Thief River Falls – Dwight Bruggeman, 70, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Monday, March 13, 2023 at Villa St. Vincent, Crookston.
Dwight James Bruggeman was born on June 22, 1952 in Red Lake Falls, the son of Eugene and Vivian (Lynch) Bruggeman. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He attended St. Bernard’s School and Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls. Following high school, Dwight worked at Arctic Cat.
He was drafted into the United States Army on September 26, 1972. Dwight served a tour in Korea and was Honorably Discharged on December 11, 1974. He was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), and Sharpshooter.
In 1973, while on leave, Dwight was severely injured in a motorcycle accident which left him partially paralyzed on his left side.
Over the years, Dwight would hitch rides with friends into Thief River Falls where he enjoyed restaurants, playing darts & pool, attending church services and being with friends. Dwight loved people, being around people, could talk to anyone and always enjoyed sharing a joke and having fun! He enjoyed traveling with his parents to Brownsville, TX for many winters and other states where they visited relatives and saw the sights.
He was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, VFW Post 2793 and American Legion Post 117 all in Thief River Falls.
Survivors include his siblings, Linda Johnson of Newfolden, Gary Bruggeman of Faribault, and Stanley (Sue) Bruggeman of Warren; nieces and nephews, Guy (Nadine) Bruggeman, Jared Bruggeman, Wayne (Mary) Johnson, Lydia Bruggeman, Zoe Bruggeman; many great nieces & nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Michael Johnson; sister-in-law, Audrey Bruggeman; nephew, Gavin Bruggeman; infant nephews, Theodore and Seth Bruggeman.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 20, 2023 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. with a 5 p.m. Prayer Service on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, and also for one hour prior to the service on Monday at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Burial will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Brooks. Military honors will be provided by the VFW Post 2793, American Legion Post 117 and Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
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