Roger Milton Brodale

Roger Milton Brodale was a very special man. He was born January 6th, 1925, in Ottosen, Iowa, to Glen Alfred and Mary (Madsen) Brodale. Roger was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. He is preceded in death by his wife, Louise Ida (Lado) Brodale, brothers Glen Alfred Brodale, Gilbert Byron Brodale, and sister Janet Othelia (Brodale) McAlister. Roger is survived by his brother Franklin Nelson Brodale. Roger is also survived by his children, Paul Bryan Brodale, Beverly Eileen (Brodale) Sconce, Howard Nelson Brodale, and Abbie Louise (Brodale) Waltenburg. Roger was an accomplished Army Air Corps/Air Force pilot. He also completed a short flying stint with United Airlines, before he was voluntarily recalled for the Korean War. Following his recall, Roger met his future wife, Louise Ida Lado, who was a military flight nurse, assigned to his aeroevac squadron. As a military pilot, Roger was well known for his flying expertise, teaching younger pilots multi-engine aircraft emergency procedures requiring flight with multiple engine failures. Roger also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star for flying more than 400 combat missions in Vietnam. He retired as a Major in 1971. After retiring from the military, Roger went into drafting, working for several companies, laying out designs for many systems, including conveyor belts. Sharing a gift with his father, Roger was truly fascinated by machines and their inner workings – “he could fix anything.” He was an avid RVer. He bought and re-furbished several travel trailers and a motor home and made trips to Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and Alaska. Roger was an accomplished woodworker, creating unique household furniture items with his Shopsmith, including a wall bookcase capable of holding over 400 books. He was also a self taught home construction engineer, building several, well-crafted additions to the houses he owned. Roger was an animal lover, especially committed to cats. Many cats would come to know the “Brodale backyard” as their home and a place for a free meal. Roger Milton Brodale -- our father, our mentor, and our friend – you will be missed – WE LOVE YOU DAD!! In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Muscle Dystrophy Association (MDA) or the USO. The following is a poem titled “Bereaved,” written by Roger’s mother: “When Darkness falls, and day is ended; Once more I pray; How can my broken heart be mended When all of love has gone away? When two of us had always been together How can I walk alone? For when I call there’s no one left to answer; To share what once we called our home. The days are long and nights are endless And sleep is far away. And I’m alone and feel defenseless No one’s near to hear me when I pray. It’s time like these we need a friend, Who knows our sorrow, Someone our broken hearts to mend To guide our steps into a new tomorrow. Yes. We have a friend. His name is Jesus; We have a friend indeed. Who’s tender care surrounds us And oh, His love is all we need. By Mary (Madsen) Brodale, July 14, 1990, published Ft Dodge Messenger.

Tributes

Roger Milton Brodale

January 6, 1925 - April 27, 2023