Richard Eugene Braegger

The world grew a bit brighter on August 30, 1954 when Richard Eugene Braegger Jr. came into this world. He was born to Richard Eugene Braegger Sr. and Cleo Braithwaite Braegger in Brigham City, Utah. He was the middle child of three siblings.

On May 22, 2024, this world lost some of its light as Rich returned home to his Heavenly Father, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with stage four esophageal cancer.

Rich grew up in Willard, Utah and attended school at Willard Elementary, Box Elder Junior High, and Box Elder High School. He played football all four years and graduated in 1972. On February 2, 1980, Rich married his eternal partner and soulmate, Debra Rasmussen Braegger. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple on May 1, 2002. They raised three beautiful daughters, who were the center of their world, in Brigham City. Many years later, Rich built his own home in South Willard, then eventually moved to Perry for the remainder of his life.

For many years, Rich worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator. He eventually started a company with his father and brother, Braegger Construction. Due to an unfortunate work accident resulting in a broken back, he was forced into early retirement at 38 years old. This led to seven back surgeries and chronic pain, which he bore with an incredible attitude.

Rich was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and spent countless hours working on family history and became an expert genealogist. He was president of The Braithwaite Family Organization and vice president of The Latter-Day Saint Ancestral Families Association. Rich also loved to golf, bowl, go to Jazz games, and support his children and grandchildren in their various activities. He got a hole-in-one and even bowled the perfect game. The entire family took regular vacations to Las Vegas and Disneyland where they created wonderful memories together.

Since his diagnosis, Rich showed incredible faith and positivity. His life was spent making those around him feel like a best friend. He had a tender spirit, always showing kindness and tenderness to all he met. He will be fiercely missed.

Rich is survived by his darling wife, Debby, and his three daughters, Sherrone Braegger, Shasta Dawn Peterson (Brady), Shantel Yearsley (Scott), a son-in-law, Watkins Singletary, two grandsons, Tayvian and Tracyn, three granddaughters, Adyson, Jaydis, and Jerzey. He is also survived by his older sister, Cleanne Braegger Barker, and younger brother, Rodney Braegger. He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Braegger Sr, and his mother, Cleo Braegger.

A viewing will be held at the Willard Utah Stake Center on Friday, May 31, 2024 from 5-8 pm. The funeral will be held at the same location on Saturday, June 1, at 11 am with a viewing from 9:30-10:30 am. The Willard Stake Center is located at 8230 South Hwy 89 Willard, Utah 84340.

 Interment will be at the Brigham City Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society on behalf of esophageal cancer patients.

Services entrusted to Lindquist Ogden Mortuary.

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