Frank Henry Brodel
Marriages
Margaret Paustenbach
Burial Details
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 3 D Obituary - July 20, 2014
Hotchkiss, Colorado resident,
Frank Brodel, known by most
as Farmer Frank, passed away
peacefully on Saturday, July 12,
2014, at his home behind the
shopping center he and his wife
started in 1963. He was 91 years
of age.
There will be a private family
service in his home per his request.
Frank Brodel was born in Germany.
At the age of three, he and
his parents came to the United
States, settling in Reading, PA.
After high school, he worked
construction in a Naval Dry
Dock in Puerto Rico. He served
in WWII as a US Navy deck officer
for the Merchant Marines.
He was stationed in Seattle,
WA, where he met his wife of
69 years. After the war, he was
an ornamental iron worker in his Dad’s business. Later he worked
as a production control manager and purchasing agent for Spartan
Engineering in L.A., CA.
Then, in an effort to leave the crime and population of the city behind,
he moved his family to the very small town of Baywood Park,
CA. He was the postmaster there and he and his wife started their
first retail business - The Tribe Shop - selling shoes and clothing.
When crime reached Baywood Park, they ventured to Steamboat
Springs, opening Brodel’s Dept Store. In an effort to own their own
store - at an affordable price - they moved us to our first farm on
Hwy. 133, east of Hotchkiss, where they made their dream become
a reality.
Starting with Farmer Frank’s Shoe Barn in 1963 (now in it’s 51st
year), they eventually also sold mobile homes, sporting goods,
hardware and clothing - creating a job for all of us!
Mickey and the boys tried their hand at raising chickens, pigs,
sheep and cows, while Frank did the irrigating and concentrated on
selling shoes. He was a superb salesman and businessman.
He was a wonderful father and will always be remembered as
gentle and kind, with a quiet sense of humor - which stayed with
him to the end.
He is survived by his five children, Rick and his wife, Candy;
Keita and her husband, Cliff; Kendall and his wife, Carol; Martin,
and Mary and her husband, Ken; seven grandchildren and eight
great-grandchildren.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made in Frank’s
memory to Hospice and Palliative Care, POB 24, Delta, CO.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral
Service and Crematory.
View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at
taylorfuneralservice.com.
