Obituaries : Eldon Bridgewater

Eldon Bridgewater, Watkins, Iowa died peacefully November 24th, 2023. He lived a full life of 91 years and 16 days being born to Ivan and Verda (Ulmer) Bridgewater on November 8, 1932 in Hopkins, Missouri during a record breaking snow storm. He grew up on a farm in northwest MO., walking to a country school for 8 years and graduating with the class of 1950 from Hopkins High School. From there he worked on electric line construction in southwest MO, until being drafted into the army, serving his country in Germany during the Korean War at the rank of Sergeant. After discharge he was hired by Coon Creek telephone company in Blairstown to construct new lines when the company was converting to dial phones. It was there he met Mary Siek and the couple were married at St Patrick's Catholic Church in Watkins on August 23rd, 1956. In November of 1957, they moved to the farm NE of Blairstown, which had been settled by Mary's Grandfather in 1896. There they became successful farmers and parents - adding to the acres and to their family. Eleven children were born to them over the next 23 years, growing up learning faith, love, and a great work ethic, set by example.

Eldon is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sons: Jeff (Julie), Ronn, Jim (Jo), Tom (Dena) all of Blairstown, Rod (Laura) of Van Horne, and Brad (Jody) of Walker, Iowa. Four daughters, Barb (Bob) Yilek of Belle Plaine, Cathy (Jeff) Storjohann of Reinbeck, Jo (Todd) Prusha, of Cedar Falls and Carol (Mark) Warner of Ely. There are 23 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 24 in-laws affectionately known as The Outlaw Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Ralph and Earl, a sister Margaret (Laverne) Lowrance, his mother and father-in-law, Charlie, and Hilda (Boddicker) Siek and an infant daughter, Bridget.

He was a skilled person in many farming, mechanical, and construction trades also driving trucks, delivering seed corn to dealers and being a partner in Bridgewater Brothers Trucking and passing these skills down to all his children by example and the words "well, do it right!"

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 28, 2023. Condolences may be mailed to 7625 24th Ave. Watkins, IA 52354.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com