Wendell Bridges, 69, of Niles, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010 at his residence with his family by his side.

He was born on Oct. 5, 1940 in Kennett, Mo. to the late Howard and Fran (McCormick) Bridges.He was retired after 38 years of service with the Local No. 413 Carpenters Union in South Bend and was an active member of the South Bend chapter of the Harley Owners Group.

He is survived by two sons, Joe Bridges of Niles and Jeffrey Carpenter of Elkhart; three daughters, Wendy Bridges of Santa Cruz, Calif., Kassie (Kevin) Bridges of Santa Rosa, Calif. and Laurie K. Bridges of Merryville, La.; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three brothers, Terry (LouAnn) Bridges of Florida, Mike (Judy) Bridges of Niles and Garry (Cheryl) Bridges of Niles.

A time of visitation will be held on Monday, Feb. 1 from 6 to 7 p.m. with a memorial service at 7 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home. Pastor Jeff Bell will be officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Wendell’s memory to the family.

Condolences, photos and memories may be left for the Wendell family at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.