Bernard Emil Idman

Bernard Emil Idman, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wrentham, Massachusetts. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on August 11, 1936, he was the son of the late John and Annie (Johnson) Idman.

Bernie was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts and attended the local public schools. As a young man, Bernie worked alongside his father who taught him the skills necessary to become a carpenter. Bernie quickly picked up the trade, founding his own business, Idman Construction, and built his own home when he was just twenty years old. The stick frame house on Burrill Street was Bernie's pride and joy, a testament to the mastery of his craft. He would raise his family in this home, with it standing the test of time and of the wear and tear brought about by four children.

Bernie married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Bogdanski, on December 3, 1978, at the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Norwood. The pair had met through the Bournewood Hospital in Brookline, Massachusetts, with Mary as a switchboard operator and Bernie providing carpentry, maintenance, and plowing for the grounds. Mary joined Bernie on Burrill Street, where they spent the next 45 years together, just as in love as they day they met, and with Bernie taking care of Mary in the last few years of her life.

Bernie retired in his 70's, passing on the torch to his son Jack who would take over the family business. Like his father before him, Bernie taught his son all that he knew and was proud to have someone continue the legacy.

Bernie was a true family man who valued time spent together above all else. Many great memories were made visiting Santas Village, Storyland, and Attitash while on vacation in North Conway each year. He loved taking his family for rides along the Kancamagus Highway, stopping to swim in Swift River at the various pull off spots. Bernie was also a devoted caregiver to his son Bud, providing a lifetime of support, love, patience, and pride.

In addition to time with his family, Bernie enjoyed fast cars and trucks, belonging to multiple car clubs over the years. In the winter, he could be found on the back of his Arctic Cat, riding along the best snow mobile trails in New Hampshire, inspiring a love for the winter sport in his children.

Beloved husband of Mary Elizabeth (Bogdanski) Idman

Loving father of Wendy Idman-Drummond and her husband Dennis of South Gardner, Maine, Bernard "Bud" Emil Idman Jr. of Walpole, John "Jack" Idman and his wife Joy of Walpole, and Susan Idman Charette and her husband Chris of Mansfield; and loving stepfather to Mary's six children

Cherished grandfather of Becky and her husband David, Jacob, Dylan and his wife Anna, Grace, and the late Britta.

Brother of Irene Poirier, Roy Idman, the late Rugnar Idman, and the late Gladys Jacobs.

Also survived by my nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.

At the request of Bernie's family, all immediate services will be private. A life celebration will be held at a later date.

Bernie's family would like to humbly thank and acknowledge all of the amazing staff at the Maples Rehab. The dignity, respect, love, and true compassion that Bernie and his family received is insurmountable, and for which they will forever be grateful.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bernie’s name may be made to your local animal shelter or to the MSPCA at MSPCA-Angell Attn: Donations, 350 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130 or by visiting https://www.mspca.org/donate-now/

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.