Archived Services

Vincent W. Bruggeman
06-18-2011

Vincent William Bruggeman, 84, died Saturday, June 18, 2011 at Avera McKennan Hospital. Vince was born November 24, 1926 in Larchwood, IA to William and Catherine Bruggeman. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1946. Upon completing his tour of duty with the Navy, he became a career service man with the United States Air Force and South Dakota Air National Guard. After his retirement in 1983, Vince operated his own custom frame shop for 10 years. He showed his compassion for the community with his many years of volunteerism, especially in his work with Habitat for Humanity where he worked for the last 20 years. He was very active in his church and he touched many lives with his humble and generous spirit. He married Betty Krier, the love of his life, on November 8, 1948 in St. Mary's church in Larchwood, Iowa. Even though their 56-year marriage ended with Betty's untimely death from ALS in 2005, their marriage continues as a shining example for the rest of us. Besides his love for his wife and family, Vince also had a love for baseball, carpentry, golf and gardening. He played amateur baseball in Larchwood and with the South Dakota Air Guard. When his playing days ended, Vince took his knowledge and experience of the game to coaching with the VFW Teeners and the Bantam league. He is survived by six children: Diane Bolger (Jim), Jerry (Margaret), Clair (Terri), Mary Leedom (Joe), Kay Nelson (Jim), and Jane (Chris Gerloff), 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Robert (Larchwood, IA), Mick (Larchwood, IA) and Roger (Colorado Springs) and his sisters Helen Miller (Colorado Springs) and Audrey Schwenck (Sioux Falls). He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his son, Steve, his granddaughter, Rosie, and his brother, Bill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity or the Betty Bruggeman Memorial Fund at the Sioux Falls Catholic Schools. Visitation will be Monday, 5 PM at St. Mary Church with a Scripture Vigil at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, 10:30 AM at St. Mary Church.