Louis P. Bredesky, Jr.
May 10, 2015
Louis P. “Buddy” Bredesky Jr., 80, died of complications from pulmonary hypertension on May 10, 2015. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 13, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 N.W. 60th Ave., funeral services will take place Thursday, May 14, at 10:30 a.m., at Luther Memorial Church, 1201 Grandview Ave., followed by lunch, and burial at 2:30 p.m., at Highland Memory Gardens, 1 N.E. 60th Ave.
Lou was born in Des Moines in 1934. He attended Canary Lake School, East High School, Grandview College, and graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in Industrial Technology in 1956. After working briefly for Solar Aircraft Company, he was drafted into the Army where he served as an atomic/thermonuclear bomb mechanical repairman at Killeen Base, Texas. After his honorable discharge in 1959, he returned to Des Moines where he was employed as a manufacturing engineer by Ford Tractor, Massey Ferguson, and John Deere, retiring in 1997.
While attending Grandview College, he met Elaine Nelson of Meckling, S.D., and the couple were married in August 1956. During their 59 years together, they raised three children, traveled the world, and always found time for family, friends, and racing. They were active members at Luther Memorial Church, where he shared his faith with others.
Lou had a passion for automobiles and automobile racing. With his 1924 Ford Model T powered by a highly modified, 302 GMC six-cylinder engine, he was the Greater Des Moines Dragway’s Season Points Champion three years in a row between 1959 and 1964. In 1979, he became involved with the Jensen Construction sprint car #55, which led to his fervor for sprint car racing until his death. He could be found Saturday nights at the Knoxville Raceway and was a founding member of the Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum in Knoxville, Iowa.
His hobbies included reading about automobiles, airplanes, and WWII history, emailing computer friends, taking thousands of pictures, racing, and attending classes at Grandview University. He enjoyed cruising warm summer nights in one of his two Model T roadster street rods or his 1932 Ford Highboy.
Lou is survived by his wife, Elaine; his children, Mike Bredesky, Jill (Bredesky) Fishbaugh, and Kay (Bredesky) Dry; grandchildren, Kyle & Logan Bredesky, Seth & Luke Dry; daughter-in-law, Jan Bredesky; and sons-in-law, Justin Fishbaugh and Michael Dry. He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Mary Bredesky, and sister, Judith (Bredesky) Smith.
Memorial contributions may be made to Luther Memorial Church, Grandview University, and the Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum.
Share condolences and memories of Lou online at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Hansel Jones
05/26/2015
To the family of Louis Bredesky:
"Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with youI will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand"
(Isaiah 41:10, AMP)
Your Father was a great witness and faithful man of GOD..I enjoyed his friendship and kindness while working at John Deere Des Moines Works he will be greatly missed.
Alton (Al) Kornegay and Sharon Kornegay
05/25/2015
It was a pleasure working with Lou and later with Mike at John Deere Des Moines Works. Our condolences to the Louis Bredesky Jr. family during this time of bereavement.
Dean & Pam Gissel
05/18/2015
Elaine, Mike, Jill & Kay my sympathy on your loss of Lou. He was a kind & gentle man with a heart of gold he will be greatly missed.
Pam (Craft) Allen-Baines
05/17/2015
Dear Elaine. I have such fond memories with your family as a young girl. Thank you! Lou & you both have a special place in my heart. Your dear Lou was such a lovey man. I remember doing the polka with him........I felt like a princess! Love, Pam (in New Zealand)
Bob and Carol Corbett
05/17/2015
Dear Elaine and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Lou`s passing. He was a truly wonderful man that we had the great pleasure of calling our friend. We will miss him and his emails. The Inliners have lost a cherished member. Our thoughts are with you and yours. If we can do anything, please let us know.
Shirley and Wayne Jensen
05/16/2015
Dear Elaine,
We were shocked to hear about Lou's sudden death. We so enjoyed the bus trips that we took together. We also enjoyed the occasional emails that we received from you and Lou. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
The Jensen's
05/15/2015
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the days ahead.
The Sigler Family
05/14/2015
May the "hearer of prayer"continue to strengthen your family during this most difficult time. The days ahead will get easier,as those close to you provide the support and encouragement you need to stay strong. Share your memories they will be a source of comfort that can help you and your family to cope and grant you peace.
Janet Hockey
05/12/2015
Elaine and Family! We are very sorry for your loss. He was a great man of good character. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Chuck and Janet Hockey.
Todd & Kellie Harmon
05/12/2015
We know that you will all miss your Loved One, but understand that the future will also hold many warm memories.
Rich and Lorraine Behrend
05/12/2015
We are thinking of the Bredesky family since we heard about Kyles grandpa passing away. Know you will miss him. Even tho we never knew him, we know Kyles family and appreciate getting to know Kyle better the last couple of years.
Allen & Marjorie Weeda
05/12/2015
Elaine: we have never met you and Lou, but you sure raised a great young man. I Allen am related to Jan. Sorry to hear of your loss. It is always a sad time even though we know it can happen anytime. Of course we know Kyle well also his brother.
Scotty Bowman
05/12/2015
You knew how much I envied you with your knowledge of local racing history & your love of the Lord. You were a true friend to my uncle Bobby Nelson at a early age & continued through out your lives. God loves you & so do I. RIP Buddy---
Jeff Thayer
05/12/2015
Thinking of you all and remembering visits/times with Lou & Elaine in their home, and at Mike & Jan's. Lou's warm, welcoming way was always comforting, and meaningful to me. Wishing you comfort now, and in the lonely times ahead.
Ann Jensen
05/12/2015
Dear Elaine and family, I was sad to hear of Lou's passing. It was always a fun time when you came to SD for a visit, Lou always had a great story to tell. Thinking of all of you at this sad time. He will be missed by all who knew him.