Bruggen, John Henry Frederick 1844-1925

BRUGGEN, FREESE, BARNES

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/28/2010 at 14:30:05

Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) Feb. 10, 1925

FRED BRUGGEN IS BURIED IN EWART

(By a Staff Correspondent)

Ewart, Iowa, Feb. 10, Special: Mr. Fred Bruggen passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George Barnes, Thursday evening.

Funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Mr. Lackey. Music was furnished by Mrs. Mose Jacob, Freda Jacob, G.E. Wasson and Charley Gerard.

The Bruggen family are well known, having made their home on a farm southeast of Ewart for a number of years, with the exception of a few years spent in Montezuma.

Mr. Bruggen suffered a stroke several months ago and gradually grew worse until he could not help himself at all.

The community express their sympathy to the family in their bereavement.

The following obituary notice was read at the funeral:

John Henry Frederick Bruggen, in honor of whose memory we are met here this afternoon, was born in Holstein, Germany, August 24, 1844. When he went to his eternal rest, on February 6, 1925, he had lived 80 years, 5 months and 12 days.

At the age of 24, while still in his native land, he was married, May 2, 1869, to Miss Dortheia M. Freese, who was his faithful companion in life till her death on July 31, 1922. Their home was in their native Germany for 13 years. They then came to the United States, and located in Montezuma, where they made their home for nine years. The next quarter of a century was spent on the farm, after which they moved back to Montezuma expecting to make that place their home during their declining years. This they did till just a short time before the wife's death, when they came to make their home with their daughter, Mrs. Anna C. Barnes. She, with her husband, George Barnes, has done every thing possible to make his last days comfortable, contented and happy.

Eight children were born into this worthy family. Four of them have passed on into the Great Beyond. Those still living are William, of Montezuma, Iowa; John C., whose present address is unknown; Henry C., of Oskaloosa; and Mrs. Anna C. Barnes, of Ewart, Iowa. All other relatives are in Germany.

He was confirmed in the Lutheran Church in his youth, and retained his connection with that denomination all his life, frequently driving to Sheridan to worship with the Lutheran congregation there.

Another good citizen has gone. He rests from his labors and his works do follow him.