Bradley Brody Obituary

Bradley Mark Brody was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on March 13, 1960. He lived an incredible life full of love and laughter and made a tremendous impact during his sixty-four years.

Giving back to the Des Moines community and making a difference in the lives around him were at his core. He volunteered for thirty-three years as a paramedic with West Des Moines EMS. This eventually led him to become a founding board member of the West Des Moines EMS Alliance, a public and private partnership between West Des Moines EMS and UnityPoint Health. This strategic alliance was the first of its kind in the State of Iowa and lasted fifteen years, safely transporting over 63,000 patients.

He continued his board service as the first board chair for the John Stoddard Cancer Center advisory board and was a co-chair of the Heart Ball for the American Heart Association. All of this work led him to join the UnityPoint Health - Des Moines board in 2006, and he served continuously until 2023. He became an executive board member for UnityPoint Health - Des Moines and eventually became the Chairman of the UnityPoint Health System, a $4.6B multi-state system serving over 1.2M people annually.

During his tenure, he served as Treasurer, Chair Elect, and then as Chair for over four years, the longest tenure of anyone holding that position in decades. Under his leadership, UnityPoint created the first-ever Young Advisory Council focusing on emerging leaders under 40 years of age. As Chair, he championed intentional efforts around equity, inclusion, and diversity. He was a believer that “all are welcome” at UnityPoint Health. The hospitals, clinics, and the wider community have all deeply benefited from his willingness to serve others through his board leadership. He led by example with integrity, transparency and purpose, and was recognized with the Excellence in Governance Award by Modern Healthcare in 2023 for his tremendous contributions to the community.

He was also a very successful businessman and real estate developer, with development projects nationwide. In recent years, his primary work involved developing stores for Tractor Supply Company. Brad was also the founder of The Picker Knows Antiques and Collectibles and Decades Event Center, both of which he operated in Des Moines alongside his son, Zachary.

Brad loved to laugh, and he did it often. His infectious laughter filled the room, and it was impossible not to be happy just being in his presence. He also loved the Iowa State Fair, and never missed a single year of attendance, attending every single day. He was a loyal fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and loved discussing games with his father, Elliot. He also loved to golf and watch the Andy Griffith Show, but more than anything else, he loved to spend time with his family and friends.

His biggest joy in life came from time spent with his family. He met the love of his life, Amy, in 1984, and they shared thirty-six years of joy, friendship, and happiness in their marriage until Amy’s sudden passing in 2022. He was fortunate to find love again and spent the last two years of his life with his partner, Judi.

He was also incredibly proud of his children, Brittany and Zachary, something he told them daily when they spoke. His relationship with his children was uniquely beautiful. They shared a bond that is hard to describe; they were best friends, and had endless inside jokes. He supported them passionately but could also make them laugh harder than anyone else could. The void he leaves in their lives is immeasurable.

Last December, Brad also became a grandfather when Brittany and her husband, Sam, welcomed identical twin girls, Ayla and London. Being a grandpa brought him indescribable happiness over the last nine months. He was able to spend several months with the twins this year and FaceTimed with them daily.

Brad was diagnosed with glioblastoma in July 2023, but he fought a brilliant battle with this vicious disease. He was a pillar of strength for his family and vowed to live his life to the fullest in the time he had.

As a complication of his diagnosis, Brad passed away suddenly on September 5, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife, Amy Brody. He is survived by his son, Zachary (Katie Whitlow) Brody; daughter, Brittany (Samuel) Blaustein; partner, Judi Springgate; parents, Elliot (Helene) Brody; sisters, Cindy (Mitchell) Caplan, Stacey Brody; brothers, Jeffrey (Stacie) Brody, Steven Brody; as well as his nieces and nephews whom he loved very much, and an endless network of loved ones and friends.

The family would like to thank their West Des Moines EMS/Fire family, along with the doctors, nurses, and support team at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, and the entire team at Duke University, specifically Dr. Henry Friedman and Dr. Allan Friedman, for their kindness, love, and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, the UnityPoint Health Foundation, or Tifereth Israel Synagogue.

The funeral service will be held at Tifereth Israel Synagogue on Sunday, September 8 at 2 p.m., with Rabbi Neal Schuster officiating. Interment will be at Jewish Glendale Cemetery, immediately following the service. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

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