Bridget A Gerber

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Bridget (Ruzicka) Gerber, who left this world to be with the Lord and loved ones who went before her. She passed on Christmas Day, a day of profound significance and the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bridget was born on June 6, 1940, in Polk, Nebraska, to Jerold and Alice (Makovicka) Ruzicka. She was the second of ten children and grew up on the family farm, surrounded by the values of love, hard work, and togetherness. Tragically, her brother Lawerence, the sixth Ruzicka child, passed shortly after birth, leaving an indelible mark on Bridget's compassionate heart.

She attended a one-room schoolhouse for her early education alongside many of her siblings before graduating from Polk High School, where she excelled academically, thrived socially, and proudly served as a cheerleader. Bridget continued her education at Kearney College, where she studied business, played volleyball, and carried on her passion for cheering. Her 5'10" height made her a favorite on the volleyball court and cheer squads. Her Polk, Grand Island, and Lincoln family and friends were often the subject of her adventurous memories.

In 1959, she married Robert Lee Gerber, and together they raised six children: Bill, Brenda, Brad, Barry, Brian, and Bret. Life was bustling and full, especially during the early years when five of the children were age five and under.

In the 1960s, Bridget and her family moved to California, joining other Ruzicka relatives. Bridget was often the hit of the party with her timeless beauty and charm, she was often seen as the epitome of a 1960s California bombshell alongside her sisters and friends. Bridget's brothers were equally active, engaging in sports and 'lively' adventures.

Bridget remained an avid volleyball player for years, even as she managed the busy activities of her children. She started a home interior decorating business with Home Interiors, found joy in family adventures at the Colorado River, and pursued her education, graduating from Redlands University in 1995 alongside her daughter Brenda.

In addition to her interior decorator and design work, she was employed at McDonald Douglas aerospace, and built a successful career in customer service at Toyota/Lexus Motor Sales while also cultivating a passion for real estate, assembling a portfolio that provided her with a comfortable life in Orange County, California. She founded the Tall Club of Temecula in 2004 and became a champion shuffleboard team captain where she met many lifelong friends.

Family was the heart of Bridget's life. She welcomed her children's spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with open arms, and her annual Colorado River trips became a cherished tradition that united her loved ones for over 60 years.

In her later years, Bridget lived in the resort senior community of Laguna Woods, California, where she enjoyed the camaraderie of her neighbors and the beauty of her surroundings. This group of friends were very special.

Bridget’s final resting place will be near her family in Huntington Beach, California, and her spirit will forever reside in the family’s cherished camping spot in Needles, California.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerold and Alice; her brothers, Gilbert and Lawrence; and her sisters, Florence and Irene. Bridget is survived by her children, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, her brothers Jerome, Edward, Gregory, and Jerry, and her sister Jeanice.

Bridget’s legacy of love, resilience, and joy will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends.