Bridge, Alan Lloyd (1943-2018)
BRIDGE, MISSILDINE, WELLS, KAHANGI, KLEPPER, SALTER, ORRIS
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 5/18/2021 at 17:36:23
Alan Bridge
May 26, 1943 - March 1, 2018Alan Lloyd Bridge, a son of Barton Lloyd and Cleta Amanda (Missildine) Bridge, was born on May 26, 1943. He died at age 74 on March 1, 2018, at his home in Storm Lake.
Alan attended Storm Lake High School, graduating in 1961. While in school, he had participated in choir, band, drama, and the National Honor Society. Next, he attended the University of Iowa to study architecture, but then, he changed majors and graduated with a degree in Music Education. Before enlisting in the United States Army in 1969, he taught music in Laurens, Iowa.
Selected for the Fifth Army Band from Chicago, Illinois, Alan served at Fort Sheridan from 1969 to 1971. Then, he transferred to the Fiftieth Army Band in Fort Monroe, Virginia, where he was, honorably, discharged in January 1972, a proud Veteran.
Always excelling at academics, Alan attended Drake University, graduating with a law degree in 1975. A brilliant, yet unpretentious man, he became a member of the Mensa Honor Society. Health issues, however, including a large brain tumor reduced his energy level most of his adult life. Following his father's death, he returned to his childhood home in Storm Lake and assisted his mother in property management for many years.
An accomplished musician, Alan taught himself on the piano and organ. He could play almost any instrument and appreciated music of all genres. As a member of the Karl King Band in Fort Dodge, he played the Tenor Saxophone for thirty-four years. Moreover, a regular of the Storm Lake Municipal Band, he played the Alto Saxophone in Sunday concerts at the Sunset Park band shell.
A life-long member of the Storm Lake Methodist Church, Alan sang in the Chancel Choir, which he directed for many years. In addition, he formed lasting friendships with the Young Singles Group, initiating thought provoking discussion during their Bible studies.
Alan embraced the fine arts. A participant in Community Theater, he memorized easily and had a dramatic flair as a performer. Creative, unique, and funny, he could delight an audience with his recitations. He, especially, liked the Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll. In addition, he enjoyed a number of unique pastimes: collecting Damask Irish linens and fine china, solving challenging puzzles, and creating Origami.
After retiring, Alan volunteered countless hours to the beautification of public spaces around Storm Lake. He loved flower gardening and looked after the family cemetery plot taking homegrown flowers to the graves each Memorial Day. He enjoyed his time as a desk clerk at the Buena Vista Fitness Center. Later, he studied for and passed the Postal Service exam as a way to challenge himself. He enjoyed several years as a part-time postal employee working in Rembrandt, Newell, and Storm Lake until the day he passed away.
A family man, albeit single, Alan was loved as a brother, cousin, uncle, son, and nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Rollin Bridge; his sister-in-law, Jo Ann Bridge; and his brother-in-law, Donald Wells. He is survived by his sister, Carolyn Wells, of Omaha, Nebraska, and her children: Linda Kahangi, Amanda (Tim) Klepper, and Sara Salter; his brother's children: Bonnie Bridge (Don) Orris, Tracy (Chris) Bridge, and Greg (Susan) Bridge; twelve great-nephews; two great-nieces; and three great-great nieces; as well as by many friends, old and new.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 4, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. Burial will follow in the Storm Lake Cemetery with full Military Rites by the Alta VFW. Visitation will take place for one hour before the service at the church. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Homes, Storm Lake, Iowa, 2018.
Buena Vista Obituaries maintained by LaVern Velau.
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