Barton Clarence Bredenkamp

Barton Clarence Bredenkamp passed away unexpectedly on February 18th, 2023 at the age of 84.  Bart was born on August 21st, 1938 in Hay Springs, Nebraska to Clarence and Lydia Bredenkamp, the fourth of six children.  He was Valedictorian of Hay Springs High School Class of 1956.  After graduation, he entered the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln where he majored in Mechanical Engineering and met the love of his life, Sally Jean Miller in 1959.  They were married on June 11, 1961, the day after he graduated from college and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Bart served 30 years in the Air Force, as a communications officer.  He was stationed in Ohio, Canada, Wisconsin, Nebraska (three times), Mississippi, New Jersey, Korea, California, and Virginia (twice).  He retired in 1991 with the rank of Colonel. Following his retirement, Bart worked for PRC Inc. and later as an independent consultant on numerous defense contract proposals; a period during which he and Sally also traveled extensively with many of the friends made during their time in the military. Bart and Sally moved into their forever home in Bluewater Bay in Niceville, Florida in April 2000; a home painstakingly designed by Sally and devotedly maintained by Bart for the remainder of their 57 years of marriage. Barton is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Lydia, older sister Wilma, two younger brothers Boyd and Bob, and his bride Sally.  He is survived by his older sisters Portia and Delores, his two sons Brad (Jo Anna) and Trevor (Michele), seven grandchildren: Lauren (Scott Schmidt), Jacob, Gavin, Ward, Amelia, Grier, and Soren; and one great-granddaughter Alayna, with another great-granddaughter due to arrive in May; and more than 20 nieces and nephews.