Thomas Bridgman

BLOOMFIELD: Thomas Junior Bridgman, 74, of Bloomfield, Iowa died October 22, 2010 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born June 2, 1936 in Floris, Iowa to Thomas E. and Margaret Viola (Hopkins) Bridgeman. Tom lived in the Davis County area where he grew up and was educated. He served his country in the United States Army. On August 9, 1958, Tom was united in marriage to Ann Louise Hartmann in Bordentown, New Jersey. The couple made their home in Jerseyville, Illinois. Tom did farm work there until 1965 when he and his family bought a farm in Davis County, Iowa. He farmed there until 1981 when he and his family moved to San Diego, California. He was the maintenance supervisor of the Navy exchange at the Miramar Naval Air Station until 1989 when he and the family moved back to Davis County. He then worked as a custodian for the Davis County School System until he retired. After retirement he continued doing carpenter work and plumbing. Tom was a member of the St. Mary Magdalen Church in Bloomfield as well as Reed-Whisler Post #78 of the American Legion in Bloomfield. Those survivors left to cherish Tom’s memory include his loving wife Ann of 52 years; two sons, Thomas Jay Bridgman, Russell Edward (Gwen) Bridgman both of Bloomfield; two daughters, Theresa Ann (Doug) Stoker of Washington, Iowa, Jennifer (Josh) Muller of Urbandale, Iowa; three grandsons, Adam, Zachary, Logan; six granddaughters, Samantha, Amanda, Kristin, Hannah, Madelyn, Ella; a great-granddaughter, Madi Jean; four brothers, Gary of Ramona, California, Kenny of Bloomfield, David of Ottumwa, Iowa, Thomas Allen of Kirksville, Missouri; ten sisters, Margaret Ingersoll of Jerseyville, Illinois, Shirley Roberts of Gilbertsville, Kentucky, Barbara Janney of Newark, California, Linda Marshall and Judy Blew both of Bloomfield, Hope Archer of Moulton, Iowa, Clara Jackson of Lancaster, Missouri, Becky Surver, Cindy Humphrey, and Joann Jackson all of Ottumwa; and many nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Leo Hopkins and Jackey Bridgeman; and six sisters, Thelma Wimp, Betty Skinner, Bev Porter, Alberta Rauh, Doris and Janice Bridgeman in infancy. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield with Father Patrick Hilgendorf officiating. Military rites performed by Reed-Whisler Post #78 of the American Legion will follow the service at the funeral home. Visitation will begin after 9 am on Tuesday with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 pm until the time of the service. Tom’s wish was to be cremated. A memorial has been established to his family.