Marie Therese Brueggen

Marie T. Brueggen, 92, of Sparta, WI, passed away peacefully with her daughters at her side, Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta, WI. Marie was born on June 6th, 1933, to James and Marie (Langsdorf) Sullivan in Ontario, WI. She was the 15th child of 17 births. On July 21, 1954, Marie was united in marriage to Harold (Harry) Brueggen at St. Mary's Ridge Catholic Church, Cashton, WI.
At the age of 16, Marie graduated from Ontario High School as Valedictorian. She attended Vernon County Normal Teachers College and graduated in 1952. Marie's teaching career started out in a rural, one-room classroom for two years in Cook Creek (near Ontario). Born as the last girl to a large family, Marie had the opportunity to teach some of her nieces and nephews.
After Marie and Harry were married they moved to Portland where she taught for one year in another one-room school house. Following their time there they moved to Sparta where they began their family. In 1957 they moved to Cashton and this was where they raised their girls.
In 1962, Marie went back to college at UW-La Crosse in the evenings and summers to earn her bachelor's degree in education. During this time, she was teaching 5th Grade in the Cashton School District. Marie's daughters and Harry always remember with pride, the day they attended Marie's graduation ceremony from UW-LaCosse in 1966.
The majority of Marie's teaching career she taught 5th grade math. During this time, through the invitation of Cooperative Educational Service Agency #4 and her principal, Ona Einer, she became instrumental in piloting an Individualized Learning Program. Together, Marie and Ona traveled to teacher conventions where Marie presented on the implementation and success of the program for Cashton students.
The last seven years of Marie's career were spent as the Cashton Elementary School Supervisor. She enjoyed the school staff and administration and appreciated their support. She especially appreciated the encouragement of her superintendent, Mike Healy. Marie retired in 1993. It made her happy when former students stopped to say hello. She had a great fondness for all children.
In addition to her work, Marie spent countless hours cooking, entertaining, sewing and supporting their three daughters through the years and her husband as a salesman, musician and shoe repairer. Around 1986 Gary's Ridgeland Dutchmen Band, in which Harry played guitar, began receiving requests to provide polka music for masses and worship services. Harry and Marie were proud to have their daughters provide vocals for these services and the girls loved singing with their Dad. Marie wrote the lyrics for "Going Back to Our Homes Now" which has been performed many times since.
When traveling with the band on bus trips, Marie, being a former school teacher, was very quick with a pen and paper and would journal the highlights and funny moments to be shared on the trip back home.
As a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Marie served as President of the Parish Council of Catholic Women, Sacristan and was a Lector. Marie and Harry worked alongside fellow parishioners in the planning and fundraising for a special needs entrance to their church which they were privileged to see completed and in use after their move to Sparta. Marie and Harry spent their last years as members of St. Patrick's Church in Sparta.
Marie was well known for baking the most delicious bars which the entire family enjoyed, especially her sons-in-law and grandsons! Marie generously baked for Kathy's piano student's recitals and those families were always so happy to enjoy "Grandma Rie's" sweets. When limited vision made baking difficult, she still made banana bread every chance she could.
In her later years, Marie became a fan of the Green Bay Packers. She would dress from head to toe in her green and gold (with a rosary in her pocket, just in case). She enjoyed hosting Packer Parties for family and friends.
Marie is survived by her children, Donna (Roger) Elsen, of Holmen, WI, Carol (Jeff Stokfisz) Brueggen, of Rochester, MN and Kathy (Mike) Wacker of Sparta, WI, seven grandchildren: Stephanie (Tim) Paul and children, Isabel, Cayden, Berkly, Genna and son Callum, Samantha and Kayli (Alec) La Sher and daughter Emmy; Angie (Slade) Hendrikson and son, Drew; Kelly Jo (Matt) Kline and children, Gracey, Beckett and Kinley Jo; David (Becky) Wacker and children, Layna and Esden; Christopher (Alejandra) Wacker and children, Gabriel, Gavin and Garrison; Jana (Nick) Raupp and children, Liam, Brynlee, Colton, Jameson and Nolan; Daniel (Codi) Wacker and children, Brooks and Dawson; two step-grandchildren, Gregory (Samantha) Stokfisz and daughter, Amelia and Nicholas (Elise Hansen) Stokfisz; one sister, Margaret Laufenberg of Sparta, and in-laws, Pat Sullivan and Kay Sullivan of Tomah, Willard and Mary Ann Brueggen and Florentine Geier of Sparta, Betty Brueggen of Cashton and Madonna Brueggen of Viroqua; "Aunt Marie" is further survived by many nieces and nephews, each of whom she treasured.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, on March 3rd, 2019 after 64 years and 8 months of marriage, her parents, James and Marie Sullivan, great-granddaughter, Kathryn Hendrikson, sisters, Kathryn (died young), Helen Schmitz, Louise Ducke Pearse, Lucille Schmerhorn, Myrtle Thomas, Sr. Gertrude Sullivan, Dorothy Pipp, Caroline Bertoline, and Mary "Jane" Giese and brothers, Daniel, Jeremiah (Jerry), William (died young), Thomas (Tom), Roger, and James Robert (died young) Sullivan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, November 6, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Sparta. Father Eric Berns will officiate. Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Cashton, WI.
Family and friends are invited to visitation on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, beginning at 3:45 p.m. with the praying of the Rosary. Visitation will follow from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Torkelson Funeral Home, 1132 Angelo Road, Sparta, WI. Visitation will also be held on Thursday at the church, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and continuing until the time of service.
The family would like to thank the staff of Creekside Assisted Living who for the last four years not only treated Marie as family but welcomed all her family as well. Marie treasured the friendships she made at Creekside and enjoyed her time there so much.
We also would like to thank Dr. Derick Woodward of Mayo Clinic, Sparta and Drs. Sheereene Hussian, Ishan Shah and Kyle Thomas of Mayo Clinic Hospital La Crosse, WI. A special thank you to Dr. Jennifer Winegarden who helped manage Mom's pain in her final days and to the nursing staff and patient care assistants on 5 Center Mayo Clinic Hospital. To the Morrow Home Rehab and D Hall Staff, their compassionate care given to our Mom and our family was so appreciated. There are no words to express how grateful and blessed we were by our Agrace Hospice Team: Carla, Liz, Matt, Tuesday and especially Mary and Lisa. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
Sincere thanks to Fr. Eric Berns who provided spiritual comfort and friendship to Marie. She held a special place in her heart for you.
The Torkelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.