Brad Lee Laue was born in Chadron, Nebraska on April 2nd, 1953 to Ralph and Helen (Staboulos) Laue, the eldest of three siblings, twins Tim Laue and the late Kim Laue. They grew up north of the train tracks in Chadron, NE. In elementary school, they were known as the Kenwood kids, along with classmates, at Kenwood Elementary school. He graduated from Chadron High School then moved to Rapid City for a time. There he received an automotive tech degree. He was involved in the Rapid City flood June 9th, 1972, recollecting the water rushing into an automotive shop he was working, and he remembers his brothers car getting slammed through the garage door. He helped however he could at that time, and when he returned home, his parents were so thankful he was safe. They tried hauling the car home, but it was full of mud, so unfortunately it wasn’t salvageable.

He did many endeavors during his earlier years, including construction, and many automotive jobs, leading him to his lifelong management career with NAPA auto parts in Alliance, Nebraska. He cared about his customers and the many relationships he created over the years. He met a gal at Toad’s Bar named Linda in 1975 who always seemed to show up, and he fell in love with her. He married Linda Forsstrom on July 5th, 1980 in Chadron, Nebraska in his parents’ backyard. Seven years later, they were blessed with a daughter, Kara, whom they adopted from Linda’s family. She was always a true daughter to them, no different. They were wonderful parents, always there at every event with their daughter in school and sports, especially softball and the traveling, graduations, births of their grandchildren and their school events, and everything in between.

Brad made his journey to the spirit world swiftly and peacefully Thursday, November 13th, 2025 after a long and trialing 34-days at Monument Health in Rapid City, South Dakota. Thank you to so many people that loved and supported us during this period and took the time to visit. His wife, Linda, made her journey to the spirit world just few short months ago on July 27th, 2025, and she was waiting for him. He had a vision/dream of her waving her hand to come on, a couple of months ago. They did everything for 50 years. Now they journey with God watching over us together. Thank you to so many of the providers, nurses, radiology staff, lab, pharmacy, palliative care team, housekeeping, everyone that keeps the hospital going. You are a part of our journey and so many others. He formed relationships and trust while there and I am so thankful for their help and understanding.

Brad is survived by his daughter, Kara Laue (Jason Monroe), grandchildren Arianna Pruneda, Adam Pruneda, and Winnie Monroe, brother Tim Laue, nieces Cassie (Laue) Schnell and Nicole (Laue) Anderson, and great nieces and nephew, Kaden, Peyton, and Kaylan and her daughter. He is preceded in death by his wife, Linda, his parents, Ralph “Punk” and Helen Laue, sister, Kim Laue, sister-in-law, Cristi “Red” (Shannon) Laue, and grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Thank you again to all those who supported us, kept us in your prayers, and took the time visit. He was so thankful and truly enjoyed the conversation. Brad wished to be cremated along with his wife, and they requested to have no funeral services. They wish to be buried together in Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron, Nebraska. We will have a celebration of life ceremony for the two of them at a later date which will be announced.

Donations would be appreciated in lieu of flowers and may be mailed to Kara Laue and family at 2512 Big Horn Dr. in Alliance, Nebraska 69301 to help with expenses.