Edward Richard Bridgland

Edward R. Bridgland, 97, died on December 31, 2019 at the Swift County Benson Hospital. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, on Saturday January 4, at the First Evangelical Free Church in Benson, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. Interment will follow the service at the Benson City Cemetery

Edward Richard Bridgland was born on June 23, 1922, in Fullerton, Nebraska, the son of Arthur and Dora (Taylor) Bridgland. Growing up in the North Star Community he graduated from high school in Fullerton, playing football and basketball. After Graduating from school he started farming in the North Star Area.

On May 22, 1948, Ed was united in marriage to Barbara June Williams in St. Edward, Nebraska. They were blessed with three sons, William, Howard, and James, and over 72 years of marriage. In February of 1956 they moved to the Benson, Minnesota Area and began farming in Kildare Township. On April 22, 1964 their son James was called to the lord. Through their years they continued farming in Kildare Township until they retired and moved to Benson.

They wintered in Arizona for 40 years and always returned younger than when they left. They were members of the First Evangelical Free Church in Benson and enjoyed their fellowship there. After retirement Ed started repairing toy tractors he found at garage sales and spent many hours restoring them to their original glory. He enjoyed watching the Vikings, Gophers, and Twins, and always had a soft spot for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Ed especially enjoyed and cherished his family and loved watching them grow and thrive in the love he showered onto them. Ed was called from this life on Tuesday, December 31, 2019, he attained the age of 97 years, 6 months, and 8 days.

Edward is survived by his wife Barbara of Benson; his sons William (Mardelle) Bridgland of DeGraff, and Howard Bridgland of Edwards, Colorado; Grandchildren,  Liz (Joe) Fennell, Scott (Fiancé Amanda) Bridgland, and Ashley (Darrin) Caspers; three great grandchildren Raylee, Brynn, and Cayson Caspers;  a brother Darwin Bridgland of Benson, and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Art and Dorothy, a son James Lee Bridgland, and a sister in law Lucy Bridgland. Blessed be his memory.