Obituary for Bradley “Brad” Russell Pautsch 2024

Bradley “Brad” Russell Pautsch, 58, of Sioux City, IA, passed away on October 19, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Brad battled brain cancer for three and a half years.

The services will take place on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Visit from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., prayer service from 7:00 p.m. with Father Dr. Randy Schon, incumbent Bishop Jeff Hemmingsen.

Brad was born September 9, 1966 in Sac City, IA to Russ and Mary (Penniman) Pautsch.

He graduated from Crestland High School in 1984 and received a BA in journalism from Iowa State University in 1989.

Brad married Sarah “Sally” Eckman on July 5, 1991 in Bettendorf, IA at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Sally is still alive.

Although Brad was born in Sac City, he was raised in rural Early, IA from birth through high school. During his college years from 1984 to 1989, he lived in Ames, IA. In 1990 he moved to Sioux City and lived there until his death.

Brad began his journalism career in the WOI studios at Iowa State University in Ames. During his studies he also worked as a reporter for KASI Radio.

After graduating from Iowa State, Brad accepted a position at KTIV in 1990, working as a news and sports reporter. Soon after, he was promoted to weekend sports anchor.

In 1996, Brad took over the management of the KTIV sports department as sports director.

Throughout his cancer journey, Brad worked on and off as a photographer and consultant for KTIV Sports and was always ready and excited to pick up the camera again when he was able.

He always said his favorite jobs were covering the NFL and NBA drafts in Chicago and New York City, respectively, attending the 2018 Super Bowl in Minneapolis and attending the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Brad was inducted into the Emmy's Upper Midwest Chapter Silver Circle in 2021 and the Iowa Broadcasters' Association Hall of Fame in 2023. He has also won several Iowa Broadcast News Association awards and several Eric Sevareid Awards.

Brad was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He was an avid baseball player and joined various leagues and teams throughout his life, from childhood to his cancer diagnosis. From the mid-2000s to 2020, he organized several teams, including as coach of the Sioux Falls Pilots, and joined those teams as a catcher in South Dakota and Iowa. In addition to his own athletic endeavors, Brad coached several of his children's youth sports teams.

Although Brad was a lover of all sports, he primarily followed college athletics and cheered on his alma mater and Notre Dame. A week before his death, Brad was thrilled to see his Cyclones go 6-0 on the gridiron for the first time since 1938.

Outside of sports, Brad was a great reader, particularly a fan of all non-fiction books, from biographies to history and sports stories to contemporary news and world events.

He was also a huge fan of alternative rock music and even decided to travel out of state several times to see his favorite musicians and bands; especially “Built to Spill”.

Brad would never say no to diving deep into the YouTube rabbit hole to re-watch (and “bore” his kids) videos from comedians that he would consider “classics.” Recurring hits in his search history included David Letterman monologues, Chris Elliot skits, George Carlin stand-up songs, and Conan O'Brien remote controls.

Brad loved spending time with his close friends and family, especially over a good meal (preferably a deep dish pizza or a piece of prime rib with root beer).

Brad was best known for his encyclopedic knowledge of professional and collegiate sports, presidents, politics, comedy, and his favorite music.

Brad is survived by his wife, Sarah “Sally” (Eckman) Pautsch of Sioux City; his children, Joseph (Michaela) of Milwaukee, Mary of Urbandale and Reggie Pautsch of Sioux City; and his siblings Cindy (Steve) Ploen, Kurt (Amy), Terry (Kim) and Ryan (Eve) Pautsch.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents, Russ and Mary (Penniman) Pautsch.

Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: – the future education of Brad's son Reggie (made out to Sarah Pautsch) – the Gift of Life Transplant Home in Rochester, MN. (705 2nd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902) – Music Department at Bishop Heelan Catholic High School.