Brady J. Plucker

Brady J. Plucker, 36, of Hartford, passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the Avera Dougherty Hospice in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be one hour prior to the start of the service. His funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025 in the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. Followed by a fellowship luncheon. Interment will be in the South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.

Brady James Plucker was born on May 22, 1989 in Dell Rapids, SD, the son of Lee Plucker and Laura Bittner. He grew up and attended school in Dell Rapids, graduating from DRHS in 2007, and enlisting in the South Dakota Army National Guard on August 27, 2007. Brady attended Lake Area Tech in Watertown for Diesel Technician and started working for Butler Cat in Sioux Falls until January of 2025. He was deployed with the SD Army National Guard to Afghanistan in December of 2013 until November of 2014.

After his deployment, he and the love of his life, Brittany Ziegler, moved to Hartford to start their family together and later marry.  When the couple could manage to sneak away from the kids, they would split a six pack and a pound from Taco Johns and go to Great Shots.  The simple things made them happy. The couple’s connection, along with wittiness and sarcasm, truly made this relationship one of a kind and destined for the long haul.  Brady was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2024.  He received Medical Retirement from the SD Army National Guard on July 4, 2025.

At an early age it was apparent that Brady had a love for all things mechanical.  As he grew up he enjoyed Hot Wheel cars, riding his bicycle, dirt bikes, driving his Ford pickup and many other cars he owned.  He loved to compete in hair scrambles with his dirt bikes and eventually burn out competitions in his beloved Mustang.  This led to him getting a degree in Diesel Technology, career building and repairing equipment.  His focus quickly shifted as his relationship with Brittany grew and he became a family man.  He loved the role of being a father, husband, provider and devoting his time to his family.  He was also well known for his politeness, his kind heart and generosity, as well as his willingness to voice his opinion when he thought it was necessary.

Brady is preceded in death by an infant son, Carson James; his paternal grandparents and two uncles.

He is survived by his wife, Brittany, and his children; Keegan (12), Harper (9), Maverick (5).  Father, Lee Plucker of Dell Rapids. Mother, Laura (Kelly) Knodel of Freeman. Cherished Sister, Emily Knodel of Freeman.  In-Laws, Brian Ziegler of Yankton.  Matt & Trisha Ryken of Yankton.  Brother-In-Laws, Addison Ryken and Kincaid Ryken, both of Yankton.  Maternal grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.  Brady is also survived by his close-knit unit of friends from the 740th Transportation Company, as well as many other close friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Brady J. Plucker, please visit our Tree Store.