Thief River Falls – Randy Bruggeman, of Thief River Falls, age 69, passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at his residence, under the care of his wonderful family.
Randy Bruggeman was born September 16, 1954 in Thief River Falls, the son of LeeRoy and Ferne (Jarshaw) Bruggeman. He was baptized in the Catholic faith and grew up in the Lutheran faith.
At the age of 17, Randy joined the United States Army. He was proud to be “Army Trained.”
After his honorable discharge from the Army, Randy came back to Thief River Falls where he worked various jobs including making cheese and at the Soo Line Railroad. Randy was blessed with two beautiful sons, Brandon and Josh.
From 1985 until 2003 Randy lived in Blaine. He was a supervisor for asbestos removal, worked for Kemps Dairy, and was an owner and operator of Bruggeman’s Seal Coat. In 2003 Randy moved back to Thief River Falls.
On December 4, 2010, Randy was united in marriage to Georgi Desrocher in Las Vegas at the Imperial Palace.
Randy worked at Thygeson Construction. He was a jack-of-all-trades as he could run any equipment, help in the garage, and take orders. Randy loved his job and the Thygeson family, especially hanging out at the shop with the boys. It was a very important part of his life.
Randy was a member of the Eagles, American Legion Post #117, and the 40&8.
Randy loved fishing – especially the yearly guys’ trip at Zipple Bay, Lake of the Woods, hunting, and making people smile. He had a great sense of humor and loved to talk and tell stories. Randy loved trips to Vegas with the Thygesons and staying at the El Cortez. Randy’s most precious gift was his heart of gold. The day was never about Randy, it was about the people he met and loved.
Family was important to Randy. He is survived by his loving wife, Georgi; sons, Brandon (Julie) Bruggeman and Joshua Gerardy; grandchildren, John and Randy Bruggeman, and Isabella Gerardy; brothers and sisters, Debra “Slim” Bruggeman, Robert Bruggeman, Cynthia Bruggeman of Coon Rapids; brother-in-law, Mike Thygeson; sister-in-law, Tracee Bruggeman; mother-in-law, Julie Desrocher of Dilworth; sisters-in-law, Lisa Desrocher of Torrance, CA, and Colette Desrocher of Peoria, AZ; brother-in-law, Bill (Lisa) Desrocher of Brainerd; several nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, LeeRoy and Ferne Bruggeman; brothers, Timothy and Reggie Bruggeman; sister, Bonnie Thygeson; grandparents, Fred and Ermanie Bruggeman, and Alfred and Tilla Jarshaw; father-in-law, Bill Desrocher; sister-in-law, Johanna Desrocher; many uncles and aunts; and his dog, Wishbone.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Reverend Kristin Ostercamp officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 29, 2023, from 5–7 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, and also for one hour prior to services on Saturday.
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