Henry “Hank” Hermann Brodersen, 91, of Leonardtown, Maryland, passed away peacefully at his home on August 17, 2026.
Born May 29th, 1935, to the late Max F. Brodersen and Luise Klara Strum Brodersen, Hank lived a life defined by service, generosity, humor, and dedication to family, friends, and community.
Hank is survived by his beloved wife, Iantha Brodersen; his children, Henry Brodersen (Jessica) of Mesa, Arizona, and Iantha “Liesel” Mackinnon of Winter Park, Florida; his brother, Alfred Brodersen of Poquoson, Virginia; his grandchildren, Haley & Brody Mackinnon and Jaeger & Kort Brodersen; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul Brodersen.
Hank grew up in River Edge, New Jersey. Following his graduation from high school, he attended the University of Maine, where he studied forestry and proudly played tuba in the university marching band and was a proud member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. During summer breaks, he traveled to Missoula, Montana, where he worked as a smokejumper for the United States Forest Service, demonstrating the adventurous spirit that would characterize much of his life. It was during these years that he developed his love of flying. Often saying, “Once you’ve experienced jumping, everything else is easy”.
After earning his degree, Hank found his true calling when he joined the United States Navy in 1958 and trained as a pilot. In 1962, while on leave visiting friends and family, he met the love of his life, Ian. They went on to get married in 1963.
Early in his career he spent 2 years aboard the USS Hornet. Throughout his years as a pilot, he flew numerous aircraft including the T- 28 trainer, P2V Neptune and P-3 Orion aircraft as a submarine hunter. The highlight of his Naval career was being involved in multiple projects while serving in VXN-8 which took him around the world. Hank served his country with distinction for many years, ultimately retiring in 1978 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Following his naval career, Hank continued contributing to aviation as part of the F/A-18 Hornet testing program at Naval Air Station Patuxent River while working for McDonnell Douglas. He later retired from Veda in 1998. Overall, Hank’s civilian flight hours combined with the Navy time gave Hank approximately 9,200 hours over 27 ½ years.
During retirement, Hank and Ian enjoyed traveling the world together, creating cherished memories while exploring exotic destinations including Australia, South Africa, Alaska, and Europe.
In retirement, Hank rekindled his lifelong love of music by joining the Southern Maryland Concert Band. Whether performing with the band or participating in annual Tuba Christmas concerts around the country, he found great joy in sharing music with others.
Hank was equally passionate about serving his community. For nearly 20 years, he volunteered with St. Mary’s County Meals on Wheels, delivering meals and friendship to residents. Through his dedication and kindness, he touched countless lives.
Hank cherished every opportunity to visit his grandchildren in Florida and Arizona. He took great joy in attending their activities, watching them grow, and witnessing them develop into the wonderful adults they are today. He was immensely proud of their accomplishments and the remarkable individuals they became.
Above all, Hank will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor. He never missed an opportunity to tell a joke, share a funny story, or bring a smile to someone’s face. His laughter, warmth, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Family will receive friends on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 19167 Poplar Hill Lane, Valley Lee, Maryland. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. George’s Episcopal Church, with Rev. Greg Syler officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, and a luncheon will be held afterward in the church hall.
Whether soaring above the ocean in a Navy patrol aircraft, parachuting into the forests of Montana, delivering meals to neighbors in need, or playing his beloved tuba, Hank lived a life of purpose, service, and joy. His legacy will continue in the countless lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Mary’s County Meals on Wheels,
P.O. Box 653 Leonardtown, MD 20650 or Southern Maryland Concert Band c/o Treasurer, PO Box 161 Waldorf, MD 20604. Please put “Hank Brodersen Memorial” in the note line.
Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldsfuneral.com
Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A