Dorothy Bridgham

Dorothy “Dottie” Bridgham, 94, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025 in Kimberly, WI. Dorothy was born on November 11, 1930 to Warren and Bessie (Wheeler) Hartwell in Duluth, MN.

After graduating from Duluth Central High School, Dottie attended the University of Minnesota, earning a degree in education and laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to teaching. Following graduation, she left Minnesota to begin her teaching career in Long Beach, California, where she met her future husband, Bud Bridgham. Her career flourished as she shared her wisdom and enthusiasm with students as a Home Economics teacher. Dottie was united in marriage to Bud on July 30, 1955, in Everett, Washington; together they had four children. Their journey took them across the country, before the family settled in Brookfield, WI.

Dottie went on to coach tennis at Sussex- Hamilton High School, while teaching night classes at Waukesha County Technical College. Dottie returned to school in her 50s to earn a nursing degree in 1986 and went on to work at Milwaukee County and Froedtert Hospitals in Milwaukee, where she served on the medical psychiatry unit. Her dedication to education and healthcare was a testament to her commitment to improving the lives of those around her.

Dottie was a devoted gardener, nurturing her vibrant patches of geraniums, salvia, and dusty millers with tender care. As a lifelong tennis player and enthusiast, Dottie celebrated her 80th birthday in a memorable trip to the US Open in New York City after attending many ATP Tennis Tournaments throughout her life. Dottie led a life rich with purpose and passion, devotion to her family, career, and the pursuits that brought her joy.

She will be greatly missed by her children Elizabeth “Lisa” Peaslee, David (Jacie) Bridgham, Bradley (Kathy) Bridgham and Brett (Tricia) Bridgham; grandchildren Kristin (Mike) Moehn, Annie Skrupky, Katie (Ryan) Lovell, Brody and Parker Bridgham and Marlys (Andrew Wolfe) Bridgham; great-grandchildren Ethan, Colin and Logan Moehn, Ellie and Charlie Lovell and Avery and Graham Skrupky; and siblings Mary (Kent) Skibbie and Warren “Stub” (Barb) Hartwell.

She is preceded in death by her husband M.L. “Bud” Bridgham, her parents, her father- and mother-in-law, W. Wilder and Blanche Bridgham, sister Alice Jann, son-in-law Thomas Peaslee and infant grandson Wilder.

A private celebration of life for Dottie will occur at a later time. Interment will take place at Wood National Cemetery in Milwaukee. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dottie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the USTA Midwest - Tennis and Education Foundation.

Dottie’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Frontida Assisted Living for their compassionate care of Dottie and to her many caring neighbors.