Gerald "Jerry" A. Bridges, 81, of Eau Claire, passed away at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, on Tuesday, May 6, 2014. He was born in Eau Claire, on May 29, 1932, a son of Benjamin J. and Ella (Yort) Bridges. Jerry graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Eau Claire with the Class of 1950. He served four years in the U.S. Navy, serving most of his time in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. After his honorable discharge in 1954, he began his 30+ year career at Uniroyal, retiring at age 55. On August 20, 1955, Jerry married Jean Eckert and they were happily married for nearly 58 years. They lived much of their married life in Altoona, before living his dream of living on the lake up north near Trego for eight years, before returning to Eau Claire. Jerry loved to hunt, fish, play cards and spend time with his family and friends. Anyone he met on his daily walks could count on a ready smile and a story. One of the things he enjoyed the most was spending some of each winter, with Jean, in Gulf Shores, AL. Jerry enjoyed being active in his community, by volunteering at Sacred Heart Hospital and delivering Meals on Wheels, for many years. Also important to him was being involved in the church, where he was a Eucharistic Minister and adult acolyte. Jerry is survived by his wife, Jean; daughters, Diane (John) Shope and Carol (Ron) Rothfusz. He will be remembered, with smiles, by his grandchildren, Benjamin (Molly) Shope, Gregory Shope, Emily Rothfusz, Brittany Rothfusz, and Luke Rothfusz; and fondly remembered by his birthday buddy, his great-granddaughter, Lexi Shope. Jerry is also survived by his sister, Beatrice Legge. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Thomas, Peter, and Benjamin, Bridges; and sisters, Louise Bridges, Catherine Holmes, Patricia Wise, Marion Eisenreich, Beverly Wold and Rita Bridges. Jerry's family would like to thank his physicians and staff at Marshfield Clinic and at Sacred Heart Hospital for their compassionate care during his short illness. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2014, at St James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th St. in Eau Claire, with Father John A. Schultz officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. up until the time of the Mass Monday at the church. Entombment will be in the Resurrection Mausoleum in Calvary Cemetery in Eau Claire. Military Honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 53. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services is serving his family.

Service Information

Cemetery

Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum 2894 South Hastings Way Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Monday, May 12 2014 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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