Benjamin Zachary Bridges, 87, of Eau Claire, died Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at his home with his family by his side. He was born in Eau Claire, on February 17, 1926, the son of Benjamin J. and Ella (Yort) Bridges. For his whole life, Bennie enjoyed life with his family, relatives and many friends in that wonderful old part of the city, called Shawtown. Ben attended St. Patrick's High School until, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on April 20, 1943. He was proud to have served as Fire Controlman Third Class on the U.S.S. Nashville, in the Pacific and Asian Theaters, until his honorable discharge on January 26, 1946. Upon his return to civilian life, in 1947, Ben obtained a private pilot's license and flew a Piper Cub in the area. On September 27, 1952, Ben married his wife of 60 years, Ruth Elaine Roach at St. James the Greater Church in Eau Claire. Ben worked for Dolly Madison and Kemps Dairies for 32 years, and then at Community State Bank and M&I Bank, on Water Street, for twelve years. Bennie was a charter member of Westgate Sportsman Club where, for many years, he was the Treasurer, Hunter Safety Instructor and cook at the annual Corn Fest. Music was an essential part of Ben's life. On the U.S.S. Nashville, he played trombone and drums in the ship's band, whose theme song was "Moonglow", and which featured other Big Band tunes of the 1940's. For over 50 years, Ben was a member of the choir at St. James Church. In Ben's home, garage, and car, there was always music. Ben enjoyed fishing, summer or winter, and hunting squirrel and deer, especially with the guys "up north" where he was the cabin cook. Bennie was renowned for his outdoor adventure stories. He was also fond of relating the good experiences he had with his comrades on the U.S.S. Nashville, especially diving off the ship for a swim, playing band on shore in many ports of call, and being in Shanghai at the end of the war. Ben was a talented and dedicated gardener. He took over his father-in-law's huge vegetable and flower garden and cultivated it with bountiful harvests for 60 years. In the late afternoon and evenings, Ben and Ruthie could be found sitting on the back porch enjoying the view of the garden, grape arbor, and the birds which lived in them. Bennie also took great pleasure in preserving and cooking almost anything that is edible, and in smoking several species of fish. Countless people have enjoyed the food prepared in his kitchen. Ben is survived by his wife, Ruth; seven children, Patricia Bridges of Mercer, WI, Kay Drivas of Eau Claire, Mary (Don) Prissel of Durand, Paul Bridges of Eau Claire, Timothy Bridges of Eau Claire, Charles (Marijoy) Bridges of Chippewa Falls, and Beth Bridges of Sturgis, SD; seven grandchildren, Maria Kopecky, Kelly Jacobson, Laura (Jeff) Small, Sarah (Marc) Julian, Isaac Brantner, Audrey (Anthony) Beasley and Zachary Bridges; six (soon to be seven) great-grandchildren. Ben is also survived by his brother, Gerald (Jean) Bridges; sister, Beatrice Legge; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Peter and Tom (Eileen) Bridges; and sisters, Louise Bridges, Catherine (Oliver) Holmes, Patricia (Harold) Wise, Marion Eisenreich, Beverly (Harris) Wold and Rita Bridges. Bennie was a most contented man who will be missed by all those with whom he shared his quiet joy of life. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Noon, on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at St James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th St. in Eau Claire, with Father John A. Schultz officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the mass Tuesday at the church. Inurnment will be at a later date. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services is serving his family.

Service Information

Visitation

Tuesday, April 2 2013 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703

Mass of Christian Burial

Tuesday, April 2 2013 12:00 PM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703