Kenneth Michael Bradshaw, 70, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, surrounded by family and close friends.
Ken’s life and legacy are celebrated by a long list of loved ones.
Ken was the proud father of Jennifer (John) Bishop, Adam (Taylor) Bradshaw, and Cory (Danielle) Bradshaw; nine beloved grandchildren: Victoria, Alex, Nick, Elizabeth, Ethan, Ezra, Arya, Cooper, and Finan; seven great-grandchildren; and remembered by his former wife, Jody Bradshaw.
Ken was the much-loved fiancé of Donna Greenwald, beloved by her children and grandchildren.
Ken was born on March 19, 1955, to the late Helen (née Bouquet) and Pat Bradshaw. He grew up in St. Louis as the eldest of eight siblings. He is preceded in death by his brothers Mark, David, and Patrick, and is deeply missed by Donna, Kevin, Kirk, and Michelle. He will also be remembered by his many sisters- and brothers-in-law, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, across the Bradshaw, Bauer, and Bouquet families.
Ken was fiercely loyal to his friends, whom he loved as family. He cherished opportunities to catch up, whether through weekly breakfasts, long phone calls, or impromptu visits. He had a gift for turning acquaintances into lifelong companions. His circle of friends was wide and deep, and each one held a special place in his heart.
Ken lived a life of service, dedication, and love. He proudly served 30 years with the St. Louis Police Department before retiring as a Lieutenant and Commander of Forensics, where his greatest point of pride was directing the immediate review and completion of years of backlogged DNA kits. After retirement, he found joy working as a Ranger at the St. Louis Zoo, where he once remarked the simple joy over his admirers now waving to him with all five fingers instead of one.
Ken’s greatest joy was his large family and circle of friends —especially his prized role as “Paw-Paw.” His grandchildren adored him just as much as he adored them. He was a gifted storyteller, where “long story short” meant anything but. And he was the heart of countless family traditions. He prided himself being the first to wish a loved one a “Happy Birthday” at midnight. Every Christmas, he would bake hundreds of cookies to share with all. He also eagerly looked forward to “meeting Santa” with his kids and later grandkids—though, mysteriously, he always seemed to miss Santa’s visits. Each New Year’s Day, he had a tradition of jumping into his son’s pool for a polar plunge, delighting everyone with his humor and energy. And on St. Patrick’s Day, his house would smell of corned beef and cabbage.
Ken lived by the principles of fairness, discipline, and routine, always staying active and making sure he closed his Apple Watch rings daily. He loved gardening, relaxing in the sun, cooking for family and friends, and sharing laughter over meals. Some of his happiest moments were spent playing table tennis with his son, taking the grandkids for a swim, a walk, or a trip to his favorite grocery store, socializing with friends alongside his fiancé, Donna, or checking in on his portfolio and latest stock purchase. Wherever Ken was, he brought people together—filling rooms with his smile, his laughter, and a story worth hearing.
Ken, we love you and will miss you dearly. We will do our best to keep your stories alive, even if a little more abbreviated. You were larger than life, and we are all better for having known you.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held in the spring, likely in March around his birthday. Details are forthcoming. His legacy of love, laughter, service, and storytelling will live on in all who knew him.
The family would love to preserve your stories of Ken and share in the laughs for years to come. Please email your remembrances to: KenBradshawMemories@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ken’s name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS.org) or the BackStoppers, Inc. (backstoppers.org (http://backstoppers.org/)) and are greatly appreciated by his family.
Service of Kutis South County Chapel.
I did not know Kenny for very long, but loved his smile and easy going ways, you could tell how his fiancé, Donna made his face light up. God received a special man, in Heaven. RIP Kenny.
What a wonderful man Kenny was. I’ve only known him for about 5 years, but I immediately liked him. He was sitting in the kitchen and talking with the women. He had a great smile and a warm nature. Later, her provided security when Donna and I attended the Rolling Stones concert. His enthusiasm and friendliness made me an instant admirer. I was thrilled when he and my BFF Donna got together. They were truly a wonderful pair. I will never forget Kenny, who my husband Tom and I called “KTC” (Kenny the Cop). He will be so very missed! So heartbroken for your loss!
Beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. He left us much too soon.
Kenny was a great friend, birth brother and my detective partner in the old 4th Bureau. He was a hard worker and wanted to make two cases a day or night. He did some crazy things on arrests and at times I thought he was in a tv show jumping on roofs of cars and enjoying the informants we worked with. We later worked as Sergeants together in the First District and he was always on top of his game. He loved to laugh and have fun. What I enjoyed most was watching him turn bright red if he was goosed especially in a crowded elevator full of strangers. Aside from turning red he would jump in the air and make a small yell which I would tell the strangers he has some issues but he would eventually get even with me while we laughed until tears came to our eyes. Kenny was a true friend who will be greatly missed by all! God speed my brother and save me a spot up there!!
Kenny was a good man. We spent many night watches together in the South Patrol for about 5 years. Always willing to help, and he knew the job backward and forward. RIP, Kenny. I won’t ever forget you.
Gordon
I met Ken in the 70’s when we both worked at Burger Chef on Chippewa. He was such a fun guy! Sorry to hear about his passing. RIP Ken
So many good memories working with Kenny at the Zoo. He not only was a coworker but a good friend. So many good conversations over coffee. Sending my love and prayers to his loved ones and family.