Memorials

Von DeWayne Bridegam, 72, of Columbia City, passed away at 9:40 p.m. Tuesday, August 18, 2009, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne where he recently underwent surgery.

Born on July 21, 1937, in Whitley County, he was the son of Carl Marion and Loretta Blondena (Armel) Bridegam.

Von spent his childhood in Columbia City and attended Columbia City High School.

On July 13, 1963, he was united in marriage to Karen L. Hippensteel at First Church of God by Reverend Alvin Link.

For 40 years, he was employed as a threader by Viking, Inc., in Columbia City.

Survivors include his wife, Karen L. Bridegam of Columbia City; children, Lavonne L. (Verlin) Schneider of Roanoke, Alan D. (Victoria) Bridegam of Kendallville, Marion G. (Julie) Bridegam of Edinburg, Pennsylvania, Toby N. (Terri) Bridegam of Ossian, Andrew J. Bridegam of Columbia City and Jon W. (Wendy) Bridegam of Albion. He is also survived by the following grandchildren: Joshua  and Mitchel Schneider, Tara Whan, Landon Fitzgerald, Chelsye, Bradyn, Loretta, Kristy, Keesia, Tiarra, Robert and Wyatt Bridegam; a brother, Marvin David (Ellen) Bridegam of Columbia City; sisters, Garnet (Jack) Pettigrew of Columbia City, Patricia (Paul) Gates of Columbia City, Irene (Cliff) Gagnon of Leesburg and Aletha (Paul) Sills of Fort Wayne; sisters-in-law, Lois Bridegam of Columbia City and Karen Bridegam of Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Paul Marion, Thomas Ray and Harold Eugene Bridegam, sister-in-law, Lella Bridegam. 

Visitation is Sunday, August 23, 2009 from 2-8:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City. Funeral service is Monday, August 24, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Lynn English officiating. Burial will follow at Thorn Cemetery, Noble County. Memorials may be given in memory of Von to Boy Scout Troop #509.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.