Thomas R. Bidwell

Thomas Bidwell, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at Cedar Grove Gardens. He was one day shy of his 88th birthday.

Thomas was born December 18, 1936 in Milwaukee, the son of Robert and Dorothy (Ehlenfeldt) Bidwell. He graduated in 1955 from Madison West High School. 

On September 8, 1956, he was united in marriage with Lorella Powers in Madison. The couple celebrated 68 years together. 

Tom started his CPO apprenticeship in 1953 in the family business, House of Bidwell. He took numerous short courses at UCLA and North Western from 1957-1963. He became a certified orthotist in 1961, and certified prosthetist in 1963. From 1960-1964, he was the manager of the Madison Office, coming to the Milwaukee office as Vice President after Madison closed in 1964. 

Tom was an instructor at numerous Milwaukee Brace Seminars in the US and Europe between 1964-1976. He lectured on local and national levels on spinal orthotics. He was an officer of the regional AOPA, past president of the Wisconsin O & P Association, and examiner and appraiser for the American Board for Certification of O & P. He designed important, new modifications to O & P products, including the Milwaukee brace which is on display at the Smithsonian, a very proud accomplishment for Tom. 

Tom is survived by his wife Lorella and his daughters: Jennifer Bidwell (Todd) Wolpert and Karen Bidwell (Robert) Hinz; grandchildren Holland, Anneke and Daniella Wolpert and Joshua, Mason Thomas, Ethan and Emery Hinz; sister-in-law Lavina Powers; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Tom is preceded in death by his parents.

Tom will be laid to rest at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in a private family service. 

The family would like to thank the staff of Cedar Grove Gardens as well as Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, especially Heather and Chaplain Kevin Spaeth for their compassionate and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Oostburg Christian School, Resource Room. 

The Wenig Funeral Home – Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.wenigfh.com for online condolences.