John William Brodeen

John William “Bill” Brodeen, Jr., 79, a family man, an accomplished duffer, fisherman, hunter, and natty dresser, passed in peace on Monday, May 6th, 2019 after a long battle with a terminal illness. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years, America, and his children, Brook (Kelly), Holly (CJ), Leticia (Karen), Manuel, and Saul (Brandi).  Grandpa Bill had 10 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. John William “Bill” Brodeen, Jr. was born in Twin Falls, ID on June 28th 1939 to John William Brodeen, Sr. and Nola (nee Thueson) Brodeen. Bill attended schools in Twin Falls and Buhl High School where he graduated in 1957.  A well-known and liked young man he helped manage the family farm which left no time for athletics (though he though an avid sportsman; a passion he carried throughout his life and passed on to his children).  At 21 his father purchased a membership Clear Lakes Country Club which led to Bill’s love for the links and he became a talented golfer; playing in multiple amateur tournaments throughout the state over the years. Later in life he and his wife America enjoyed playing in the Idaho Couples Chapman Association.  An adventurous young man, Bill left the family farm and joined the Navy right after graduation to see the world.  He trained to be a Boiler Technician, achieving the rank of Boiler Technician Petty Officer Second Class (BT2). During his time in the service he served on the USS Forster (DER-334) and visited ports in Japan, Hong Kong, Republic of the Philippines, and Hawaii. He shared stories of taking small boats (and cases of San Miguel) down rivers to native encampments. Here the American envoys/sailors would develop and promote diplomatic relationships by playing softball and sharing a hot beer with the locals in 110+ degree weather. While in Hawaii he purchased a Harley Davidson motorcycle and spent many a day and night cruising the streets of Oahu. Always an impeccable dresser, he had suits custom-made in Hong Kong; suits that still hung in his closet 50 years later and would never be considered “out of style”. Bill was honorably discharged in 1961 and returned to Buhl where he promptly moved to Pocatello and briefly attended Idaho State University (ISU). After moving back to Buhl, Bill met and started dating Carol Jean Farmer.  Bill and Carol Jean were married in November 24th, 1962 in Woodland, CA in a double ceremony with Carol Jean’s sister Lavon and Gary Bonar. Bill and Carol Jean lived in Buhl where they farmed down the lane from his parents and during which period baby boy, Brook William, was born.  The family moved to Seattle and lived in Ballard. While in WA Bill worked for General Electric. Not used to the weather, traffic and missing their families, after a short period, they moved back to Idaho and where Bill was employed by Troy Laundry; it was while back in Idaho that baby girl, Holly Jean, joined the little family. Ultimately Bill, Carol Jean, Brook, and Holly moved to Escondido, CA where they spent approximately 10 years.  It was in CA, that Bill continued his career in sales; he worked for Arrowhead where he earned many accolades and awards such as Man of the Year. The family moved back to Twin Falls in 1976 and with the assistance of his father, Bill purchased Hunter Motel and Trailer Park on Kimberly Road. In addition to managing the trailer park with this wife, Bill also worked sales in various car dealerships in the area. Bill lost his wife, Carol Jean in 1978; an untimely death related to medical complications. With the support of family, he carried on as a single father, caring for his son, Brook and daughter, Holly. In late 1978 Bill met his second wife, America Solis (nee Arambula).  It was a brief courtship resulting in marriage on March 26th, 1979.  America, also a widow, had three children; Leticia, Manuel, and Saul; thus the family of three soon became a family of seven. For years Bill continued in sales, all the while engaging in his favorite pastimes with family and friends. Whether it was golfing, fishing, hunting, or camping Bill thoroughly enjoyed all that “his Idaho” provided.  There was no doubt that Bill was enthusiastic about the outdoors. He was a conscious sportsman and an active member of Ducks Unlimited. In addition, he held several positions (including President) of the Men’s Golf Association at Twin Falls Municipal. Bill and America were of Muni, Jerome Country Club and the Idaho Couples Golf Association.  Bill shared his interests with his wife and children; passions which they carry forward to this day and are passing on to the next generation. Although not a one to talk about his feelings, his family meant the world to him. He pretended to be gruff and tough yet as witnessed these last couple of years, he was a man full of emotion, love, care and compassion. Well-liked by others, Bill was known for his kindness and gentle demeanor; the twinkle in his eye was evidence of his mischievous nature. In 2004 Bill was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He opted out of aggressive treatment and lived for 15 years with this illness. It was during an exam in 2017 for other issues that Bill learned that the prostate cancer had metastasized and he received a terminal diagnosis. Bill was lovingly cared for in his home by his wife, America. His partner and best friend, America and family were with Bill until the last moments; enveloping him love. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home on Monday, May 13th beginning at 9:00 with a viewing and the service at 10:00. Reception to follow. The family would like to thank the staff at MISTI. The ER, ICU, Hospice Care Teams, and special thank you to 4th floor RNs, Patty, Paige, and Nancy at St. Luke’s. We could not have gotten through this without your care and support.