Bradley "Brad" Russell Pautsch

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

Services will be held on Thursday October 24, 2024, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Visitation from 5:00 -7:00 P.M., prayer service beginning at 7:00 P.M. with Fr. Randy Schon, Bishop Jeff Hemmingsen officiating. 

Brad was born Sept. 9, 1966, in Sac City, IA, the son of 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 6, 1991, in Bettendorf, IA at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Sally is still living.

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

Brad began his journalism career at WOI’s studios at Iowa State University in Ames. While in college, he also worked as a reporter for KASI radio.

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

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

Throughout his journey with cancer, Brad would still periodically work as a photographer and advisor for KTIV Sports, always willing and excited to pick a camera back up when he was able. 

He always said his favorite assignments were covering the NFL and NBA Drafts in Chicago and New York City respectively, going to the Super Bowl in Minneapolis in 2018, and being a torch bearer for the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.

Brad was an inductee to the Emmy’s Upper Midwest Chapter’s Silver Circle in 2021, and an inductee to the Iowa Broadcasters’ Association’s Hall of Fame in 2023. He’s also won several awards from the Iowa Broadcast News Association, 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, joining various leagues and teams throughout his life – from childhood until his cancer diagnosis. He organized several teams from the mid-2000s to 2020, including as a coach for the Sioux Falls Pilots, and joined these teams as a catcher in South Dakota and Iowa. Aside from his own sports ventures, Brad coached several of his children’s youth sports teams.

Although a lover of all sports, Brad particularly followed college athletics, rooting for his alma mater and Notre Dame. A week before his passing, 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 big reader, mainly a fan of all things nonfiction, from biographies, to history, to sports tales, to contemporary news and world events. 

He also was a big fan of alternative rock music, opting to even travel out of state several times to see his favorite musicians and bands; most of all, Built to Spill.

Brad would never say no to taking a deep dive down the rabbit hole of YouTube to revisit (and “bore” his kids with) videos of comedians he would tell you are “classics.” Reoccurring hits on his search history included David Letterman monologues, Chris Elliot skits, George Carlin stand-up, and Conan O’Brien remotes.

Brad loved to spend time with his close friends and family, especially for a good meal (which, preferably, was deep dish pizza or a slice of prime rib with a root beer).

Brad above all was known for having an encyclopedic knowledge of professional and college 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 donations: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: -Brad’s son Reggie’s future education (made out to Sarah Pautsch) -The Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester, MN. (705 2nd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902) -Bishop Heelan Catholic High School’s music department.