Longtime KTIV-TV sports director Brad Pautsch has died

Pautsch, 58, had been with KTIV since 1990, when he became a news and sports reporter shortly after graduating from Iowa State University. He was soon promoted to weekend sports anchor for the NBC affiliate. In 1996 he became the station's sports director.

During his time at KTIV, he won several awards, including Best Sportscast in 2004, 2012 and 2013 from the Iowa Broadcast News Association (IBNA), as well as first place for Sports Reporting in 2007 and Best Sports Play by Play in 2007 and 2004 , 2009 and 2010, all during the IBNA.

While in college, Pautsch began his broadcasting career, working at both WOI on the ISU campus and for KASI Radio.

In March 2021, Pautsch underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his brain. After the operation, he suffered a stroke that affected his speech.

After five rounds of chemotherapy and stem cell treatments at the Mayo Clinic, Pautsch was able to return to work as an occasional photographer and consultant for KTIV Sports.

A few months ago, Pautsch's wife, Sally, noticed that his balance was off and he was falling several times. Shortly thereafter, an MRI showed that there was a new tumor in a hard-to-reach area of ​​his brain.

It was then that Pautsch decided to get into hospice care.

Throughout his sports career, Pautsch remained a sports fan. He cited reporting on the NFL and NBA drafts in Chicago and New York, participating in the Super Bowl in Minneapolis and participating in the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City as highlights.

In the end, Pautsch was remembered for his work ethic and dedication.

“It is said that we will be judged by the footprints we leave behind, the courses we take and the examples we set for others to follow,” KTIV News Anchor Matt Breen said in a statement.

“This means that Brad’s spirit lives on in all the athletes he covered, the fields and stadiums he visited, and the loyal spectators he had and met,” added Keith Bliven, director and operator from KTIV, added.

For KTIV Vice President and Managing Director Bridget Breen, Pautsch's death was like the loss of “a broadcasting brother.”

“Brad was a perfectionist who always strived for excellence,” she said. “He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him.”

Pautsch is survived by his wife Sally, children Joseph, Mary and Reggie and siblings.

Services will be held at Holy Cross Parish – St. Michael's Catholic Church, 2223 Indian Hills Drive, with viewing on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m. led by the Rev. Randy Schon and Bishop Jeff Hemmingsen.