Brady John Bertagnolli

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.

Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home in Helena, MT is in charge of the arrangements. Details of Brady's celebration of life will be announced in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the donor's choice, with a preference for pediatric or youth-based charities. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Brady.