Mildred E. Jourdain

   MILDRED E. JOURDAIN October 6, 1920 – July 1, 2017               Mildred E. Jourdain, age 96 of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of Lake George, MN, peacefully passed into eternity in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 1, 2017 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids, MN.             Millie was born on October 6, 1920 in Allen County, Kentucky to Henry and Janie (White) Estes.  It was in this same area that she attended country school and grew into womanhood.  As a teenager, she ventured to Baltimore, Maryland where she worked as a nanny for a time.  In April of 1936, Mildred was united in marriage to Nolan Earl Bridgman.  They were blessed with four children:  Earl, Polly, Larry and Dolan “Louie”.  Mildred devoted herself to making a loving home for her family.  She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered by her children and grandchildren for her delicious baked beans, fried chicken, apple pies, canned venison and dinner rolls. Millie made sure her small children went to church every Sunday where their singing talents became quickly known.  They were known as “The Singing Bridgman Kids” and Millie was very proud that they were asked to sing in every church in Indianapolis, IN.  In 1952, the Bridgman family moved to Park Rapids, MN.  Later, Mildred relocated to Lake George, MN where for a time she owned and operated the Rose Motel.  She returned to Park Rapids in 2008 and moved into the Court Apartments until failing health caused her to become a resident of the Heritage Living Center where she has lived the past nine years.  Millie enjoyed making beautiful quilts and was a member of a quilting club for many years.  She also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends and she always played to win.              Millie is survived by her four children: Earl Bridgman of Grand Forks, ND, Polly Ellenson of Park Rapids, Larry (Margie) Bridgman of Lake George, MN and Dolan “Louie” Bridgman of Park Rapids; her ten dearly loved grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren and twelve great great grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.             Millie was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Jourdain; a granddaughter; her son-in-law, Virgil Ellenson; her two brothers: Floyd and Eldon and three sisters: Ida, Lottie and Thelma.             Funeral services will be held 2 PM Saturday, July 8, 2017 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with Pastor  Michael English of the Lake George Bible Chapel officiating.  The casket bearers will be her grandchildren: Alan Ellenson, Carla Stover, Lonnie Ellenson, Brian Ellenson, Terrie Martin, Dean Bridgman, Darren Bridgman, Angie Fieldsend, Lori Holk and Tara Bridgman.  Interment will be in the Lake George Cemetery.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home on Saturday.