardens. This was the most influential school experience which shaped his future goals. He graduated from Washburn High School in 1964.

After high school, Miles completed some years of technical college at NDSU in Fargo. He felt a deep calling & enlisted into the U.S. Air Force in May of 1966. His Air Force career took him in many directions - Europe, North Africa, Asia, Korea, Thailand, & Vietnam. Miles returned to the Washburn area in late 1970's.

Miles married Linda Thomas on June 10, 1972, and lived in the Washburn/Falkirk area for 39 years. They since transitioned to Bismarck, where they enjoyed being closer to the kids & grandchildren.

Miles was employed by area farm implement dealerships for 33 years. He spent the last 12 years as a self-employed realtor. The most recent, 7 years, a marketing real estate agent for Century 21 Morrison Realty. Throughout his working career, Miles was very customer-driven. He took great pride in knowing every customer was being taken care of to the fullest extent.

Miles gave his time for many worth-while causes. His patriotic honor for his country was displayed throughout his entire life. He was a lifetime member of the NRA, the Washburn Victor B Wallin American Legion Post #12, Bismarck Elks Lodge #1199, and a member of the Amvets Post #9. It was with great pride, he held the role of Post Commander.

Miles' spiritual journey flourished as a lifelong member of Birka Lutheran Church. He also had the privilege of being a member of the Board of Directors for several organizations including the Camp of the Cross, the Washburn Rural Fire Department, the Washburn Area Economic Development Association, and participated in the Western ND LCA Church Synod.

Miles enjoyed deer hunting with friends, fishing trips to Canada with his son-in-law, and family vacations. He had a passion for working on the 'old' Fords and fixing 'stuff'.

Miles is survived by his wife Linda of Bismarck; his daughters, Alicia (Travis) Boeckel, Bismarck, and Angie Gradin-Peterson, West Fargo; his grandchildren, Gabriella Boeckel, Jasmine Boeckel, Allison Boeckel, and Teagan Peterson; his sister, Wallyn (Gordon) Lee, Moorhead; his brothers, Mark Gradin, Fargo, Kyle (Karen) Gradin, Washburn, Dwight (Denise) Gradin, Washburn; & several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace & Edith Gradin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given for camperships to the Camp of the Cross or Crystal Springs Bible Camp for those in need.