TAMA-Virgil Warren Bidwell, 89, formerly of Tama, passed away, Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown of Alzheimer's. He had been a resident of the home since 2002. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 10:30 AM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama with Pastor Thomas Dowling officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Tama. Visitation will be Friday, December 10, 2010 from 4-7 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama.
Virgil was born on August 30, 1921, in Poweshiek County, the son of Henry N. and Mary (Miller) Bidwell. He grew up and attended school in the area of his birth. He served his country in World War II, entering the Army on August 5, 1942. Virgil served with the Air Force 6th Floating Aircraft Repair Unit and the 106th Infantry Division and was discharged March 26, 1946 after serving in France and Germany. After his discharge, he moved to the Tama area where he farmed and established a trucking business.
On December 15, 1950, he was united in marriage to Joan Hess in Toledo. Virgil was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tama, American Legion and the VFW.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife Joan, on March 6, 2005; a daughter, Carol Ann Bidwell Paustian, in 1983; two brothers, Olin and Gaylord; and three sisters, Maxine Haynes, Arlene Kriegel and Kathleen Smith.
Survivors include two sons, Robert (Valerie) Bidwell of Denver, CO and Kenneth (Cindy) Bidwell of Tama; five grandchildren, Amy (Kirk) Johnson of Vinton, Eric (Jill) Bidwell of Marshalltown, Zebulon, Kaleb and Danielle Bidwell of Tama; and three great-grandchildren, Karson and Amiah Johnson and Jackson Bidwell.
A memorial fund has been established.