Mike Bridges,73, of Dundas, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.

Mike was born in Olney Illinois, the son of William Roe and Vivian Louise (Fiock) Bridges. He married Janine O'Brien on September 1, 1979 in Barrington, Illinois, and she survives.

Mike is survived by his wife of 46 years, Janine, of Olney; son, Brandon Michael (Michelle) Bridges of Olney; daughter, Shannon Janine (Dr. Izaak Neveln) of Dunlap, IL; grandchildren, Connor Michael, Natalie Jean, Elliott Michael and Claire Janine; one sister, Ann Edelson of Louisville, KY; one nephew, Aaron Edelson of Shelbyville, KY.

He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Ben Edelson; granddaughter Stella Neveln.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Mike was loved by many. A University of Illinois alum, he was a Licensed Professional Engineer and Licensed Professional Land Surveyor. Mike’s father, Bill, was the Richland County Engineer so Mike was exposed to engineering work regularly at an early age. When Bill was the Richland County Engineer Mike was working at Charleston Engineering, and they communicated and coordinated projects daily. Mike served in many capacities for the public, friends and family. In addition to roads and bridges he designed our City Pool, Splash Pad, and Carle Hospital Walking trail.

Beyond his profession, Mike was a man who loved working with his hands. Mike enjoyed taking objects apart to see how they were made and putting them back together better than before. One project was completely dismantling his 1978 Silver Anniversary Corvette and fixing it. His curiosity and problem-solving mindset carried through everything he did.

Mike loved being outdoors and staying active. Mike enjoyed fishing. He and Janine used to take the jon boat on East Fork Lake, where he would coach her in the sport. With his father and friends Mike camped, fished and portaged in the Canadian wilderness. His companions know all too well the story of having 8 days of rations and eating all the candy bars the first day. As a newlywed Mike asked Janine, “Where on earth are we going to hang this large Northern Pike?!” Summer evenings and weekends were spent on boating adventures, where he delighted in teaching his children and friends to water ski, sharing his love of the water.

A running legend, Mike was a record-setting cross country and track letterman, with two records that still stand today. He competed for Olney High School, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and participated in numerous regional races throughout his life. For 11 years, he ran in the runDisney races at Walt Disney World, placing first in his age group in several events. Mike loved sharing his passion for running with family and friends and completed many races alongside his daughter, grandson and daughter-in-law. During some race weekends, he accomplished the remarkable feat of running a 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon four consecutive days.

Mike was the best husband. Always kind, caring and devoted and fun, he and Janine made numerous trips to their alma mater and enjoyed Garcia’s Pizza where their children were amazed at his astounding ability at playing pinball games! He and Janine particularly enjoyed dining beachside at Daytona’s Racing’s North Turn restaurant, walking at Halifax Harbor, watching sunrises, and running on the beach.

Above all, Mike put his family first and was our guiding light. He took great pride in caring for and supporting those he loved. Mike was a loving father – his greatest happiness came from time spent with his family. A proud “Papa”, Mike delighted in his grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them. He taught them the values of kindness, love, hard work, curiosity and humor. Holidays were cherished family traditions, often centered around meals he proudly prepared on the grill. He faithfully attended each of his son’s and daughter’s school music performances, including Jazz Band, Band, and Marching Band events. Mike loved making family trips to Disney World truly magical, especially when it meant sharing the thrill of rollercoaster rides with his family by his side. He proudly celebrated their achievements, graduations, weddings, visited and encouraged them often during their college years, and enjoyed attending Illini football and basketball games together sporting their orange and blue gear. Mike was especially proud to be one of the 11 members of his family who were alumni of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Mike will be remembered for his strong work ethic, kindness, his quiet generosity, strength and the love he showed to his family and friends throughout his life.

True to his truly giving manor, Mike was an organ donor and has given the gift of life to several recipients.

Mike is missed deeply because he made our lives so good.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney has been entrusted with arrangements.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney.

Memorials can be made to Indiana Donor Network Foundation