Obituary for Bradley Lynn Creswell

Bradley Lynn Creswell, age 66, died at Bishop Drumm Care Center, Johnston, Iowa on December 4^th, 2023. Brad had fought a long and courageous battle with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis since 2003.

Brad was born in Muskegon Michigan on September 2, 1957, to Carlton and Patricia (Halliburton) Creswell. From an early age he displayed a love of and exceptional talent in music and singing. He studied piano with his Aunt Pauline and was active in both choir and band at Mona Shores High School.

He attended Western Michigan University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance. He continued his studies at the University of Michigan earning his master’s degree in voice and opera. After years of professional singing in opera and musical theatre his interests turned to conducting choirs and in the orchestra pit as the music director of the Interlochen Arts Camp musical theatre program. In 1992 he began graduate studies at Michigan State University and was awarded the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting. Brad served on the faculties of Illinois Wesleyan University, Manchester College, and Waldorf University in Iowa.

Brad met his wife Mary (Keller) at Western Michigan University. They fell in love on the opera stage, married in 1979, and raised three wonderful children, Carla Creswell (James), Benjamin Creswell (Laura) and Daniel Creswell (Melissa). Even as Brad’s health declined considerably in his final years, he was most happy when his children and five grandchildren, Arlo, Lee, Martha, Trygve, and Jordy would visit him on Sunday mornings and donuts were consumed!

He was preceded in death by his mother Patricia. The family would like to share their heartfelt gratitude to the care team at Bishop Drumm where Brad was loved and cared for like family.

A Celebration of Life will take place in June at Brad’s beloved Interlochen where the family spent 20 summers together making music and swimming and sailing on Green Lake.