VanBruggen, Albert 1927-2012

VANBRUGGEN, SLICKERS, RAVENSWAAY

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/21/2012 at 08:03:55

Van Bruggen, Albert
Obituary: Albert Van Bruggen, age 84, of Hawarden, IA died Monday, August 20, 2012, at St.Lukeʼ's Regional Medical Center. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 23, 2012 at the Hawarden Community Church with the Rev. Tom Van Engen officiating. Military service and burial will follow at Grace Hill Cemetery in Hawarden. Visitation will begin at noon on Wednesday at the church with family present from 5-7 p.m. A prayer service will follow at 7 p.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

Albert was born December 10, 1927, in Hawarden, Iowa, the son of Tiete and Jennie (Slickers) Van Bruggen. He was raised in the Hawarden area and educated at the Eagle Township Country School. He served in the United States Army during WWII from February 1946 to August 1947. He married Anna Ravenswaay on February 16,1950, in Ireton. The couple made their home near Hawarden, where they ran a dairy farm for 22 years. They moved to town in 1969, where Albert was a custodian for West Sioux Schools. He retired in 1993 after 21 years with the district. Upon retiring, Albert enjoyed working part-time at The TV and Appliance shop for 20 years.

Albert was a founding member of the Hawarden Community Church, where he sang in a quartet for many years, served as a deacon and elder, and also as custodian. He was very involved with volunteering at the Hawarden Calliope Village, and was active with the American Legion and Color Guard. Albert was also an avid fan and supporter of West Sioux athletics.

Survivors include his wife, Anna; two sons and their wives, Darrel and Kathy Van Bruggen of Spencer; and David and Judy Van Bruggen of Hawarden; a daughter and her husband, Audrey and Joe Baumtrog of Medina, MN; a brother and his wife, Ted and Gerry Van Bruggen of Okoboji; two step-sisters, Muriel Hop of Greely, CO; and Elaine Riphagen of Artesia, CA; seven grandchildren, Melissa Hansen, Tasha Fitzgerald, Angela Fransen, Katie Van Bruggen, Travis Baumtrog, Lucas Baumtrog, and Abbey Baumtrog; four step-grandchildren, Chris Dodd, Adam Dodd, Lindsey Barr and Ashley Barr; six great-grandchildren; and ten step-great-grandchildren. Albert was preceded in death by his parents and 11 brothers and sisters.
Source: Porter Funeral Home, Hawarden, IA., obit.