Michael Jeffrey Bruggink

Michael Jeffrey Bruggink, age 43, of Middletown, CT, and Cocoa, FL.
Michael Jeffrey Bruggink (May 1, 1981 – June 4, 2024) passed away at the age of 43 in Pattaya, Thailand, as a result of an unexpected accident. We believe as a result of the circumstances surrounding his tragic death, that there was no suffering involved. However, more important than his death was how he lived, and that was as a force of nature. Mike spent every one of his 43 short years voraciously living life as he inspired his family, friends, and any who would listen to be more present, kind, joyful, and the best people they could be.
Mike was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to Karole and Jeffrey Bruggink. He is survived by his parents, Karole Gundersen Scott (husband John) of Cocoa, FL, and Jeffrey Bruggink (wife Janelle), of Sheboygan, WI; his sister, Heidi Bruggink Sulman (partner Scott Freeman) of Boston, MA; and his nephew, Gabriel Sulman of Boston. He is also survived by his grandmother, Joan Bruggink of Sheboygan; his grandfather, Harmon Gundersen of Plymouth, WI; and his loving aunts (Judith Gundersen and Cathy Gold), uncles (Peter Anderson, David Gundersen, and Cecil Gold), cousins (Madeline (Ben Jordan), David, and Sam Anderson, Samantha (Justin) Richardson, and Jason Gundersen), and stepsiblings (Tom (Edyta) Goetsch, Dean Goetsch, Jeannine (Dan) Schlegel, and Lori Maxwell). He was predeceased by his grandmother Evelyn Gundersen of Plymouth and his grandfather Allen Bruggink of Sheboygan Falls, WI.
Mike attended Plymouth Public Schools and graduated from Rockledge (FL) High School in 2000. He was an Army veteran who served his country from 2001-2005, including active-duty tours in Iraq and South Korea. Mike spent many years living and working all over the world, including stints as an actor. He traveled to countless cities and countries, travelling so extensively that he recently required a second file in his passport.
At the time of his death, Mike was taking a well-deserved vacation from his studies at Wesleyan University, where he had recently completed his freshman year. He entered university well past the age at which most freshman move into their dorms, but – in true Mike Bruggink fashion – he quickly connected with a wide swath of classmates and teachers. Mike told his sister in May that everyone knew him on campus: he stood out as the gregarious, worldly, muscular, and handsome (per his own words) man striding across the quad. He played rugby, studied philosophy, worked on student films, and spent time with Heidi and Gabe, conveniently living only hours away. He spent weeks with Karole and John in Florida and Jeff and Janelle in Wisconsin, always making friends along the way.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 29 at Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth, WI, with visitation from 10am-12pm and service at 12pm. The service will be streamed at www.facebook.com/suchonfuneral. Friends and family are encouraged to share their thoughts, memories, and photos of Mike via Google Docs at https://tinyurl.com/3s3ks9kk
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Warrior Scholar Project in honor of Mike, https://www.classy.org/give/248609/#!/donation/checkout.
Mike was taken from us far too soon. From an early age, though, he recognized that life is fleeting – and that curiosity and connection are at the core of making life worth living. In his memory, we encourage all who loved him to explore a new vista, be open to new experiences, and relish the open path.