Michael Clyde Bridwell, 75, of Ottawa, passed away on Friday, February 12, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.
Private services will be held at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa with Rev. Cheri Stewart, of First United Methodist Church in Ottawa, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park.
Michael was born on April 23, 1945 in Ottawa, to Clyde and Opal (Waggner) Bridwell. He was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School and Northern Illinois University, where he earned his B.A. Degree. Michael married Paula Jo Olson on October 5, 1963 at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Ottawa. He was a field engineer for Exelon, in Byron, IL. Michael liked fishing and gardening. He loved his family and was the family storyteller.
He is survived by his wife, Jo; two children, David Michael (Delphine) Bridwell and John Nathan Bridwell; four grandchildren, Jessica L. Bridwell, Savannah R. Brody, Jerome Bridwell and Grace Opal Bridwell; and a brother, Jack McGill of Surprise, AZ.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Suzanne Sobkowiak and Jeannine Turnquist.
Pallbearers will be John Bridwell, Paul and Jeremiah Pike, John and James Gulbronson, Leroy Adelphia, and Dave Standly and Honorary Pallbearer will be Ron Eisert.
He was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.