Obituary: Carl N. Bridenhagen

August 2, 1938 ~ February 14, 2023

Carl Nelson Bridenhagen 84, of Sturgeon Bay died peacefully at his home on February 14, 2023.  He was born on August 2, 1938, in Sturgeon Bay to Carl and Myrtle (Vertz) Bridenhagen.  Carl graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1957 and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1957-1960.  On November 16, 1963, he married Carolyn L. Burback in Milwaukee. 

Carl was a fire fighter for the City of Sturgeon Bay for 32 years and was affectionately known as “Lieutenant Lightning”.  He owned and operated Carl’s Bait and Old Bridge Motel.  Carl enjoyed hunting, gambling, coin collecting, traveling to Hawaii with his wife, and watching old western movies.

Survivors include his wife; three children, Gina (Eric Tank) Zabrowski, Madison; Carla (Paul) Englebert, Sturgeon Bay; Carl “Cully” (Kim) Bridenhagen, Sturgeon Bay; nine grandchildren, Zeke Zabrowski, C.J., Christian, Chase and Caralyn Mickey, Allison and Sarah Bridenhagen, and Will and Spencer Fitzgibbons; and a great-granddaughter, Zara Mickey.  He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Laura Bridenhagen; two sisters, Jackie and LeeAnn.

As to Carl’s wishes, there will be no public services.  Burial will be in Bayside Cemetery.