Charles “Charlie” Bridgeman

Charles “Charlie” Bridgeman, 84, passed away early Thursday morning September 1, 2022 in Brook, IN.  He was born in the home of his grandparents Nov. 6, 1937 in Mount Ayr, IN to Clarence “Jake” and Sarah Kennedy Bridgeman.   On September 17, 1956 he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Doty Bridgeman and together they raised their family in the country near Ade before moving to Brook.  He is survived by a son, Randy Bridgeman of Kentland, daughters, Kim (Dave) Padgett of Brook and Kathy (Tom) Sondgerath of Earl Park, daughter-in-law Marlys Bridgeman of Kentland and twin sister Charline Bridgeman of Paducah, KY.  He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death is son Rick Bridgeman, daughter-in-law Marci Bridgeman, his parents and his brother Dennis Bridgeman. Charlie worked on the farm for 30 years, he worked for a year with his son Randy in his carpentry business and then went on to spend 20 years as a custodian, first at the Brook Elementary School and then South Newton Elementary where he retired.

He loved spending time with his family.  He loved the outdoors and spent many hours walking the fields in search of arrow heads and artifacts.  Through the years he trapped for furs, hunted deer and fished.  Many family vacations were spent fishing at Camp Jack the Horse in northern Minnesota.  He and Barb belonged to the Iroquois Archery Club and spent many enjoyable days there shooting archery and sharing in the fellowship.   A celebration of life is being planned at a later date and will be held at the Archery Club.  Arrangements entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Homes ~ Brook Chapel, 129 E. Main St., Brook, IN  47922, (219) 275-6161  www.kellerfh.com