Longtime Claremont resident Paul Brodt died on February 21, 2009 at the age of 73.  

Born and raised in Elmhurst, Illinois, Mr. Brodt shared his young life with mother Emma, father Lothar, brother Cameron, dachshund Clown and mutt Whiskers. His lifelong love of golf was established in 1951 upon hitting a “hole in one” at the Elmhurst Country Club where his parents played golf and he held a position as a caddy. 

The young Mr. Brodt was educated at St. John’s Military Academy in Wisconsin until graduating in 1953.  He then continued his studies by earning a bachelor’s degree at Denison University in Granville, Ohio in 1957.  

Mr. Brodt married his high school sweet heart, Audrey Muskat, in 1958.  The couple lived in Glenview, Illinois where they raised 3 daughters: Brenda, Pam and Valerie. The family created precious memories together while enjoying ski trips to Colorado and competing nationally in horseback riding. 

Mr. Brodt’s career path was focused on manufacturing equipment sales. He began his career with an early tenure at Triangle Packaging Company in Chicago, Illinois.  In 1971, he enhanced his career by accepting a position with Bell & Howell’s Phillipsburgh Division where he demonstrated a talent for selling high tech mail equipment. 

During his 27 years with Bell & Howell, Mr. Brodt earned several promotions, some of which included assistant national sales manager, national sales manager, western regional sales manager and vice president.  

“Mr. Brodt was a valued employee of Bell & Howell, an esteemed sales leader and always known for his steadiness and grace,” stated longtime friend and coworker Brad Baggarly. 

In 1985, Mr. Brodt moved to Claremont to continue his career and establish a new home for himself.  Claremont proved to be a warm and welcoming place where he quickly developed a large circle of intimate lifelong friends and family.

Mr. Brodt retired from Bell & Howell in 1998.  During retirement, he enjoyed camping, traveling and visiting his 6 grandchildren. 

In November 2006, Mr. Brodt was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.  Then, in January 2007, he hit another “hole in one” from the 17th tee at the Upland Hills Country Club, proving the disease did not keep him from his golf game. 

“Mr. Brodt held a special place in the hearts of all that knew him.  His beloved friends remember a strong and vibrant man with a large welcoming smile.  His children remember him as a devoted father with a strong demeanor and tender heart,” wrote his daughters in a remembrance.  

Mr. Brodt is survived by his 3 children, Brenda Brodt Steebner, Pamela Brodt and Valerie Brodt Kuyvenhoven; and by his 6 grandchildren, Cody, Dillon, Marco, Kyra, Alexa and Haley.

A celebration of Mr. Brodt’s life will be held at noon on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the Upland Hills Country Club.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to National Jewish Health. This organization conducts cutting-edge research on a cure for Pulmonary Fibrosis. Visit http://www.nationaljewish.org/help/programs/joy-memorial.aspx

and click on “donate now.” You will be asked for an address to notify the family of your donation. Please send your gift notification to Brenda Brodt, 7022 E. Townsend Dr., Highlands Ranch, CO 80130.