Brad Geist
November 20, 1975 ~ August 17, 2011
Brad Earl Geist was born on November 20, 1975 at Dakota Hospital in Fargo ND, to Melvin and Vicki (Marcuson) Geist. He was raised in Fargo and attended school graduating from Fargo South High School in 1994. While in high school Brad joined the North Dakota Army National Guard, and was employed by RTI as an active army instructor in Camp Grafton until the time of his death. While in the Guard, Brad was deployed to Iraq and Kosovo. He was married in December 2005 to Elisha Storstad. In 2007 they welcomed daughter Madysen, the light of Brad's life.
Brad died on August 17, 2011 at Sanford Health in Fargo.
Brad was a true soldier. Even through his death he continues to save lives. He was always known for his kindness and giving attitude. His final act of kindness was to give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.
Brad was an excellent and loving father to Madysen. He loved spending time with his daughter and the rest of his family. He was an avid bowler as well as a shooter and gun enthusiast. He enjoyed life, loved to laugh, make people laugh, and play jokes on his friends and family. He was a very good mentor to those under his command and fellow peers.
He is survived by his daughter, Madysen; his parents, Melvin and Vicki Geist of Fargo; His twin brother, Chad (Sharon) Geist of Fargo, sister, Andrea (Tony) Ladouceur of Fargo; wife, Elisha Geist of Fargo; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles. He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
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Swansea MaHaving lost Sgt Kyle Harrington in an accident in Iraq just prior to his son’s 6th and his moms birthday I know the difficult time you are facing. Our soldiers are doing what they truley believe giving others the freedom we take for granted.
My you take comfort in the prayers offered by so many in the days and years to come. The hurt never leaves but the memories of the good times give comfort. Kyles Aunt Cindy
queen creek azRIP SOLDIER YOU AREA TRUE HERO, YOU CAN NOW BE AT PEACE
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY’S FOR YUOR FAMILY
Stow OHI am so sorry to hear of the lost of Brad.
I know you don’t even know me but I have a son in Afganistan right now and I can only imagine how deep your pain must be. May the Lord give you Grace during this time and reassurance to know that Brad is with HIM. May God bless you all and I will be keeping you in my prayers. Sincerely, AnnMarie Rigby
West Byfleet Surrey,United KingdomBrad
I never knew you,may you find peace in heaven.God Bless you.
Take solace that your family will be taken off.
R.I.P
Hugo MN
My heart goes out to the family. I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Brad. What a terrible tradegy. My prayers will always be with you.
Sincerely,
God Bless
Dovey
Oklahoma City Oklahoma”STRENGTH AND HONOR MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!”
Dear Elisha and family, my sincere sympathy to you. I just heard of this sad news. Thoughts and prayers are with you and Madysen at this time.
Grand Forks ND
Wow, It has been a week now since you passed away and I still find it hard to beleive. I hadn’t really seen you much in the past few months, except by looking at Mady. It is nice to know that you still live on, not only through Madysen but also through our fond memories of you. I hope you are thinking up some good comebacks while you are in heaven cuz man am I going to have to make up for lost time. Brad, you will forever be in our thoughts and hearts. Until we all meet again….
Grand Junction ColoradoMy heartfelt sympathies for your loss. I wish I knew the words that would ease your pain. Please know that I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. I am so very thankful for the service and protection that Brad provided. I am thankful that he had a loving, supporting wife that he knew he could depend on. I am thankful for his beautiful daughter and the living legacy she will be for her dad. I am thankful for his parents that raised an outstanding man. Again, please accept my sympathy for your loss. I am so sorry.
Mesa Az. USAVicki and Melvin
my sympathy to you.I worked with you Vicki at GNC,ever so long ago.I remember you bringing those dark haired cute twin boys into the plant sometiemes.I have only seen you once in all these years.It was always a joy knowing you.
Keney
Bristow VASaddened by the loss of a father to his daughter and a husband to his wife.
God speed SFC Geist.
My thoughts and prayers to your family. He was a bright light taken way too soon.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, I was devestated to hear about his passing.
Madison WII hadn’t talked to Brad since high school, but am so sorry to hear this sad news. He really was a great guy, and my prayers are with his family.
New Salem ND
Brad and I deployed to Kosovo together, he was an amazing soldier & man. My deepest sympathies go out to his entire family.
Geist family,
I offer my sincere condolences at this time of great loss. The bible offers encouraging thought at Revalation 21:3,4. I hope you enjoy it.
nDI have known brad since 2004. He was a very down to earth smart man. He was always the type of person who made people laugh. He served for our country n was always a hero to people he knew or did not know. I will always remember his smile laugh n dedication to his country. my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the people he served with in our country. we are going to miss you brad.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family! May Madysen always have wonderful memories of her Dad!
Fertile MN
To the fellow soildier Brad Geist who served with A231st in the army we will all miss you buddy and say hello to terry for all of us we will and always have you guys in are hearts and will be with you some day but as for now ill come look for you and all my family and friends when i get to heven
West Fargo ND
I will always remember Brad as a intelligent, humorous, guy with a martini dry sense of humor. I looked up to Brad and didn’t everyone? Gee that guy was tall! Brad always had a different and interesting perspective on the things going on around him. We served together in Iraq and a short trip to Korea. I will never forget how thrilled Brad was when he returned from a custom fitting with a Korean tailor. I think a custom tailored brand new suit was going to cost him about $150.00. He was so impressed with the quality, he went back and ordered a couple more suits before we left Korea. For a time in Iraq, he was the driver for the Battalion Commander. An interesting job only allowed for bright, articulate soldiers that knew when to talk and when not to. I noticed Brad did not always fit well into a HUMVEE. I think he’ll be a perfect fit in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Glyndon MN
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Mandi Thompson (friend of Sharon and Chad)
“I’m 3, then I’m going to be 4 then 5. I will never to see you again, cause you died. [Mom says] you are are in heaven, invisible up in the sky watching me. You love me. I’m going to give you a toy [to bring with you] for heaven. I growl like you said to keep the bad guys away. I want my daddy [when I go to bed] and now I can’t see or talk to him again. I’m sad. I love you and miss you!” Love Mady.
Austin TexasSo wish I could be There. The Twins and I grew up together. I met the twins in 5th grad in Mr Melarvie’s Class. We all lived next to gether growing up. Got our first cars together. And played cb tag. Break 1…3… for Nightstocker! This is Q-ball! You Will be missed. Chad, Jay, Shana, anybody from the old crew call me. Texas — 512-769-6685 .
Fargo ND
Brad will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to his wife and daughter as I know he will be missed.
Fargo ND
When I first started working up at Camp Grafton Brad was my roomate. He and I shared many laughs and a couple beers. A few days prior to his accident we were joking around and as always he had a smile, a laugh, and a quick witted comment. Brad was a fantastic guy who will be missed by everyone who had the chance to know him.
There is no way to know the sadness that you are going through without having experienced something similar. But if nothing else knowing that you had the time you did with Brad there will always be a bright memory to look back upon.
Billings MontanaWe are flying the flag at Half-Mast here in Billings to honor one more American Hero guarding Heaven’s Gates.
Semper Fidelis.
W.T. Gordon Jr.
CAPT / USMC(Ret)
My heart is breaking for the entire Geist Family. Please know I have been thinking of you and hope you find peace during this difficult time.
Krista
Fargo ND
I had the distinct pleasure and honor of knowing and working with Brad in the past for several years in a civilian setting, we assured delivery of money from the Federal Reserve throughout various states to banks. We spent more time with one another then our own families. We were very close as partners in our positions, which of coarse was camaraderie like that of brothers. I’m very, very deeply saddened by his passing he was and is a hero among all man. My warmest deepest heart felt sympathies go out to his wife, daughter and entire family. He shall never be forgotten.
Fargo ND
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I worked at the Bowler for 8 years and Brad was a bowler there. He was a amazingly nice guy and I will always remember his smiling face. Him and Chad were so close and I admired that. I hope time can heal the pain.
Stacy Hanson
Bismarck ND
I will long forever remember SFC Brad Geist as a Soldier and Leader in the ND
Army National Guard. I had the honor and privilege of serving with him in the 142nd from Sep 2000 – Sep 2004 (including n Korea and Iraq missions) then again when we brought him on as an instructor at the RTI. I will always remember his dry sense of humor, his stolid look that would slowly turn into one of the biggest smiles I have ever seen. My deepest sympathies to his family and the rest friends as his loss cannot be replaced.
Moorhead, MN
I remember Brad coming to The Bowler dressed all sharply in his military uniform, obviously outdressing everyone in the place! My thoughts are with you during this time.
The news has only continued to be a shock to me. I am so thankful that we were able to spend the weekend together during the MSP course last month. I only wish I had taken you up on the offer to grab a beer and catch up! It was an honor serving with you including our deployment to Iraq. I will forever miss your contagious smile. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and Madysen during this difficult time. .
Argusville ND
To Family & Friends of Brad:
We did not know Brad, but our son, Cory Thompson, was his bunk mate in Iraq. Reading about Brad, his love for life and laughter – we can only imagine the noise the two of them made together over there. Cory is the same so I am glad they were put together. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the family…may your flags fly high with pride and may God hold you close during this time.
Kris and Tom Thompson
Fargo ND
I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with your family in this difficult time.
Devils Lake ND
My deepest sympathy to the family of Brad, he will always be a “Brother” at the RTI.
Fargo North Dakota
Your great smile and Humor…WILL…be missed!
Bismarck ND
Brad was an amazing person and most definetely a true soldier!! I had the honor of being his XO while he was in the 231st BSB and also to be part of his send off and reintegration drills after his Kosovo deployment. He was a fine soldier, whom I still and will always hear wonderful things about. He was dedicated and truly cared about those he lead. He was an awesome asset at the RTI and I know that he left an impression on many students that went through his training classes. To his wife, Elisha, and his beautiful daughter: I too have had the chance to meet both of you and you are amazing as well. Elisha your strength,love and eternal memories of Brad will live on in your daughter. Know that Brad will forever be looking down on both of you making sure you are safe. If there is ever anything I can do please do not hesitate to contact me. God Bless!!!
Fergus Falls MN
I’m sorry I will not be able to attend. But know that you will always be in my heart. You were a wonderful person and you will be greatly missed.
West Fargo ND
It was an honor to serve in Iraq with you Brad. Prayers are with your family from mine.
Inkster ND
I had the privilege of knowing Brad, he was married to my daughter and gave me the gift of a wonderful granddaughter Mady. You will forever be missed.
West Fargo ND
Brad,
Well buddy, I know that God has a good plan for you and I know you will serve him well as you served your Nation well. I know you will look down upon your family and your brothers and sisters in arms and guide us each day.
Your smile, kindness, and your overwhelming ability to teach will be purely missed. I can only hope I can mentor and teach like you could..
Take care brother.. you will be missed…
Fargo ND
I met Brad when he was 17 yrs old and just joined the ARMY National Guard. He is one of the people who made a great impression on me and I will never forget him. I am so saddened by his passing. I am so greatful I knew him or I never would have known Chad, who also played a big roll in my life. It is difficult for me to realize he is really gone. Far to young to leave this world. My deepest sympathies to Melvin, Vicki, Chad, Andrea, Elisha, Madysen and the rest of the Geist family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Blessed Be Brad! May we see eachother again.
Fargo ND
My heart and love to all those affected by the tragic passing of Brad. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and all who knew him. May he look down upon his family and keep them safe from harm, especially his beautiful daughter.
Fargo Bossman,
You are such an inspiration to so many people. Thank you for everything you have taught me, and thank you for being such a great leader, mentor, and most of all friend. You touched the lives of those around you, and continue to change lives even now after you are gone…we all love you and miss you so very much.
-SPC Wendel
Hawley MN
Brad was always such a kind person all through elementary, Junior High and High School. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, daughter and the rest of his family. Rest in Peace, Hero.
St. Paul I had the pleasure of growing up in Fargo with Brad. I am deeply saddened to hear of his families loss. I keep thinking over and over again how when in Kosovo and Iraq all Brad wanted to do was to see his daughter, his wife, and ride his bike. I am glad he was able to do those things before going to God. Prayers to all of his family and know you are in my thoughts.
New Rockford Nd I had the privelage and the honor of meeting Brad. He was such a happy person. I enjoyed talking to him and he was a blessing to all who knew him. He talked highly of his daugher and wife. He is and will always be missed.
Good bye Brad. I didn’t know you very long, but you were a great friend. I am saddened by your passing.
My sympathy goes out to your family, especially your little girl.
I will miss you…..
Rest in Peace and fly with the angels….
Blaine MN
I know that we haven’t seen or kept in touch with each other since jr. high, but your smile was always a memory that I held with great fondness. My not staying in contact with you will be a continued regret.
When we meet again, at the journey’s end, we will laugh together once more and I will have a thousand things to tell you.
I will miss you greatly.
Jamestown ND
Melvin, Vicki and family.
My Thoughts are with you at this time of tragedy and loss. Thanks for allowing Brad to fulfill his sense of giving by being a donor. I am sure many people were able to benefit from this service. Take comfort in the knowledge that he is not suffering even though it is hard to lose him like this. Everyone will miss him and his sense of being. He will be remembered every time we get together.
We will see you on Saturday.
Take care of each other as we never know when it will be our time.
Live life to the fullest and don’t wait until tomorrow to say we love you to each other.
Love always Shirly
Wilton North Dakota
Brad was a great guy he will be missed by all!!
Rest in peace my friend
tell we meet again..Fly Free!!
Our thoughts and prayers are with Melvin, Vicki and the entire family. We will be thinking of all of you and know we all now have another angel in heaven watching over us.
Love, Arla, Jr., Tona, Amy & Christopher
Jamestown ND
My thoughts and prayers are with Brad’s family, Melvin and Vickie, Chad & Family.
Take comfort in knowing family and friends have you in our hearts and you are not alone in your grief during this time of loss.
Brad will be deeply missed!