Van Bruggen, Theodore "Ted" 1926-2023

VANBRUGGEN, POLL

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting (email)
Date: 10/5/2023 at 13:45:20

Ted VanBruggen, 97 years young was received into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 28, 2023 and reunited with his beloved wife, Geraldine. Ted passed away under hospice care in Pinellas Park, FL.

Ted was born on Jan. 26, 1926 to Tiete and Jennie VanBruggen. He was the 9th of 10 children.

Hard work, love of music, plants and a closeness with the Lord were instilled early and sustained him in his life.

Ted shared his life and love for 69 years to his wife, Geraldine Poll. Geraldine preceded him in death in 2017.

After high school graduation from Ireton, IA and serving in the Navy during WWII, they were married on Sept. 30, 1948. They were blessed with 2 children Tom and Janet.

Education was a huge part of Ted's life. Ted graduated from Buena Vista University, B.S., University of South Dakota, M.S. and the University of Iowa, PhD. Ted's first position as a teacher was at Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa. They moved to Vermillion after receiving his PhD. He was a professor and department chairman for the Botany Department, later was Assoc. Dean of Arts and Sciences, along with several other positions. Ted spent several summers teaching at University of Minnesota, Itasca and the University of WI, Madison.

Ted was privileged to work for the National Science Foundation in Washington, DC for one year.

He wrote several manuals including The Wildflowers of the Northern Great Plains and Black Hills, still sold at the Badlands and Mr. Rushmore.

Ted and Gerry later moved to Okoboji, Iowa and eventually joined family near St. Petersburg, FL.

Ted's final wishes were to donate his body to the University of South Dakota, Sanford Medical School body donation program, as he felt blessed to continue to contribute to his life long passion for education.

Ted is survived by Tom (Linda) VanBruggen, Park Rapids, MN and Janet Hazen, Pinellas Park, FL., six grandchildren and 12 great children along with one sister in law, Mary (Mike)Magan, Ada, MI. and numerous nieces and nephews.

No service will be held at this time. Memorials may be sent to the University of South Dakota, Sanford Medical School body donation program, Vermillion, SD. 57069.

Posted online on August 04, 2023

Published in Argus Leader