1952-2026
Jeff Bidwell was born July 27, 1952 in Bieber, CA to Gene and Merldean Bidwell. He
was born on a Sunday morning and his mom loved to tell the story that the church bells
were ringing when he was born.
Jeff was the second of Gene and Merldean’s five children. Greg – 3 years older,
Jennifer – 3 years younger, and then there was Sarah – some 20 years younger. David
joined the crew in 1974 and was 13 years younger. Jeff grew up with a keen sense of
family, friends and community. Jeff also bonded with his grandpas, dad, brothers,
cousins, and close friends over their shared love for hunting. Whether it was deer
hunting, elk hunting, or bird hunting, Jeff loved it all.
Jeff proudly graduated from Big Valley High School in 1970. While in high school Jeff
participated in FFA, football, basketball, and baseball. Baseball was his favorite and his
love for the Giants and for baseball never waivered.
After graduating from high school in 1970, Jeff attended College of the Siskiyous and
received his AA degree in Forestry. He worked at Clear Pine Products during the
summers and after graduating he went to work at Main Industries, later called Big Valley
Lumber Company.
Jeff found his true love, Marsha Lynn Elzea, hiding out just 12 miles away in Adin. They
married June 23, 1973. Shortly after being married, they became members of Grace
Bible Church of Bieber. It was at this time that Jeff began his role as the song leader for
Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening church services. His
involvement quickly expanded into leading Youth Group gatherings and teaching
Sunday School classes. In years following, Jeff also became a member of the church
board and in May of 1997 he was ordained as a pastor and became the Associate
Pastor alongside Kent House.
In March of 1976, Jeff and Marsha welcomed their daughter, Erin. She quickly became
the apple of her daddy’s eye. They expanded their family exactly 3 years later to the day
in 1979 by adding a son, Vance. Jeff could not have been more excited to have added a
new ball player to the mix. Several years later, they added a “Bonus Baby”, Christjan, in
May of 1989. He too thrilled his dad by having the same passion, love, and talent for all
sports, especially baseball.
In 1990 Jeff began his career in the fuel business where he worked for Harbert Oil and
Ed Staub and Sons Petroleum for over 20 years. It was during these years where Jeff
felt he was really able to combine his work with his passion for meeting and serving
people.
In November of 2014, Jeff suffered a stroke that ended his working years. However,
this did not diminish his desire to still be involved with his family, friends, and
community.
Just as Jeff had entered this world on a Sunday, he parted this world to go be with
Jesus on Sunday, February 8
th
, 2026.
He leaves behind:
Wife – Marsha
Children – Erin (Todd); Vance (Katie); Christjan
Grandchildren – Tanner; Braedyn, Dean, Evan, Kysen
Siblings – Greg, Jennifer (Mike), David (Kelly), Sarah (Tim)
Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, extended family, and many, many
friends
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Big
Valley High School Gymnasium in Bieber, CA. A reception will follow at the Veterans
Memorial Hall in Bieber.
