Barbara Bridgland
Barbara Bridgland
Barbara Bridgland, of Benson, Minnesota passed away Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Bethesda Grand in Willmar at the age of 102.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at First Evangelical Free Church in Benson. Pastor Dan Runke will officiate and burial will be in the Benson City Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church Monday.
Barbara June Bridgland was born December 2, 1923, at her grandmother’s house in Horse Creek, Nebraska, the daughter of Melvin and Ina Williams. Barbara was the oldest of nine children, attended country school, and graduated high school in St. Edward, Nebraska, in 1943. She then moved to Omaha to attend beautician school, and while there she worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” at the bomber factory in Omaha during World War II. After graduation, Barb moved to Fullerton, Nebraska, and opened her own beauty shop, “Princess Beauty Salon.”
It was in Fullerton that Barb met Edward Richard Bridgland. They were wed May 22, 1948, in St. Edward, Nebraska, and farmed nearby. They were blessed with three sons: William, Howard, and James, and over 72 years of marriage.
In February of 1956, Barb and Ed left Nebraska and moved to the Benson, Minnesota, area, and began farming in Kildare Township. They continued farming until they retired and moved to Benson in 1987.
April 22, 1964, their infant son James was called to the Lord.
For almost 45 years, Barb and Ed enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and always returned younger than when they left. They never missed an opportunity to call back during a blizzard and ask, “How’s the weather there?”
Barb cherished her grandchildren: Liz, Scott, and Ashley, who often stopped for lunch during their school years. They and their friends were always welcomed and fed well. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow and they loved hearing her stories around the kitchen table.
Barb enjoyed traveling, gardening, sewing, collecting treasures, and embracing the love of her family.
Barb lost the love of her life, Edward, December 31, 2019.
Barb died Saturday, May 23, 2026. She attained the age of 102 years, five months, and 21 days. She is survived by her sons William (Mardelle) Bridgland and Howard Bridgland, both of Benson, MN; grandchildren: Liz (Joe) Fennell, Scott (Amanda) Bridgland, and Ashley (Darrin) Caspers; great-grandchildren: Raylee, Riggs, Brynn, and Cayson Caspers, Beau and Tess Fennell, and Blake and Abigail Bridgland; along with many friends and family.
Barb was preceded in death by her husband Ed, son James, parents Melvin and Ina Williams, brothers: Wilfred, Richard, and Wayne, and sister Darlene.
A special “Thank you” to CentraCare Hospice Staff and the staff at Bethesda Grand for the excellent care Barb received.
Arrangements are with Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson. www.andersontebeest.com
