John Bridgford Jr.

John Bridgford Jr., 50, of Merrill, died Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, at UnityPoint - St. Luke’s in Sioux City.

John Fay Bridgford Jr. was born May 5, 1972, in Iowa City, to John Sr. ‘Jack’ and Vikki (Arens) Bridgford.

He was raised in Le Mars and graduated from Le Mars Community High School in 1990. John then enlisted in the United States Air Force and was based at Offutt Air Base in Omaha, Nebraska. John was honorably discharged and then worked at Sioux Tools in Sioux City until they relocated. John worked at a few various jobs before then working at BoDeans in Le Mars. He was most recently working at Wells Blue Bunny in Le Mars and retired due to his health.

John was united in marriage to Tonna LeeAnne Beavers in Elk Point, South Dakota, on Sept. 21, 2006.

John loved going fishing. He also enjoyed fantasy games, movies, and books; Dungeons and Dragons and role-playing games (RPGs). He was an honest, hardworking, family man; his favorite time was spent with his sons and wife. He loved getting together with his extended family as well. His family meant the world to him, and they came before everything else. John loved sharing a good joke; he loved to tease and make others laugh. Sarcasm was a fluent “language” he shared with his family and friends.

John is survived by his wife, Tonna; sons: James and Jaden, both at home in Merrill; parents: Jack and Vikki Bridgford of Le Mars; siblings: Randy (Dena) Bridgford of Hawaii, Brandi Chambers of Clovis, New Mexico, and Michael (Nicole) Bridgford of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; beloved dog, Nova; many nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives.

John is preceded in death by his paternal grandpa, Robert Bridgford; paternal grandma, Gladys (Campbell) Bridgford; maternal grandparents: James and Lois Ann (Jammerthal) Arens; loyal canine companion, BB; uncle Gordy (Linda) Arens; cousin and close friend, Shane Herman; uncle, Orlan (Karen) Jacobs. 

 A Celebration of Life was at 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 26, at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present began at 1 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.