Robert Bridge M.D.

1924 - 2023

Robert Bridge, M.D.
Warm smile, strong, friendly voice and expressive blue eyes.
Dr. Robert Glen Bridge passed away at 98 years old on April 8, 2023, at his home at Independence Village in Midland, Michigan. He had long been in outstanding health and of good cheer, and only declined significantly the last few months. Dr. Bridge was a respected doctor and a good family man and leaves many who loved him dearly. He was born on December 16, 1924, in Charlevoix, Michigan, where the family was involved in lumbering and banking businesses for a couple of generations. When Bob was young, his father Clarence, and mother Maude, along with his only sibling, William A. Bridge, moved to Midland where his father was an electrical engineer with Dow for many years.
During school years in Midland, Bob was involved in varsity sports, and was class vice president his senior year. After high school graduation in 1942, he spent a year at Michigan State College (now MSU) focusing on engineering, before entering the military when World War II had begun. The army deemed him qualified for medical school and he was sent to the University of Minnesota. His senior year he was elected president of his professional fraternity, and more importantly met his wife-to-be, Ruth Zappa, a nursing school student at Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. After medical school, he interned at Rochester, New York.
He and Ruth could not afford to get married until a year later because he was making only $25 per month. When Ruth graduated and got a job at the same hospital, they were married on September 3, 1949. Bob was just beginning his second year of residency in internal medicine when the Korean War began and he volunteered to re-enlist with assignments which included Camp McCoy Wisconsin and the 8063rd MASH north of Seoul, Korea. After two years he was discharged as a captain and returned to Rochester to finish his residency training. His final year of training in Rochester, he was appointed chief resident over nearly 100 interns and residents.
With the GI Bill to improve their finances, a family was started, and in a few years it included six children who finished school in Midland, went on to college, and are now married, living around the country: Roberta (Stuart) Bush of Midland, Bill (Vicki) Bridge of Alpena, John (Kathy) Bridge of San Diego, Mary (Elmer) Pomranky (both deceased), Barbara (Wayne) Morrison of Sanford, and Joann (Gilbert) Jordan of Dallas. Robert and Ruth had 23 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Keeping the family together was important to Bob and Ruth, and was furthered by family reunions in Charlevoix, Isle Royale and other northern Michigan sites.
After completing four years of internal medicine residency in Rochester, it was time to make a big decision of where to live and work. Among the opportunities was an offer to join Dr. Robert Ballmer in Midland. Dr. Ballmer was highly respect in his profession, had a home on the golf course and drove a Buick - all very appealing to a young doctor!
After three years practicing medicine in Midland, an offer came to become Director of Medical Education in Rochester, which was too appealing to refuse. However in less than a year, the medical practice with Dr. Ballmer seemed like the better choice. So the family returned to Midland to stay.
During Dr. Bridge's medical career, he was certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and became a Fellow, and a Life Member of the American College of Physicians, an important accomplishment. He was elected Chairman of the Medical Department and later Chief of the Medical Staff at Midland Hospital. In addition, he was the first clinician appointed to the Midland Hospital Board of Directors. Shortly before Dr. Ballmer's death, Dr. Harold Kwast joined Doctors Don Smith and Mike Miller to form the group with Dr. Bridge. He retired from practice 40 years ago and was honored to serve as his wife's personal physician, caregiver and partner until the time of her death in 2009.
Although his career and ability to provide for his family was important, family time and recreation were equally important. After retirement, Bob and Ruth always kept a Midland home base, and also spent time in Scottsdale, Arizona where they developed many friends and played important roles in activities at their winter home, a large condo complex called Scottsdale House. Bob served on the board of directors and enjoyed the extensive amenities, including the restaurant where he was seen most evenings for just one glass of wine, and dinner. Early in retirement, Bob had an increased interest in golf and had two holes-in-one but considered his golfing talent very modest. Bob was also very proud of his wife being awarded an honorary doctorate degree at Saginaw Valley State University, and later in life, her earning Life Master status with the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL).
In early retirement, Bob wrote a "History of the Bridge Family", dating back to great grandparents who came to America from Scotland, and settled in Wisconsin before it became a state. During his mid years with Dr. Ballmer's tutelage, he developed an interest in orchids and had greenhouses in two of their Midland homes. Also in mid-life, he developed a great interest in duplicate bridge, which continued, especially in retirement. Bob achieved ACBL Gold Life Master status, and enjoyed competitive duplicate bridge games with some of the best players from across the country, even through the last year of his life. Recognizing his enthusiasm and dedication, Bob was nominated as Goodwill Player of the Year for this part of Michigan by the ACBL. He and Ruth managed the duplicate bridge game at Scottsdale House for ten years. After Ruth's passing, he continued to play with several different partners in Scottsdale and Midland. Bridge playing was certainly part of what kept him mentally sharp and competitive throughout his life.
After Ruth's passing, Bob played duplicate bridge often, and spent social time, with another Gold Life Master, Wilma Krueger of Scottsdale. They shared the passion of duplicate bridge playing, and truly enjoyed each other's company.
Well into his 90's, Bob remained dedicated to staying active and followed a strict diet and exercise regime his entire life. He loved his wife and his family and was always willing to share his wisdom, insights and love with all. Bob was an outstanding role model, father, friend and spouse who will be deeply missed by many.
Bob was an unwavering Christian and member of the Presbyterian Church attending or watching on television in Midland, and AZ, nearly every Sunday throughout his life. Going before him to the Kingdom of Heaven were his wife Ruth, his brother Bill and Bill's wife Sylvia Bridge, his daughter and son-in-law Mary and Elmer Pomranky, his grandson Maxwell Robert Muessig, and his great granddaughter Zelda Bridge, and his wife's siblings Phillip Zappa, Joan and David Johnson.
Surviving him are Bobbi (Stu) Bush and family, Bill (Vicki) Bridge and family, John (Kathy) Bridge and family, Barb (Wayne) Morrison, and Joann (Gilbert) Jordan and family. Ruth's sister Mary (Bennie) Lueders, and Ruth's brother Ed (Barbara) Zappa.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St., Midland, and on Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 11 a.m. until the start of the funeral service at 12 noon at Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1310 Ashman St., Midland. Interment will be in Midland Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ruth Zappa Bridge Endowed Scholarship for Nursing at Saginaw Valley State University.