Farmer Frank
Brodel
June 7, 1923 ~ July 12, 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 3, 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., California.
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
Department 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; as well as 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.