Thief River Falls – Judith Bruggeman, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, at her residence, at the age of 78.
Judith Ann Bruggeman was born on January 8, 1946 in Thief River Falls, the daughter of Oscar and Mardella (Myrom) Sabo. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. Judi graduated in 1964 from Lincoln High School.
On October 30, 1964 Judi was married to LaRoy Williamson. To this union three daughters were born – Janell, Dawn, and Robbin. Following LaRoy’s military career the family resided in Hamilton, MT. While living in Montana Judi taught ceramics and formed the Hamilton Firemen’s Wives Association. She also raised several foster children.
In 1977 Judi and her daughters returned to Thief River Falls. She retired from a long career with the Northwest Minnesota Multi-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
In 1983 Judi was married to David Bruggeman. Together they had Bruggeman’s Used Farm Equipment, B & L Auction Service, Country Estates Trailer Park, and farmed. During her marriage to Dave she discovered her love of travel. Dave passed away in 1997.
Judi’s hobbies and interests included gardening, traveling, visiting with friends and family, and she was an avid pet lover. She was instrumental in the development and operation of the Pennington County Humane Society animal shelter.
Judi is survived by her daughters, Janell (Greg) Mussman of Maple, WI, Dawn (Lara Lamont) Williamson of Thief River Falls, and Robbin Breiland of Victor, MT; grandchildren, Christopher (Sarah) Swenson and their children Nolan and Griffin of Albany, OR, Alyssa (Chris) Moehring and their children Marley and Carter of Viking, and Brystal Breiland of Thief River Falls; siblings, Orlan (Jenny) Sabo of Hamilton, MT, Sherry (Bill) Berlowitz of Lincoln, NE, Gary (Ione) Sabo of Maple Grove, and David (Vicky) Sabo of Thief River Falls; her beloved dog, Payton; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Judi is also survived by her special friend, Marvin Ness of Middle River.
She is preceded in death by her husband, David Bruggeman; her parents; siblings, Dennis Sabo, Myra Garriott, Loren Sabo, and Roger Sabo; sister-in-law, Lila Sabo; and brother-in-law, Larry Garriott.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls.
Visitation will take place one hour prior to the Celebration of Life Service on Saturday at Johnson Funeral Service.
Memorials preferred to the Pennington County Humane Society, P.O. Box 64, Thief River Falls, MN 56701.
Condolences may be sent at johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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