Mr Matthew W Bridges

Matthew W. Bridges, 88, Machesney Park, IL. Died at 12:20 p.m., Tuesday February 1, 2011 at home after a long illness. Born February 23, 1922 in Black Rock, Arkansas, son of Ira D. and Elva (McBride) Bridges. Married Vivian Dobbs in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas on May 12, 1945. After WWII Matthew was employed at Buda Company in Harvey, IL., Clark Construction in Portia, Arkansas and then moved to Rockford, IL. In Rockford he worked at Roper Stove and Ordinance, and then owned and operated a restaurant, The Salt and Pepper, located at Harlem and North Second St. After closing the restaurant he was employed as the maintenance supervisor for Fred H. Smith Estates where he retired after 32 years.

He was a veteran of WWII and a proud Marine serving with the fighting Fourth Marine Division. Served in the Pacific with Combat Landings on the islands of Roi-Namur, Tinian, Saipan and Iwo-Jima. He was wounded on Iwo-Jima and was returned to the United States for recovery. There he received 3 Purple Hearts and 3 Bronze Stars. He was a member of the Rockford United General Baptist Church. Enjoyed fishing, hunting and horseback riding. He was a former member of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Mounted Police Posse. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Vivian; one son, Ron (Sara) Bridges both of Machesney Park; Four grand-children, Tanya Bridges, Todd (Heather) Bridges, Deborah (Dan) Bridges and Nicole Bridges. Four great grand-children, Kaytee Bridges, Austin Bridges, Alik Bridges, and Charles Matthew Sauberlick. Also numerous nieces, nephews and many special friends. Predeceased by his parents, one son, Larry Matthew Bridges, six brothers, Albert, Owen, Howard, Cleo, Earl and Lewis, and four sisters, Fern, Christene, Edith, and Deloris. A special thanks from the family goes to Patricia Norberg for all her help, kindness and understanding thru this difficult time. Also Lehman Bridges for all the caring, support and friendship that’s been shown by him. Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 11, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd., Machesney Park. Visitation will be before the service from 1-2 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials to the family. Online condolences visit www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com.