Soldier with Decorah unit dies of cancer

Spc. Brad Foreman (left) rides in an armored vehicle with fellow members of the 322nd Engineer Company during the company's recent deployment to Afghanistan. Shortly after the company's return home in January, Foreman was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. He plans to be back in Decorah this weekend to say goodbye to his Army buddies. Photo by Staff Sgt. Devon Wagner of Dike

Spc. Brad Foreman, who served in Afghanistan last year with the 322nd Engineer Company of Decorah, died Thursday of liver cancer.

Foreman, 41, of Canton, Mich., had returned to Decorah on June 1 for a weekend reunion with his Army Reserve buddies. Knowing he didn?t have long to live, he said the soldiers were like his second family and he wanted to say good-bye.

The former Marine was nicknamed ?Grandpa? in boot camp after he joined the reserves in 2006.

During Foreman?s last Decorah visit, the soldiers organized fundraisers to help sustain his bride, Michelle, and his daughter, Brianna, through their impending loss.

Foreman returned to the United States on Jan. 10 and was hospitalized three days later with a disease soon diagnosed as aggressive liver cancer.

Amber Iverson of Swisher, who helped organize the fundraisers, said the Decorah visit temporarily energized Foreman.

?It was very emotional. We all laughed and cried,? she said.

Foreman?s funeral will be Monday, with the L.J. Griffin Funeral Home in Canton handling the arrangements.

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