Obituary for Robert A. Bridenbaugh
Robert A. Bridenbaugh, 85, of West Salem, Wis., formerly of Gladstone, Mich., passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 18, 2013, surrounded by his family at Mulder Health Care Facility, West Salem.
Bob was born November 30, 1928, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Lloyd and Harriet (Anderson) Bridenbaugh.
He was raised on the family farm in Dakota City, Neb., and never lost his love of the farm.
Bob was a veteran of the Korean War serving as a pilot in the U.S. Navy.
He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in agriculture.
In 1957, he married Carol Jorgensen in Chicago and she preceded him in death in 2004.
Bob and Carol made their home in Chicago and he worked as a pilot for Chicago Helicopter Airways. He then became a commodities broker and finally a real estate appraiser until his retirement.
While he was living in Gladstone, Bob was a member of the Rapid River American Legion, the Gladstone Masonic Lodge, and First Lutheran Church, where he was involved in a variety of church activities. After moving to Wisconsin to be closer to his family, he became a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in West Salem, where his daughter and son-in-law are serving as Pastors.
Bob enjoyed gardening, flying, and in his later years spending time at Perspectives Adult Day Care.
Survivors include his daughters, Rev. Jean (Rev. Jonathan) Schmidt of West Salem (formerly of Gladstone) and Sandra (Robert) Santucci of Elgin, Ill..; two grandchildren, Rebecca Schmidt and Christopher Santucci; three brothers, Dr. Donald (Glendia) of Sequim, Wash., Boyd of San Marcos, Calif., and Dr. Phillip (Dr. Diann) of Cincinnati, Ohio; three sisters, Margaret Case of Kimball, Neb., Carol Schweikhard of Georgetown, Texas, and Nita Rae Connelly of Liberty, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Joan Manion; and four brothers-in-law, Jack Manion, Bert Case, Bill Schweikhard, and Jim Connelly.
Bob’s life will be celebrated in the context of worship in the 8:00 a.m. service today at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in West Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Perspectives, First Lutheran Seminary Scholarship, or Delta Animal Shelter.
Information from the Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, West Salem.

SCHOLARSHIP Robert Bridenbaugh, 17, of Dakota City, Neb., won the scholarship offered by the grand lodge Knights of Pythias of Nebraska, for the best essay on "The Motivating Purpose of Public Education." These essay contests are now annual events, open to all Nebraska boys and girls between 14 and 18 years of age. Young Bridenbaugh finished high school in May and will enter the University of Nebraska in September.

Published in the Lincoln Nebraska State Journal June 07, 1946 - Page 3