Nathan Erna "Nate" Brundridge, Jr.
Marriages
Shelia Brundridge
1st Wife
Sigri Brundridge - November 27, 1983
Obituaries
The Daily Sentinel page 6B - February 12, 2023
Nathan was born in
Halfway, Missouri (by
Carthage) on February 27,
1938. His father passed
away when Nathan was
only 3 years old so he was raised by his mother, Lois;
his guardian, Ernie Dotterer; and mentor, Glenn Weir.
Nathan grew up in Carthage, MO and Kiowa, KS
with his two older brothers Gene and Bert. Nathan
was known as “Junior” during his adolescent years.
He graduated from Kiowa High School in 1956. After
graduation Nathan attended CSU where he majored in
agriculture.
Nathan graduated from CSU with a BS and Masters
in Education. He met and married his first wife Shelia
while he was a student at CSU. They had two sons,
Steven and Craig. Nathan used his college degree by
serving as school principal in Bridgeport, NE. Nathan
continued his work in education serving as “Safety
Advisor” for both Pabco and B.J. Services. Nathan
was the creator of the safety program and training for
the Lineman “Hotline” School held in Grand Junction
every summer. He was also employed at Mesa College
as Assistant Director of Continuing Education and
Director of Special Programs. He secured grants for
both Mesa College (now CMU) and Fort Lewis College.
Nathan helped transition Mesa from a 2 year to a 4 year
college. Nathan married Sigri on November 27, 1983,
creating a blended family with children who were
already good friends.
Nathan loved to travel, visiting Albuquerque for many
balloon festivals, the Inside Passage of Alaska, Puerto
Vallarta with family, the Panama Canal and numerous
trips to various parts of the country with the Grace
Wanderers, a bus travel group based out of Lakewood,
CO. Of all the places traveled, New Zealand was his
favorite with breath taking scenery, yummy food, great
adventures and most of all, wonderful people. Nathan
wanted to sell the house, car and belongings so he could
buy a yacht and sail the waters of New Zealand. Sigri
put a kibosh on that idea as Nathan knew nothing about
sailing and was very prone to sea sickness.
Closer to home, Nathan loved to spend time on the
Grand Mesa and at his cabin by Vega Reservoir. Other
hobbies included fishing, handball, camping, pheasant
hunting, skiing, biking, reading, tennis and playing
poker. He thoroughly enjoyed the friendship of his poker
buddies. Nathan attended American Lutheran Church
with his wife Sigri. He loved strawberry sundaes at
Dairy Queen. Classical music was his favorite, tuning
in to Sirius XM radio. He enjoyed the GJSO concerts
and CMU Theatre. Nathan was a big Bronco fan, a
Sunday afternoon must. He fully supported CMU
athletic events, with women’s volleyball his favorite.
Nathan was intelligent, a great conversationalist,
well read and had a dry sense of humor. He took great
pride in his wife, children and extended family, his
CSU education and academic career. Nathan became
a resident at Aspen Ridge Alzheimer’s Care Center on
September 9, 2021. A special thank you to the wonderful
staff at Aspen Ridge and Hope West for their fine care,
love and friendship.
Nathan is survived by Sigri, his loving wife of 39
years; sons, Steven (Ronda) and Craig (Jill); step
children, Sherri Folkestad, Tom Folkestad (Tari), and
Mark Folkestad (Kim); grandchildren, Krista, Amy,
Corbin, Hunter, Caleb, Kelsi, Jake, Brenna, Zack,
and Alicia; great grandchildren, Jaxon, Jaylen, Jeriah,
Paisley, Hadley, Otto, and one that is on the way. He
was lovingly known by his grandchildren as Grandpa
B or G-Pa.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February
18 at 11:00 a.m. at American Lutheran Church, 631 - 26
1/2 Rd.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent
to: Aspen Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center: 622 -
28 1/4 Rd., Grand Junction, CO. 81506; Hospice- Hope
West: 3090 N. 12th St., Grand Junction, CO. 81506; or
American Lutheran Church: 631 - 26 1/2 Rd., Grand
Junction, CO. 81506.
