LeRoy and Verna Bidgood Obituary (2023)

LeRoy D. Bidgood, age 91, of Wisconsin Rapids passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023. His beloved wife Verna J. Bidgood, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. LeRoy was born January 26, 1932, in Wahpeton, North Dakota to Benjamin and Vada (Needham) Bidgood. He was a graduate of Adams Friendship High School. Shortly after high school he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in the Korean War from 1951-1955. After his service in the Navy, LeRoy decided to further his education at Wisconsin State College (now known as the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point). It was during college that LeRoy met Verna J. Tomfohrde, who was born on April 12, 1935, in Arpin, WI to Clifford and L. Iona (Shultz) Tomfohrde. Both LeRoy and Verna graduated from college, LeRoy with a degree in geography and Verna with a degree in home economics. LeRoy and Verna were united in marriage in August 1958 at the First Presbyterian Church in Arpin. They were blessed with 65 years of marriage. LeRoy and Verna spent their first year of marriage in Germany while LeRoy pursued advanced studies. They later moved to Waukegan, Illinois while LeRoy worked at the Great Lakes Naval Station. LeRoy later took a position as a civil service cost analyst for the United States Air Force and the couple relocated to Dayton, Ohio, where they raised their family. LeRoy retired from his civil service position with the Air Force in 1991 and in 1992 LeRoy and Verna moved to Wisconsin Rapids to be closer to family. LeRoy was a musician and loved to play the piano. He enjoyed reading and golfing. LeRoy was an airplane enthusiast. He held a private pilot's license and crafted many model airplanes. Verna was an active leader in local and state politics and was recognized by the Ohio General Assembly for her contributions to the merger campaign to create the city of Riverside. She was also an avid gardener and enjoyed baking desserts. She enjoyed many types of art, including painting and pottery. While living in Wisconsin Rapids, LeRoy and Verna were both active with the Wisconsin Rapids Elks Lodge No. 693, LeRoy as an Elk and Verna as an Elk Lady. LeRoy and Verna are survived by their children: Stacey (Colin) Mitchell of Florida, Anthony Bidgood of Wisconsin Rapids, and Stephanie Bidgood (Roberto Ordaz) of Ohio; and grandchildren: Heather Haynes, Lilyjana Mitchell, Roberto Ordaz-Bidgood, and Sidonie Mitchell. They were preceded in death by their parents and numerous other family and friends. A funeral service for LeRoy and Verna will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church in Arpin. Rev. Jess Wakefield officiate. They will be laid to rest together at Arpin Cemetery following the service. Visitation for relatives and friends will be from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service at the church. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.