Leo Bridal

Leo Bridal, 91 of Des Moines, passed away on July 3, 2014 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Leo Ezra Bridal was born on January 14, 1923 to Marie Schmidt and Orlando Ezra Trout. Leo lived his youth life in Ottumwa. After the untimely death of his parents he moved to Molton to be adopted by John and Bess Bridal. Leo Moved to Des Moines at the age of 14 where he attended Lincoln High School. He was very active in sports. He was on the football team, and was the captain of the swimming team, and a member of the iddy fiddy team. He was the Vice President of the Senior Class. Leo enjoyed school so much that he never wanted to leave Lincoln High behind. After graduation he was a life guard before joining the Marines. Leo was very proud to have served his country. He was in the first wave of IRO. He fought hard for his country and became a Corporal. He married Peggy Jean Judd in 1943. They had two children; Dennis and Ronnie Bridal. Leo went to work several places after the war while attending Drake University to work on his Accounting Degree. After graduation, he achieved his dream job at Iowa State University in the accounting department. He later became the chief of accounting. After 32 years at Iowa State, Leo retired due to his wife Peggys poor health. She passed away 2 years later. Leo kept many friends from Iowa State University. He went on several trips, enjoyed going to Alaska with neighbors Mike and Barb. Leos real love was his home and the flower beds. His sun room held 60 potted plants. His green thumb never let him down. He was a mason for 60 years, a member in good standing. He belonged to the Izaak Walton League. Leo is survived by a son Dennis of Del-Ray Florida, his extended family Rich and Mary Vaught of Indianola, and their children Robert Vaught , Gina (Aaron) Vaught Rudich, great-grandchildren; Anthony Vaught Rudich, Robbte Vaught and Austin Vaught Rudich; 5 nieces and nephews, and his sisters children. He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Jean Bridal, parents, Ezra and Marie Trout, step parents, John and Bess Bridal, and his beloved daughter Ronnie Lynn Bridal, sister Maryellyn Trought Bergett . A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lincoln High School, where his best friends and good times, and dreams came true.