BRADSHAW, Roger William 1927-2016

BRADSHAW, HAMMEL, CLAPP

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 4/22/2016 at 11:05:04

Roger Bradshaw

Birth: July 8, 1927
Death: April 19, 2016

Service: No Services

Roger Bradshaw, 88, of Charles City, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.

According to Roger's wishes, there will be no services.

Roger William Bradshaw was born July 8, 1927 in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, to Orla Franklin and Reua (Hammel) Bradshaw. He resided in Greene, Iowa, the majority of his first eight years until his mother died and his oldest sister continued to care for them for several years. Roger and his three sisters were then taken to the Lutheran Orphanage in Waverly. Roger stayed several years then left to work on a farm outside Nashua until he struck out on his own moving to a hotel in Nashua and working at the local lumber yard while continuing school to graduate, and also working silo gangs during summer breaks. He went to work full-time after graduation from Nashua Schools in 1945 at Oliver in Charles City as a welder and in the foundry.

Roger met his dearest Ardith "Ardie" Clapp in Charles City and the couple was married on March 5, 1946 in Austin, Minnesota. He was drafted into the Army that year and left her for the only time. While he was gone their first daughter was stillborn. Ardie joined him as he continued his Army time. As soon as Roger mustered out, the couple made their home in Charles City and raised their soon to be family. At tough times he worked up to three jobs at one time, and spent many years working Saturday and Sunday mornings at Patterson's gas station. Roger always found time for family no matter what. He very proudly served as a union steward for Oliver/White Farm, always protecting others' rights and the rights of the aging, long-time employees.

Roger joined the Moose for his Ardie so he could take her dancing, even though he did not like to dance. He said it was one more opportunity to have Ardie in his arms (if she wasn't cutting a rug with one of her friends) and he did it because she loved it. Roger could not go to the girls' day-time activities because he was a loyal, working man, but unless he was at his second full-time job, he was at teacher conferences, other activities and by their side when they needed him

Living family members include his two daughters: Sue (Ron) James of Charles City and Brenda (Tom) Schwickerath of Wentzville, Missouri; two grandchildren: Amy (Toney) Melchor and Eric (Lana) Schwickerath; four great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Wentzel of Cedar Falls; sister-in-law, Mary Lou McCauley of Rockford; along with nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ardie on September 5, 2015; stillborn daughter, Kathleen Faye; stillborn granddaughter, Jacqueline James; siblings: Marjorie Jones, Marlys Miller and Charles (Dale) Bradshaw.

Source: Hauser Funeral Home website