Rodney Bridell, age 49, of East Bethel died November 5, 2021 of Covid, pneumonia. A visitation will be held from 5 – 7 PM, with a Memorial service starting at 7:00 PM, Friday, Nov. 12th at Strike Life Tributes, 720 1st Ave E, CAMBRIDGE. Private interment West Oak Grove Cemetery
Rodney Bridell was born August 17, 1972 in Robbinsdale, Minnesota to Ray and Linda (Breezee) Bridell. He grew up in Brooklyn Park and graduated from Robbinsdale Cooper High School in 1990. Rod met the love of his life, Connie Eakman, while working at UPC Pharmacy in Golden Valley. They were married March 21, 2002 in Haines City, Florida and lived in St. Francis until building their home in East Bethel. Rod was a humble and kind person with a big heart. He had a passion for fishing, cars, camping and traveling, especially to Cocoa Beach, Florida. Rod’s family meant the world to him and his love and pride in his daughter, Alexis, was immense. He loved following all of her academic and athletic accomplishments.
Rod died November 5, 2021 of COVID at age 49. He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda (Breezee) Bridell. Rod is survived by his loving wife, Connie; daughter, Alexis; father, Ray (Brenda) Bridell; brothers, Scott (Patricia) Bridell, and Michael (Sherry) Bridell; half-siblings, Kevin Moe (Fiance, Nikki Baldwin), Krista (Rick) Herbst, and Travis Bridell; parents-in-law, Richard and Betty Eakman; brother-law, Kevin Eakman; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
I was five years old and stranger to a new neighborhood. Not all of the houses were yet built, so there was plenty of space to play with my toys. There was a hill above me that was all dirt and rock. Suddenly I saw this kid sliding down and getting all messy. He popped up to find out who I was, and that is when I met Rod. From there it led to a long, close friendship where we grew up together as children into adults. We both had a common love for music. We could sit for hours listening and discussing Led Zeppelin, CCR, the Doors, Kiss, Steppenwolf and so many others. It may sound basic to some, but the challenges we faced concerning our surroundings at the time, this was the best way to cope, and we did it through friendship.
When I spoke to him about a year after Alexis was born, he invited me to her birthday party. The image of love and pride I saw on his face when holding her was something I will never forget because it was the first time I saw him genuinely full of happiness. This never went away; throughout the years, when we would speak by phone or in person she and Connie were the first two people that he would mention! He had always deserved happiness, and it was exciting to see him find it in his own family. It was definitely worth holding onto, and I was happy and proud for him.
I was saddened to hear of his loss. Although it had been years since we last talked, a big part of my life left me over the weekend. So many thoughts and memories came to surface. There were Good Times, Bad Times, but they all meant something. Rod was a friend who I will deeply miss.
I am unable to attend his memorial. My heart goes out to Connie, Alexis, his extended family, and the many friends he made throughout his life. You will all be in my thoughts. My hope is you all have the support you need in this difficult time. Do take care!
Brian Boldt
So sorry to hear about Rod.
Connie & Alexis, we hope with great memories time will heal the pain ,and heavy hearts.
Hugs to you, you are in our Thoughts &
Prayers.🙏🏻
Neal,,Tami, Smith
& Family