Born July 12, 1928 in Mahto, South Dakota, in the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.
After six years, moved to Villard, Minnesota on Bredberg family farm. Attended Villard School and
graduated in June 1946.
Enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1946 and after basic training, was assigned to 82nd Airborne Division,
Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in what became known as the "home of the special forces". Trained in glider
transport and paratroops. Eventually discharged as a Sergeant, in 1948.
Enrolled at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a five- year course of Electrical
Engineering and Business Administration. During this time, he was also enrolled for four years in the Air
Force Reserve in Minneapolis. Graduated from University of Minnesota, July 1952.
Married to Carol Jean Faber on August 2, 1952. Started first job after college, at Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co.,
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, late August 1952. Work over the next decades took he and his family to Texas
Instruments in Dallas and then back to Milwaukee. His family grew to include three sons, Douglas,
Donald and John. Douglas graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and eventually settled
in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Donald also graduated from the "University of Wisconsin - Madison, and
first settled in Thousand Oaks, California and subsequently settled in las Vegas, Nevada. Youngest son,
John, finished school but died in his 20's of mental illness.
After settling in Milwaukee, John became a Professional Engineer. Throughout his career, he specialized
in the application of "smart technologies" to industrial controls. Over his career, he acted as chief
engineer, helmed strategic planning units, and worked for over 16 years with Allis-Chalmers, with
additional roles at General Motors (Delco), Texas Instruments - Dallas, Allen-Bradley (Now Rockwell
Automation). As head of Corporate Planning at Allen-Bradley, he was instrumental in acquiring
"Information Instruments" of Ann Arbor, Mi., thus providing the first start of the transition of Allen-
Bradley into computer control and modern automation technology. Subsequently, John joined
Harnischfeger Corp., where he formed their original Electrical Products Division and eventually served as
Director of Engineering Services at P&H. While at P&H, John introduced "Deming" type quality control,
which was eventually adopted by the entire company.
John retired from industry at age 67, and continues to reside with his wife, in VMP - Milwaukee, an
independent living apartment.
After six years, moved to Villard, Minnesota on Bredberg family farm. Attended Villard School and
graduated in June 1946.
Enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1946 and after basic training, was assigned to 82nd Airborne Division,
Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in what became known as the "home of the special forces". Trained in glider
transport and paratroops. Eventually discharged as a Sergeant, in 1948.
Enrolled at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a five- year course of Electrical
Engineering and Business Administration. During this time, he was also enrolled for four years in the Air
Force Reserve in Minneapolis. Graduated from University of Minnesota, July 1952.
Married to Carol Jean Faber on August 2, 1952. Started first job after college, at Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co.,
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, late August 1952. Work over the next decades took he and his family to Texas
Instruments in Dallas and then back to Milwaukee. His family grew to include three sons, Douglas,
Donald and John. Douglas graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and eventually settled
in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Donald also graduated from the "University of Wisconsin - Madison, and
first settled in Thousand Oaks, California and subsequently settled in las Vegas, Nevada. Youngest son,
John, finished school but died in his 20's of mental illness.
After settling in Milwaukee, John became a Professional Engineer. Throughout his career, he specialized
in the application of "smart technologies" to industrial controls. Over his career, he acted as chief
engineer, helmed strategic planning units, and worked for over 16 years with Allis-Chalmers, with
additional roles at General Motors (Delco), Texas Instruments - Dallas, Allen-Bradley (Now Rockwell
Automation). As head of Corporate Planning at Allen-Bradley, he was instrumental in acquiring
"Information Instruments" of Ann Arbor, Mi., thus providing the first start of the transition of Allen-
Bradley into computer control and modern automation technology. Subsequently, John joined
Harnischfeger Corp., where he formed their original Electrical Products Division and eventually served as
Director of Engineering Services at P&H. While at P&H, John introduced "Deming" type quality control,
which was eventually adopted by the entire company.
John retired from industry at age 67, and continues to reside with his wife, in VMP - Milwaukee, an
independent living apartment.