Our forever loved Brady John Bertagnolli, 30, passed away on October 4, 2024. Brady was born in Helena, MT, on October 12, 1993. Raised in East Helena, he graduated from Helena High School in 2012. Throughout his school years, Brady excelled in multiple sports, with a particular passion for wrestling, beginning at the age of five. He competed in the state wrestling tournament all four years of high school and later discovered a talent for powerlifting, earning two state titles, setting an unbeaten state record, and being named the best lifter each year by index.
Brady was known for his love of education and was described as hardworking, a great leader, kind, and full of positivity. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and just being outdoors with his family, friends, and neighbors. From a young age, Brady aspired to be a doctor. He graduated with honors from Montana State University in 2017 with a degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience. Brady worked with what he considered to be family at MacKenzie River Pizza in Helena and Bozeman throughout high school and college, saving to pay for his education.
As Brady applied to medical schools, he moved to Watford City, ND, to be with his parents. Inspired by the “North Dakota Nice,” Brady was empowered by the community’s support and the experience he gained by working at KLJ Engineering, McKenzie County Healthcare, and McKenzie County Public Schools, earning the title of Substitute Teacher of the Year in 2019. Brady had a unique ability to make everyone feel special and included.
Brady later relocated to Bismarck, ND, where he worked as a CNA at CHI St. Alexius Hospital. He cherished his time there because of the supportive staff, who recognized his natural people-first skills and his mission to provide exceptional patient care, leading him to receive the Patient Care Champion award in 2022. In August 2022, Brady began his medical studies at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies, where he remained until his passing. He appreciated the opportunity to meet new friends and fellow medical students from all over the world while at St. George’s University. He enjoyed spending summer and Christmas breaks with his family and working at CHI St. Alexius.
Brady’s positivity, kindness, energy, and sense of humor touched many, including coworkers, educators, student peers, family, and friends. He is survived by his parents, Patrick and Eva Bertagnolli of Bismarck, ND; siblings Brandon (Jill) Bertagnolli and their children Iyla and Wyatt of Billings, MT; Brittany (Mathew) Carter and their children Ava and Mia of Shepherd, MT; and his grandmother Dixie Carlson of East Helena, MT. He is also survived by numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends, and lastly his greatest teacher of unconditional love, his dog Nala. Brady was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Dr. EE Bertagnolli MD and Patricia Nelson; his uncle, Tom E. Bertagnolli; and his maternal grandfather, John E. Carlson.
A Wake is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A Funeral Service is set for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a reception to follow in the Social Hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the donor’s choice, with a preference for pediatric or youth-based charities.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service & Wake
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 1, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 2, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday November 2, 2024
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Prayer Service & Wake
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 1, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 2, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday November 2, 2024
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Mike Bertagnolli says
I love you Brady! Such a joy to have been your (favorite) uncle!
Nancy Price says
The miles of your life have made a special impression on so nany individuals. You are deeply loved by many and I’m sure you will be in heaven too. I love you Brady, forever and ever and always ❤️ 💙
Tamara McGlynn says
Oh Brady B, you were definitely one of my biggest fans as I was yours also. I will miss as our endless conversations and your laughter❤️ you are greatly loved and cherished. Thank you for you !❤️
Love always s❤️
Aunt Tamara ❤️
Nia Jeremiah says
Can’t believe you’re gone Brady! Till we meet again in the afterlife
Emily says
You are missed deeply. I’m so glad I had the chance to know you for the past 15 years. Thank you for being such a light in this world. ❤️
Grandma Dixie says
I was there when he was born. His dad & I were with Brady & his mom yelled “are you two having fun?!” We sure were. He came to our house before school. He had to come & let me hug & kiss him & if he didn’t, he’d have to give me two. He will be fishing with his grandpa Jack up there.
I miss them both.
Hugs & kisses to you both.
Rae Lynn Christians says
Brady “Brady B and Bert”. My heart hurts so much so wanting to see you again on this earth. However, God needed you. So I will make sure I see you again.
Thank you and your beautiful family for the time we had with you. Please know you all are in our hearts and prayers.
Colter Wilcock says
Brady it was an absolute pleasure to consider you a lifelong friend. So grateful for all the wonderful memories we made together. You will be greatly missed. Love you brother.
Keysha Campbell says
Brady I was always happy working with you. The jokes, laughter, and your willingness to always help at work. Honestly I am still wondering if I will never ever see you again, it is just something I do not want to believe. But, my friend I pray you are in a blessed place with the Lord. I pray that God will give your family the strength to cope. My vibrant friend, ONE LOVE, SIP❤️🥲🙏
Paden Wallace says
Bert, you led by example and your dedication to whatever you set your mind to challenged me to be better every day. You never missed an opportunity to offer a compliment or say something nice just to try and make someone’s day or put a smile on their face. I’ll cherish our memories and friendship forever.
John Wentz says
I never met or new Brady, but know Brandon through his work. From the description, Brady was driven, much like Brandon to accomplish much in various aspects of his life. It appears that Brady has been a positive force and influential person in his short-lived life. Others, many older could learn from Brady’s example. My heart goes out to Brady’s family and friends in this most difficult time of loss.
Rena Carlson says
A young life lost too soon. So very sorry for your loss. Sounds like you raised a beautiful son Eva and Pat. Prayers to you and your family.
Byron Pennington says
Brady “Bert”,
You have had an everlasting impact on people lives wherever you went in this world.You went out of your way to make people feel like they belonged through your infectious personality. You’ll be missed but never forgotten. I will treasure our memories we made together.
Sending prayers to the family during these difficult times.
Marty Hecock says
My heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my prayers.
Valerie Entzi says
Brady subbed for me while I had Christmas programs, He quickly wiggled his way into my heart and those of the students and other teachers. His bubbly happy spirit will be so missed. May God comfort all of you.
Patty Berger says
My sincerest sympathies to Bradys family. I worked with Brady in Watford City at the hospital and there was never a dull minute with that guy!! He was a joy to work with and an endearing friend.
Marilyn and Diane Kipp says
May God comfort all of you.
Hannah Aig-Bowen says
Like Robin Williams, you brought so many laughs and smiles to everyone you met. You inspired many, and loved all, I will miss your big smile, it was always big enough to engulf the whole room. I know you will be watching all of us. We will know because the room will be a little warmer. Your energy was so big, and scientists say energy cannot be created or destroyed. By this logic, you will never be gone, just in a different form. May your energy feel the love we all had for you, and continue to have for you.
shauna lee says
I send my condolences to the Bertagnolli family. Sorry for your loss. Praying that God will comfort you during this time.
Kent Ellis says
We are saddened to hear about the passing of Brady and hope that the special memories you made together will help your family through this difficult time.
Kent and Jacquie Ellis
Bobbie Scott says
This makes me so sad. I knew Brady when he was at Radley such a cute little boy. We had a lesson on looking both ways when crossing the street to get to Grandma’s house. My prayers are with his family during this most difficult time. Such an amazing young man gone too soon.
Nick Sandau says
Bert, there was always just something about you…You could be friends with anybody & genuinely cared about everybody in your life. You absolutely made the world a brighter place. Thoughts & prayers go out to the Bertagnolli family
Vonnie Jenkins says
I’m so sorry for your loss during this difficult time. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you all.
Deacon Steve and Laura Barry says
Pat and Eva and all the Bertagnolli clan, Laura and my prayers and thoughts are with you. May Our Lord bring you hope and peace as you grieve during this difficult time. Eternal rest grant unto Brady Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Jim Muzynoski says
I met Brady when he was about 11 years old. I was a pro-fisherman at the time. Brady came up to me at a boat show and introduced himself along with his parents. His goal was for me to take him fishing. His dad said it was o.k. And for years – until he went off to college – we went fishing 3 or 4 times each spring as time would allow. We became great friends. He had a lot of energy, loved to learn new things, and really enjoyed fishing. During our trips we talked about a variety of subjects – some were pretty funny. He had a few secret fishing spots near his house – little spring creeks and the like – and he caught some really nice fish. One time while fishing on Lake Helena, he was telling me that if he caught a big one – his dad would mount it. To both of our surprise, a couple of hours later – he got a 10 pound walleye. What an exciting day that was. Everyone was so happy and proud for him. Just one of our many adventures. I am so very, very sad to hear of his passing but we sure enjoyed our time together – it was really special. Even as an adult – we touched base – but not as often as we would have liked. I will always remember Brady for his friendly smile and boundless energy. He was a great friend. With Love.
Sarah R says
To the Bertagnolli Family,
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I was a classmate of Brady’s at SGU. We weren’t particularly close (it’s hard to be in a class of nearly 600 students), but we messaged about school stuff from time to time. He was always kind and energetic.
I am writing this because I want you to know how deeply Brady’s passing is felt amongst students, even people who didn’t know him. He was one of us, going through the same trials and tribulations of medical school. It is hard to explain the deep camaraderie you feel for your classmates.
Please know he will be missed. We are all thinking of him.
Lynn Mogstad says
Dear Brittany and all the Bertagnolli family,
I’m so incredibly sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Brady. I truly hope you can find peace and comfort in all the special memories you have with him. We can’t begin to understand why things like this happen, it feels cruel and unfair. But I have to believe there’s a reason he was called home so soon. I know you’ll never get over your loss but you will get through it. Much love to you all.
Lynn
Brady Sesselman says
Brady Bert – It has been an honor to share a first name with you. I’m thankful the bit we got to know each other back in high school and will miss your humor and high energy! My thoughts go out to the rest of the Bertagnolli family at this time.
Sharon Gross says
So sorry for your loss. Brady was a great coworker, always providing great care to his patients . He will truly be missed. Prayers for all his family.