Bruggeman, Julie (1955-2007)

BRUGGEMAN, ORTMANN, SCHAEFER, STOKELY, VONNAHME, SCHIMELPFENIG, SEIBEL, HOFFMAN, SMEINDER, ARMACANQUI, GALLAGHER

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 3/7/2008 at 20:40:11

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, November 12, 2007

Julie Bruggeman, age 52, of Larchwood, died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007, at her home near Larchwood, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Julie Ann (Ortmann) Bruggeman was born Oct. 19, 1955 in Remsen, the daughter of Don and Sandy (Schaefer) Ortmann. Julie graduated from St. Mary's Catholic High School in 1973. She continued her education at Briar Cliff College, graduating in 1977 with degrees in theology and English. She received her Masters in Pastoral Ministry at Mt. Marty College in Yankton, S.D.

Julie was united in marriage to Mark Bruggeman on June 5, 1976. Julie and Mark were blessed with two loving children, Laura, 19, and Matthew, 18.

Julie was a wonderful teacher and taught at Carroll Kuemper in Carroll, and St. Mary's Grade School in Sioux Falls, S.D. Julie was currently a teacher at O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls.

Julie had great passion for life and deep faith in Jesus Christ. Her life passions were her children, family, and friends, as well as teaching and all the students whose lives she touched over her career as an educator. Julie also valued her community and was involved in the CCD program in Larchwood. She enjoyed shopping and photography.

Julie will be remembered for her unmistakable laugh, her dedication to her faith, and her ability to always be there for everyone. Julie left a legacy of love and will be missed by those who were lucky to share in her life.

Grateful for sharing Julie's life are her husband, Mark of Larchwood; daughter Laura (Jake Stokely), Sloan; son Matthew (Katie Aaberg), Larchwood; beloved grandson Lane Stokely; parents Don and Sandy Ortmann, Remsen; parents-in-law Bob and Bea Bruggeman, Larchwood; eight sisters, Barb (Tim) Vonnahme, Henderson, Nev., Cathy Schimelpfenig, Normal, Ill., Donna Ortmann, Boise, Idaho, Trish Ortmann, Boise, Idaho, Helen (Don) Seibel, West Des Moines, Joan Ortmann, St. Paul, Minn., Maggie (Ben) Hoffman, Minnetonka, Minn., Amy Ortmann, Denver, Colo.; one brother, Bill (Brenda) Ortmann, Remsen; two sisters-in-law, Gwen (Thom) Gmeinder, St. Paul, Minn., and Colleen (Ed) Armacanqui, Madison, Wis.; one brother-in-law, Craig (Darla) Bruggeman, Inwood; "Sister" Friend, Joli Gallagher, Sioux Falls, S.D; and a host of nieces, nephews, and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. today (Monday) at The Church of St. Mary in Larchwood, with the Rev. Jeff Schleisman and Deacon Jeff Gallagher as co-celebrants. Burial followed at the Larchwood Cemetery in Larchwood. Visitation was Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m., with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Church of St. Mary in Larchwood. There was a parish wake service at 7:15 p.m. Sunday evening at the Church of St. Mary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Sioux Falls Catholic School System, St. Mary's Catholic Church in Remsen, or St. Mary's Catholic Church in Larchwood.