The Bloedorn family’s legacy began more than a century ago in Fort Morgan and continues today through the work of the Bloedorn Foundation

The bloedorn family

The Bloedorn family has left a lasting legacy on Morgan County that dates back more than a century.  The story of the family’s impact on Fort Morgan begins with five remarkable brothers - Charles, Walter, John (better known as J.H.), Alvin and Howard - each of whom achieved great success in their respective fields. Magnetic, energetic and self-made, the Bloedorn brothers shared a love of the West and enjoyed camping, fishing and golfing together throughout their lives. In 1919, the brothers formed two businesses — the Farmers State Bank of Fort Morgan and the Bloedorn Lumber Company — both of which grew to become significant enterprises serving the Great Plains.

J.H. and Howard, who took up residence in Fort Morgan, owned and operated the Farmers State Bank of Fort Morgan, which became the largest bank in Northeast Colorado for decades until it was acquired in 2008. They purchased the bank, located at 300 Main Street, in 1919, changing the name from Fort Morgan State Bank to Farmers State Bank of Fort Morgan. In 1930, they opened a new building at the same location, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1966, the bank moved into a new mid-century modern building at 123 E. Kiowa Ave.

Both J.H. and Howard were prominent members of the community and involved in many local civic and philanthropic endeavors. J.H. and his wife Corliss lived in a stately Georgian-revival home built in 1926 at 440 Sherman Street. The Bloedorn House is now part of the Sherman Street Historic District.

All five brothers founded the Bloedorn Lumber Company, based in Torrington, Wyo., which continues to operate home improvement stores throughout the West. 

An entire book could be written about Walter Bloedorn, who became a medical doctor in Washington, D.C. In addition to serving as a personal doctor to sitting presidents Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover, Walter became Dean of the George Washington University School of Medicine and made significant contributions to research in areas including malaria and heart disease.

In 1959, the five brothers, along with J.H.’s son, John H. Bloedorn Jr., created the Bloedorn Foundation in order to give back to the Morgan County community by providing educational and enrichment opportunities for people of all ages. Their legacy of philanthropy has carried on for more than six decades.

In 1946, after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, John Bloedorn Jr., returned to Fort Morgan to work for the family business. He honed his skills while working as a bookkeeper, teller and cashier, then in 1954 began taking on additional executive responsibilities. In 1982, he became Chairman of the Board and CEO until the time of his death in 1996. John Jr. proudly carried on his family’s stewardship of the bank, and became one of the community’s most respected and beloved leaders.