Bradley John Deutsch, age 23, of Luverne, died Wednesday, January 20, 2010, as a result of an automobile accident near Brandon, SD. He was born on June 18, 1986 and was the son of Don and Sharon (Taylor) Deutsch. He was a 2004 graduate of Luverne High School, where he participated in hockey, golf, Future Farmers of America and student council. He was also a two-time state participant in speech for LHS. Brad enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard during high school and studied graphic design at the University of Minnesota-Duluth following graduation. In 2005, he deployed to Iraq in the largest Minnesota National Guard deployment since World War II with the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division. Specialist Brad Deutsch returned home with the respect of his fellow soldiers as well as a well-decorated uniform. During his time on active duty, Brad earned an Army Commendation Medal, an Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War of Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Minnesota Good Conduct Ribbon and an Army Unit Commendation Ribbon. Additionally, he was also awarded the Combat Action Badge for his combat service and two Overseas Bars for his time in Iraq. His element returned home as one of the most decorated in the 1st brigade. He worked for several businesses in Luverne during high school and was currently employed by Rochester Armored Car in Sioux Falls. Brad became a second-generation fire fighter when he joined the Luverne Fire Department in 2008 and served alongside his father. He was also a board member of the MERIT Center in Marshall and the Southwest Region. Brad studied fire science at West Georgia Technical College and the National Fire Academy and his dream was to become a state fire marshall. He attended St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne and was a member of the Knights of Columbus as well as the VFW and the Eagles Club. Brad had many hobbies including bowling, shooting pool, golfing and hanging out with the many friends he had made throughout the years. He loved taking care of the family vehicles including his Mustang, his Harley and his infamous Monte Carlo Pace Car. He is survived by his mother, Sharon, Luverne; his brother, Brian, Minneapolis; Brad?s fianc?e, Meagan Riddle, Luverne; his paternal grandparents, Eddie and Donna Deutsch, Luverne; his maternal grandmother, Evelyn Taylor, Worthington and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Don; a sister, Rochelle ?Shelly;? his maternal grandfather, Earl Taylor and one cousin, Michael Shire.