Patricia Ann Bridges

Patricia Ann Bridges
of Bondurant, Iowa

Patricia Ann Bridges, 75, passed away at home on January 3, 2026, following a 6-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born on October 18, 1950, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Richard and Delores (Graves) Joyce. She was one of 8 siblings. As the oldest daughter, Pat or Patty as she was also known by, took on the role of caregiver at a young age. Although her family lived on the farm, Pat preferred working in the house with her mom on tasks such as ironing, cooking, and watching her younger siblings. Pat started kindergarten at the age of 4. She always reminisced about how scared she was to go on the school bus for the first time and relied on her older brother Chuck to provide comfort. She graduated from Wapsie Valley High School in 1968.

Patricia married Darrel Bridges on June 5, 1971. They moved to Altoona, Iowa in 1982. They were blessed with 5 children, including twin boys that died at birth. Her children, and later her grandchildren, were her greatest joy. Pat’s life was surrounded by her children’s endless activities, and she never complained about all the “running” she did to make it to sporting events. Pat worked for over 30 years for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. Most of her time was spent as a Courtroom Deputy where she managed a judge's courtroom and caseload, acted as the primary liaison between the judge, attorneys, court staff, and the public to ensure smooth, efficient proceedings by handling calendaring, documenting orders, managing exhibits, operating courtroom technology, and preparing for hearings and trials. She enjoyed many work trips to other courthouses in Iowa. Pat had a timeless sense of style and grace; she was always beautifully dressed, her hair and makeup a reflection of the care she took in all she did. Beyond her devotion to family and work, Pat was a faithful Catholic who found joy in baking (she had quite a sweet tooth) and spending time at casinos with her husband and family members.

The family would like to thank UnityPoint Hospice for their care during Pat’s final days. They provided great care and helped her remain very comfortable as her health declined.

Those left to cherish Patricia’s memory include her loving husband, Darrel; son, Chad (Shelli) Bridges; daughters, Shellie (Matt Zimmerman) Kirby, and Danielle (Matt) Bird; grandchildren Caitlyn (Mason), Savanna, Ryan, Lane, Brittyn, and Emmett; great-grandson, Beckham; siblings Kathy (Joel) Steinmetz, Mary Jo (Jim) Even, Janet Witzenburg, Dan Joyce; and sisters-in-law Phyllis Lentz, Virginia Cunningham (wife of the late Chuck Joyce), Julie Joyce (wife of the late Tim Joyce); and many nieces and nephews.

Patricia was preceded in death by her infant twin sons, John and James Bridges; parents Richard and Delores Joyce; in-laws Frederick and Katherine Bridges; siblings, Chuck Joyce, Michael Joyce, Tim Joyce, Barb Joyce, Charles Bridges, LaVern Lentz, Pat and Lloyd Froning, and Delbert “Lee” Bridges.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., at Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church, 1401 1st Ave., S., Altoona, Iowa. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00 a.m., at the church. Patricia will be laid to rest at Altoona Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in memory of Patricia.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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