Lou Bachrodt

Lou Bachrodt, a tremendous husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to the Rockford Community, passed away Friday, April 13, 2007. His love of God, family, friends, and community will continue to be an inspiration to so many he touched throughout his lifetime. Lou was born in Lovilla, Iowa, on May 8, 1918. He was the oldest of seven children. Lou graduated from Dowling High School at the age of 16, never missing a single day of school in 11 years. He proudly served his country during WWII in the Army Air Force. He then enrolled at Capital City Commercial College and completed his studies to begin his career in the automotive business. Lous first job was with a Chevrolet Dealership in Boone, Iowa, and later became the youngest zone business manager ever at General Motors Company. Lou entered the automotive retail market after a successful career with General Motors. In 1949, he became part owner in GM of the Paul Manning Dealership in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1953 Lou was invited to take control of the Rockford franchise, which he purchased outright in 1958. In 1963, he built and opened a new dealership at Christina Street and Blackhawk Park Ave. In 1980 he moved from that location to the present home of Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall in Cherry Valley, IL. Most important, Lou met and loved Irene Wickstrom, his wife of 65 years, whom he married on June 28, 1941. He was the proud father of Lou Bachrodt III, Richard Bachrodt, Pat Bachrodt, Mary (Bachrodt) Costello and Kathleen Bachrodt. He moved his family to Rockford, IL in 1953 and fell in love with the Rockford/Northern Illinois area. He worked on numerous projects to enhance and progress this community. The project of building Boylan Central Catholic High School was his favorite. Lou was also a past president of the International Serra Club. He remained active in supporting area projects until his very last day. Lou is survived by his wife, Irene Bachrodt, children Lou Bachrodt III (Denise) of Boca Raton, FL, Richard Bachrodt (Margaret), Pat Bachrodt, Mary Costello (Tom), grandchildren Bill, Craig, Sean, Shannon, Karin, Michael, Rachel, Rebecca, Patrick, Lauren, Jacqi, Danielle, and great-grandchildren Morgan, Hunter, Madeline, Liam, Andrew, and Addie, brothers Herman Bachrodt and Paul Bachrodt and sisters Margie Muelhaupt, Eileen Bates, Helen Erickson, and Mary Aschenbrenner. Lou was predeceased by his daughter, Kathleen Bachrodt and his grandchild, Kelly Patrick.. The family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to all of the staff at Proven Cor Mariae and Interim Home Care. Funeral Mass to be celebrated on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church. Interment will be held in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, April 16 from 4-7 p.m. in Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with a rosary service to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9-9:45 on Tuesday at church. In lieu of flowers please make memorials in his name to: Boylan Central Catholic High School Education Foundation.