Fr. John Brady

YANKTON, S.D. — Father John Brady, 98, Yankton, S.D., died peacefully July 29, 2022, at his home with family at his side.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Aug. 5, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington, with the Rev.

David Fulton ociating.

Fr. John Brady Burial was in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Yankton, with military honors provided by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post No. 791.

Visitation with a rosary and vigil service were held Aug. 4 at the Wintz and Ray Funeral Home, Yankton.

Father Brady was born in Worthing, S.D., Dec. 16, 1923, to Frank Matthew and Ruth Joannah (McMahon) Brady. He spent his childhood in the South Dakota towns of Worth- ing, Chamberlain, Salem, and finally, Yankton. He graduated from Yankton High School in 1941 and started his university years at Yankton College, then at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion.

He was inducted into the United States Navy March 18, 1943, at the age of 19, after completing just one semester at USD. As a plank owner, he served in World War II aboard the U.S.S. Zellars DD 777. He was aboard and wounded when it was attacked by three Japanese Kamikaze airplanes April 12, 1945. Father Brady was honorably discharged from the Navy on April 23, 1946.

He began preparation for the priesthood at St. Joseph’s College, Rensselaer, Ind. He graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from the St. Paul Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., Oct. 12, 1954. Father Brady was ordained a Catholic priest April 24, 1955, by Archbishop William Brady in Sioux Falls, S.D. His assignments included Assistant Chaplain at McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls; Assistant Pastor, Mellette, S.D.; Chaplain at the State Hospital, Yankton; Assistant Pastor at St. Mary Star of the Sea, Oceanside, Calif.; and Pastor at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, White Lake, S.D.

After retiring, Father Brady continued to serve Jesus by filling in for absent priests whenever and wherever he was needed.

Survivors include his nephews, Tom Brady, Dan Brady, James Brady and James Crowe; and his nieces, Lynn Schnepf, Joan Coulson, Mary Craig, Kathleen Waters and Ellen Crowe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruth Brady; his brothers, Frank Brady and Thomas Brady; and his sisters, Ursula Brady and Madeleine Crowe.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Father Brady's memory may be made to Conception Abbey, 37174 State Highway VV, Conception, MO 64433.