Fritz Badertscher, a charter member of EAA Chapter 431 and a regular pilot and fixture at Brodhead Airport for many years, passed away April 25, 2019 at age 77.

Fritz was one of the original nineteen EAA members who started chapter 431 in January, 1973 and helped spur the growth of Brodhead Airport into what it is today. He was a regular flyer, taking his first airplane ride in an Ercoupe flown by Bill Earleywine, the founder of the airport, in 1947. His yellow and red Aeronca Champ gave many rides in the 1970s, and he later flew a Cessna 120, Aeronca Chief, and two different Piper Cubs until recently.

Fritz and Phyllis Badertscher with daughter Ann with their Aeronca Champ at Brodhead Airport, 1974.

A local dairy farmer, Fritz and his family brought out the heavy equipment to build and extend runway 27 in the mid-1970s. He also took care of the annual fertilizer application and other work requiring a skilled machinery operator. His contributions to the success of Brodhead Airport are countless.

Fritz and his father Garde built the extension for runway 27 in the mid-1970s.

The entire Badertscher family has been deeply involved in the Brodhead Airport, with Phyllis serving on the Hawk-Aire and Chapter 431 boards, and their daughters learning to fly as well.

Daughter Nora’s first passenger was Fritz in 2013.

Fritz Badertscher’s full obituary can be read here:
https://www.dlnewcomerfuneralhome.com/notices/FredricFritz-Badertscher