William Louis Brodersen
Obituary

Springfield, MO Blue Room Comedy Club Favorite“Old Man Willie” Dies

Old Man Willie - The OG, the GOAT, the oldest working stand-up comedian in America - succumbed to life in the comfort of his extravagant home care instead of under a bus as he would’ve preferred.

Born William Louis Brodersen to Peter and Mae (Kennedy) Brodersen in February 1933, Willie grew up in Brooklyn, NY with his parents, older brother Peter and sister Marie.  Willie proudly served eight years in the Air Force and is a Korean War veteran.  After his service, he was a union porter, doorman, and bartender.  He also took care of his mother to her dying day.  Good son.

Willie came to comedy later in life having had a lively magician act that he honed into a rapid-fire stand-up comedy set.  He had a unique perspective, personality, and persistence that fueled his talent and success in the business.  His peak was when he performed at the world-famous Comedy Club in Los Angeles at the age of 92.  He killed.

Before moving to sunny Valencia, CA to be near family, Willie was the resident headliner at The Blue Room Comedy Club in Springfield, MO.  He had a legion of loyal fans and showed the touring comedians how stand-up was done.  Respect.

He was a generous uncle, a caring son and brother, a purveyor of wisdom, a Scrabble champion, a professional magician, a caretaker, a storyteller, and so much more.  In his waning days, his mind remained as keen, as curious, and as full of dark, NSFW humor as ever. Good.

He leaves behind his adoring family and his many friends and fans.