Bradley John Werth

Bradley John Werth, 61, passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023. Brad was doing routine yard work when he was stung multiple times by ground bees and suffered from a severe anaphylactic reaction. He was transported by ambulance to Liberty Hospital, where he remained in ICU for several days with family and friends by his side.

Brad was born in St. Paul, MN on December 11, 1961. His family later moved to Forest Lake, MN where he graduated from Forest Lake High School. He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN where he graduated with a degree in Economics. He then attended the University of Arizona and received his master’s degree in Agricultural Economics. As a teen, Brad began working for the family businesses at Central Radiator and Durafin Manufacturing, later progressing into a partnership in the industry.

In 1987 he met the love of his life, Jill Bakos. They married on August 8th, 1992, and moved to Omaha, NE where Brad opened and managed a Midwest Radiator branch. In 2001 they moved to Kansas City, MO. Brad and business partners and longtime friends, Greg, and Mardy Lundgren, purchased a Midwest Radiator branch. They built a successful radiator repair and parts wholesale business. They sold the business in 2022 and Brad retired in February of 2023.

Brad will be remembered for many things, including his kindness, generosity, integrity, intelligence, his funny sense of humor, and his love of life. His mantra for life was “be kind.”

Brad loved warm weather and sunshine. He enjoyed regular walks with Jill, golf, snowboarding, wake boarding, power boating, and sailing. Being on the water with Jilly truly was his “happy place.” He loved playing hockey which he played for almost 50 years. He enjoyed watching hockey and college football while cheering for his teams, the St. Louis Blues and the University of Arizona Wildcats. Brad was enthusiastic about knowledge and learning. It was important to him to be aware of what was happening in the world around us. Brad cherished his family and friends. Brad and Jill loved spending time together.

Brad is survived by his wife, Jill; his brother, Mark Werth (Patti); sister, Kristin Retica; sister-in-law, Jenni (Patrick); sister-in-law, Jodi (David); brother-in-law, John (Patricia); and brother-in-law; Eugene; and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Sharon and Dale Werth.

Service and Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, September 23rd at Smithville Lake, Missouri. Shelter #0-Sailboat Cove, 4619 Chapel Rd., Smithville, MO 64089. Memorial service begins at 3:00 PM, followed by the Celebration of Life with food until 7 PM. Look for the Gazebo and tents. Casual dress recommended (lake attire is appropriate). The park has an entrance fee of $6 (cash) per vehicle.

If you would like, please bring a copy of your favorite photo of Brad that Jill can put in a memory book.

Jill and family would like to thank the many outstanding doctors, nurses, and staff at Liberty Hospital for their kindness and care during a very difficult time.