Robert L. Bridigum

November 18, 1944 - January 13, 2022

Robert Bridigum, age 77, died Thursday January 13, 2022 from injuries sustained in a bicycling accident in Vero Beach, FL where he and his wife, Susan, have resided since 2007. 

Bob leaves Susan, children Gretchen (Bert) Curtis, Todd (Gina) Bridigum, Tom (Amber) Anderson and Brent Anderson, grandchildren Crystal Anderson, Michael Anderson, Alyssa Anderson, Carson Bridigum, Andrea Shoemaker and Nathan Timermanis.

Bob received his undergraduate degree from Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA and his advanced degree in physics from Old Dominion University, Norfolk VA.  One of his first jobs was working for NASA helping to develop technology for simulators used to train astronauts.  His career included being director of the Des Moines Science Museum, working in avionics for Honeywell, developing novel technologies for DataCard that allowed printing on plastic (drivers’ licenses, credit cards etc).  At Stratasys, he miniaturized 3D printing from a large Xerox-size machine to desktop size, allowing widespread access for the general public, and finished his career working on security biometrics such as fingerprint capture, facial recognition and iris scan for L1 Technologies. 

Bob was an avid bicyclist, riding an average of 150 miles each week.  He rode with friends and neighbors nearly every day in both Vero Beach and White Bear Lake, Minnesota where he and Susan spent time each summer.  Last summer, he completed the Register’s Annual Great Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), a ride that attracts over 10,000 riders.  The riders start on the western border of Iowa and over the course of a week, ride to the eastern border and Mississippi River.  He had a ball!

Bob was an accomplished woodworker, using both power and hand tools to create beautiful heirloom pieces for family and loved ones.  He completed a rocking chair for his grandson that won an award in October at the Northern Woods Woodworking Show in Minneapolis, MN.

Friends describe Bob as a kind, friendly, gentle man with an ever present smile and sense of humor.  His laugh was large and contagious!  He made a significant impact on lives around him, from family to friends and neighbors to business colleagues. 

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at the Mueller Memorial Funeral Home in White Bear Lake, MN, with visitation to take place an hour prior to the service.   Masks Are Required Regardless of Vaccination Status

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s name may be directed to:

MN Woodworkers Guild

℅ Mike Nesnidal

19988 Berkshire Ave

Jordan, MN 55352