Kevin "Hoss" G. Bradtmueller

Kevin “Hoss” G.  Bradtmueller, 60, of Hoagland, Indiana passed away Monday, January 25, 2021 at his residence.

He was born on January 16, 1961 in Decatur, Indiana to the late Wilbert Bradtmueller and the late Marie L. (Witte) Bradtmueller.

Kevin was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Bingen and the National Tractor Pulling Association.

Kevin had competed for nearly 20 years over stints in the 1980s and 2010s---all in the Modified Mini division ("Whomp Ass Express")---and was the Association's 1980 Grand National champion in the 1,700-lb. class. He got his start in pulling by joining his hometown Four Kings Team in the mid-1970s and began piloting "Express" as soon as he was old enough to be licensed. In an era in which championships were chased from coast to coast, Kevin claimed his GN title---by two points---in his first full season by winning events in Harrisburg and Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Bowling Green, Ohio; and Fresno, California. He and his high school friend, Ken Bultemeier Jr., and their supercharged 350 Chevrolet finished second that same year in the 1,500-lb. Mini division. Throughout the balance of the decade, the pair claimed a dozen top-10 GN-point finishes across both weights. After an extended hiatus from driving, Kevin returned to the seat and to national competition in 2010. Teaming again with Mr. Bultemeier---with Mr. Linker returning the favor as their crewman---the partners won four straight hooks in mid-2015. Then, in 2016, he directed his creative energies toward building two new team tractors, namely "Whomp Ass Express" and "WAE Flip Side." Together, they have since won three times in Region II competition, and the latter claimed the 2016 Region IV championship.

He graduated from Heritage High School. Kevin was previously employed at Crosby Excavating where he was a mechanic.

He is survived by four brothers, Terry (Arlene) Bradtmueller of  Canton, North Carolina; Jeff (Sherril) Bradtmueller of Hoagland, Indiana; Barry (Cindy) Bradtmueller of Hoagland, Indiana; and Kurt (Terri) Bradtmueller of Ossian, Indiana; a nephew, Jason Bradtmueller; and two nieces, Rachel and Grace Bradtmueller.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

No services will be held per Kevin’s request.

Preferred memorials are to ACCF- Angels Fund (Cancer) or ACCF- Angel Fund (Diabetes).

Arrangements are by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana.