Bernard "Bernie" F. Blodgett

Bernard “Bernie” Frank Blodgett, age 91, of Elk Mound, WI, passed away on December 20, 2024, after a brief illness. He was born on June 24, 1933, to Chauncey & Hazel (Plemon) Blodgett. Bernie was the youngest of 5 children.

Bernie enlisted in the Marine Corp and was deployed to Korea as a Radio Operator. He was wounded on April 21, 1953. His injuries affected 3 of his limbs. Bernie often spoke of the events leading up to and after his catastrophic injuries.

Bernie married Kathern Campbell in 1961. They went on to have 3 children, David John, LeAnna Clarice and Patrick Jay. They later divorced.

Bernie received 6 “bonus” kids when he married Ginger Siddons. Jeannie, Jim, Debbie, Vicki, Michael and Ellen. He was honored to adopt the youngest, Ellen.

There was no place Bernie would rather be than in Chippewa County. He frequently commented on the beautiful family farms and the proud farmers who worked them. He lived in the same house in Albertville, WI, for 65 years.

Bernie and Ginger loved to travel and bought a winter home in Wickenburg, AZ. They spent the cold months there together. He was kind and generous and had the gift of gab. He made friends wherever he went. Bernie was known as the bionic grandpa by his grandchildren because of the many surgeries and metal parts in his body.

Bernie loved to take the road less traveled and would spend lazy afternoons driving in the country. He read the newspaper front to back every day. His son, David, would buy different editions just so he knew what was going on in the surrounding communities. Bernie worked heavy construction most of his life. His favorite being Senn Blacktop then later on, Jenson’s 5-Star Dairy. He was well into his 80’s before he retired.

Bernie is survived by his son, David Blodgett; daughters, LeAnna (Brian) Pacyna & Ellen Youngberg; Also survived by bonus kids, Jean (Dick) Sneen, James (Nicole) Siddons, Debbie Swim, Vicki Christenson, and Michael Siddons; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; all of whom were proud to call him dad, grandpa or uncle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings; wife, Ginger; son, Patrick Blodgett; grandsons, Matthew Blodgett and Matthew Siddons; and son-in-law, Peter Christenson.

Bernie wanted to age in place in his home in Albertville. He was able to do that thanks to the efforts of his son, David Blodgett, who moved into Bernie’s home to care for him. Other help came from Daniel Anderson who drove Bernie to doctor’s appointments and managed the many VA phone calls. Neighbors, Harley, Leonard, and Dave Delgard who helped run errands and deliver mail. Lisa Blakely, who managed Bernie’s medication and bonus daughter, Debbie Swim, who stayed at the house as needed, cleaned and drove Bernie to various appointments. Jojo Blodgett, who brought food and cleaned and long time friend Norman Anderson, who stopped whenever he could for visits.

A visitation and celebration of life service is planned for Monday, December 30, at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, 44 E. Columbia St., Chippewa Falls. Visitation will begin at 10 am with the celebration of life beginning at 12 noon.

For Bernie, faith was everything. His family has no doubt that he spent Christmas with Jesus and his dear wife Ginger.