Alan Bridge Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Alan Lloyd Bridge, son of Barton Lloyd and Cleta Amanda (Missildine) Bridge was born May 26, 1943. He died March 1, 2018 at his home in Storm Lake at the age of 74 years. Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 4, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the Storm Lake Cemetery with full Military Rites by the Alta VFW. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Alan attended Storm Lake High School graduating in 1961 where he participated in choir, band, drama and National Honor Society. Following high school, he attended the University of Iowa studying architecture then changed majors to graduate with a degree in Music Education. He taught music in Laurens, Iowa before enlisting in the United States Army in 1969. Alan was proud to be a Veteran. He was selected for the 5th Army Band, Chicago, IL serving at Fort Sheridan from 1969-71. He transferred to the 50th Army Band in Fort Monroe, VA and was honorably discharged in January 1972. Always excelling at academics, Alan attended Drake University graduating with a law degree in 1975. A brilliant, yet unpretentious man, he was a member of the Mensa Honor Society. Health issues including a large brain tumor reduced his energy level most of his adult life. Following his father's death Alan returned to Storm Lake and his childhood home. He assisted his mother in property management for many years. Alan was an accomplished musician. He was self-taught on the piano and organ. He could play almost any instrument and appreciated music of all genres. Alan played the Tenor Saxophone as a member of the Karl King Band in Fort Dodge for 34 years. He was a regular of the Storm Lake Municipal Band playing 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 and directed it for many years. He formed lasting friendships with the young Singles' Group initiating thought provoking discussion during their Bible Studies. Alan embraced fine arts. A participant in Community Theater, Alan memorized easily and had dramatic flair as a performer. He was creative, unique, and fun. He could delight an audience with his recitations. The Jabberwocky, by Lewis Carroll was a favorite. Alan enjoyed unique pastimes: collecting Damask Irish linens and fine china, solving challenging puzzles, and creating Origami. In retirement, Alan volunteered countless hours to the beautification of public areas around Storm Lake. He loved flower gardening. He 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 date of his death. A family man, albeit single, Alan was loved as a Brother, Cousin, Uncle, Son and Nephew. Alan was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Rollin Bridge, sister-in-law Jo Ann Bridge, and brother-in-law Donald Wells. He is survived by his sister, Carolyn Wells of Omaha, NE and her children, Linda Kahangi, Amanda (Tim) Klepper, and Sara Salter. Also surviving are his brother's children: Bonnie Bridge (Don) Orris, Tracy (Chris) Bridge, and Greg (Susan) Bridge, 12 great-nephews, and 2 great-nieces, 3 great-great nieces, and many friends old and new.

Alan Bridge

May 26, 1943 - March 1, 2018