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Gerald Bruggeman

Lead Summary

Gerald “Jerry” P. Bruggeman, 86, of Valley Springs, South Dakota, died Thursday, March 24, 2022, at his home.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at George Boom Funeral Home, Brandon, South Dakota. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 28, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Church, Brandon, South Dakota.
Gerald “Jerry” Paul Bruggeman, son of August and Catherine (Snyder) Bruggeman, was born on April 29, 1935, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He grew up on his family’s farm near Larchwood, Iowa. In 1953, Gerald graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Larchwood.
Jerry entered the United States Army on February 14, 1956. He was stationed in Alaska, where he served as a meteorologist. After his honorable discharge on January 24, 1958, he started his career at the Sioux Falls Stockyards, where he worked for several years selling cattle. Jerry eventually became a cattle buyer for several different firms for many years until his retirement.
Jerry was united in marriage to Sharon McCarty on October 21, 1961 in Alvord, Iowa. They settled on an acreage east of Valley Springs, South Dakota, where they raised their four children. Jerry always had a nice herd of Black Angus cows and calves on the acreage.
Jerry enjoyed hunting with his sons, trips to the lake over the Fourth of July week with his family and neighbor friends. He loved his trips to Mexico with Sharon and his daughter’s family. Jerry loved the outdoors and working with his cows on the farm. He enjoyed his stockyard group gatherings and his “Bruggeman Breakfast” time with his siblings and family. Any time he had with his grandchildren was cherished.
Grateful to have shared his life are his wife, Sharon; four children, Jim (Cheryl) Bruggeman of Dell Rapids, South Dakota, Dave (Daletta) Bruggeman of LeMars, Iowa, Mary (Brian) Maiers of Shakopee, Minnesota, Amy (Bo) Keller of Minneapolis, Minnesota; blessed with nine grandchildren, Andy (Tiana) Thompson, Beth Bruggeman, Kendra Jorgensen, Kody (Hailey) Bruggeman, Jake (Alyssa) and Emma Maiers, Isabelle, Bo and Ben Keller; two great-grandchildren, DeJay Thompson and Henry Bruggeman; sisters Pat Wright and Cleone Kellar; brother Don (Rosemary) Bruggeman; sister-in-law, Orph Bruggeman; numerous nieces and nephews; and many special friends and neighbors.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Norbert and Len, sister Maureen McCarthy, sister-in-law Theresa Bruggeman, brothers-in-law Russel Wright and Jim Kellar.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Avera Foundation, Avera Hospice, Prince of Peace and The Banquet.
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