Economic Research: Lou Bachrodt

Wednesday 26 December 2012

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. Lou's 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.