Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Paul Bridgford Obituary
Des Moines - Paul F. Bridgford, died peacefully at home of Myelodysplastic Syndrome on February 21st. He was 67 years old. He enjoyed a wonderful family, an accomplished career, passionate hobbies, and the respect and love of neighbors and friends.
Paul was born on the Ides of March,1952 in Davenport, and raised in Des Moines where he graduated from Lincoln High School. With lucky lottery number 13, he joined the U.S. Air Force as a graphic arts specialist and cartographer. After a tour of duty in Southeast Asia, Paul began his career in advertising and illustration, teaching briefly at Des Moines Area Community College where he met fellow instructor Susan Koch, whom he married in 1986.
Paul expressed his love of nature as a wildlife artist. His extraordinary talent brought him success and national recognition, as he won 14 revenue stamp competitions in Iowa and six other states. His morel and chanterelle mushroom hunting and cooking were legendary. An avid bird-watcher, Paul especially enjoyed creating habitats for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Paul was an active Mason, a member of Gnemeth Lodge, the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, and the Royal Order of Jesters. He was a good man and true.
He was preceded in death by his father Ronald Bridgford and sister Mary Walker. Paul is survived by his wife, Susan Koch Bridgford, and two children, Clare Wiseman (Corey) and Grant Bridgford (Leah Ackerman), and granddaughter Haylie Wiseman. He is also survived by sisters Shari (Jerry) Fitzgerald, Deb Hobson, Anna (Brian) Lampe, Lora (Zane) Yates, Marla (Shawn) Kelly, and brothers Clifton and John Pierschbacher, as well as many loving in-laws and countless nieces and nephews.
Paul will be remembered at a memorial service held at First Unitarian Church (1800 Bell Ave., Des Moines, IA 50315) on Saturday February 29th at 10:30 a.m. followed by a celebration of life luncheon at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to; Iowa Rivers Revival; iowarivers.org. To sign a guest book or share a condolence, please visit www.optfuneral.com or facebook.com/optfuneral. Ouellette - Pierschbacher - Thomas Funeral and Cremation Care of Ankeny is caring for Paul and his family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Bridgford
Sponsored by the Des Moines Register.
Douglas Blunck
February 16, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Shirley Dalby
March 3, 2020
When Paul was a young single man, not long out of the army he rented a corner of my husband's silkscreen shop for a place to paint. We bought one of his paintings; it's a picture of quail. It was featured on the cover of Iowa Conservation. Paul had a printing of Christmas cards made from this painting. I still have it all. He was as extraordinary as his art!
Gail Olson
February 29, 2020
I met Paul when I volunteered at the Fort Des Moines museum. He was knowledgeable and passionate about the museum and life. I have a couple of his drawings and will treasure them. My deepest sympathy to you, Susan.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jack Hatch
February 28, 2020
We lived across the street from Paul and Susan early in their marriage and on several occasions, we had the opportunity to see Paul paint his wildlife stamps. They were breathtaking and inspirational. He left a vision of himself in each of his paintings. He will me remembered and missed. Sonja Roberts and Jack Hatch
Kent Carlson
February 28, 2020
Paul was an incredible artist and an inspiration as a teacher. He raised the bar for everyone around him.
Jane Hemminger
February 25, 2020
Thinking of your whole family with love and sympathy.
Deb Ostrem
February 24, 2020
I went to school with Paul since 9th grade. I always appreciated and loved his art work. I have one of his pictures. So glad that we got to see each other again over the past few years as our Lincoln Class of 1970 started having lunches together. He told us about his diagnosis at one of our lunches last year. We all got to discuss with with him and surrounded him with good wishes about overcoming it. That wasn't possible and our whole class is very sad for your families' loss. We all enjoyed Paul very much and will certainly miss him at our 50th reunion this year. Prayers and hugs to the whole family.
Liz Garst
February 23, 2020
What a mushroom hunter! Our sympathy to you all.
Liz and Darwin
Janice Bugler-Reeves
February 23, 2020
Dear Susan and family, may I offer my condolences for your loss. I was glad to have made Paul's acquaintance, he was always very nice and friendly to me. May he rest in peace.
Steve Reeves
February 22, 2020
A truer friend than Paul can never be found! We spent a lot of time in the marsh and timber together, hunting ducks and mushrooms! You will be greatly missed my friend! Until we meet again! R. I. P.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Paul Bridgford's name
Memorial Events
for Paul Bridgford
People and places connected with Paul
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Paul's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Paul Bridgford's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
