Vernon Brodeen

Vernon Theodore Brodeen, 87, died Monday, July 7, 2014 at Fountain West in West Des Moines.

Vernon was born November 18, 1926 in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Theodore Nathaniel and Effie (Swenson) Brodeen. He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1944, where he excelled at football and took part in the Athletic Club and Honor Guard. Vernon served in the US Army from 1945 to 1946. Upon his honorable discharge, he attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. He graduated in 1951 with a BS in Business Administration and was a member of Gamma Phi Omega. Vernon moved to Des Moines and worked as a Supervisor and Consultant for Bankers Life from 1951 until his retirement in 1992. Vernon met the love of his life, Jeri Rossean and on July 11, 1959, he married her and her three daughters. In 1961, they celebrated again as Vernon’s adoption of the girls was finalized. Vernon was a member of Grand View Lutheran Church and enjoyed gardening, fishing, bowling, and golf.

Vernon is survived by his daughters, Michele (William) Snyder, Vicki (Fred) Richards, and Dana Day; 6 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and sister, Lorraine Tressel.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jeri; brother, Leland; and sister, Marlene.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 2014 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 11 at Grand View Lutheran Church, 2930 E 13th St, Des Moines with burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Vernon’s funeral is taking place in the church where he and Jeri were married. Friday, July 11th would have marked their 55th wedding anniversary.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Grand View Lutheran Church.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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