Roger Cleveland Broadt, age 91, of Bloomsburg, passed on into eternity on August 20, 2025, a patient of the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. Roger was a resident of his home in Main Township for over 68 years.
Roger was born on Sunday, April 15, 1934 in Bloomsburg, a son of the late Paul H. Broadt and wife Lois, and the late Mildred (Christy) Knelly. He graduated from the Bloomsburg High School. He married his high school sweetheart Marilyn Shuman on July 4, 1958 who preceded him in death on October 30, 2017. For the 59 years together, they built a successful farm equipment business and raised their two sons, David and Dan. In 1965, he founded Tractor Parts Co., located on Central Road, Bloomsburg. He built a successful business selling not only farm equipment parts but worked with many manufacturers including: Kubota, John Deere, Kawasaki, Mahindra and many more. Roger was a member of the Masonic Lodge 349 and Caldwell Consistory. Those who knew him, knew he always stayed busy. He would rather stay home with his family than travel and was always willing to help when needed. As a private pilot, he loved to fly and owned multiple airplanes since 1959. He was a member of the AOPA and EAA.
Roger, for many years, served as Elder in his church, the Emanuel Reformed Church of Mainville, he also served as a teacher and superintendent of Mainville Community Sunday School. He served as Fire Chief of Main Twp. Fire Company from 1986-2000. In high school Roger worked for various Main Township farmers in the summers, then worked 3pm to midnight at the former Regent Manufacturing on Route 11, Bloomsburg making ponchos until he got a job setting up farm machinery at Hess Farm Equipment, an International Harvester dealer on Old Berwick Road. After graduating, he moved to New Jersey and worked for a large International Harvester dealer, as a parts man for several years. In 1955 he was drafted in the U.S. Army and served in Korea for 16 months as a diesel mechanic keeping diesel generators running at all the local US Army facilities. He arrived back home in 1957 and went back to work for Hess Farm Equipment, as a parts manager until he and Marilyn started their Tractor Parts Co. in 1965.
In addition to his parents and wife, Roger was also preceded in death by son, David R. Broadt on March 18, 2023 and a half-brother, Adam Knelly.
Survivors include his son: Daniel R. Broadt and Carolyn of Bloomsburg, daughter in law, Betty J. Broadt of Bloomsburg; six grandchildren: Bethany Broadt Flagg and husband Bruce of Bloomsburg, Jonathan Broadt of Bloomsburg, Rebecca Winkler and husband Aaron of Bethlehem, Kristen Gol and husband Dan of Center Valley, Michael Broadt of York, Joshua Broadt of Bloomsburg; five great grandchildren; half sibling, Dolly Carsia of TX.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc. 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg. Additional Visitation Monday, August 25, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Emanuel Reformed Church of Mainville, 146 Church Road, Bloomsburg.
Funeral Services will begin on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Emanuel Reformed Church of Mainville with Pastor Robert Hettinger, officiating. Graveside committal services will immediately follow in the Emanuel Reformed Cemetery, Main Twp. with military honors provided by the Columbia County Honor Guard. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., is honored to be serving the Broadt family.
Memorial contributions in Roger's name are suggested to: Emanuel Reformed Church of Mainville, 146 Church Road, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 or Main Twp. Fire Company, 2234 Fire Hall Lane, Bloomsburg, 17815.