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Edwin Bruggeman Obituary
PEORIA - Edwin Lee Bruggeman, 79, of Peoria died peacefully at 11:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, surrounded by his family.
Edwin was born on Sept. 15, 1935, in Peoria to the late Harry J. and Leta (Hay) Bruggeman. He married Judith Ann Snedden on Sept. 19, 1959. She survives.
He is also survived by his daughters, Bridget (Jay) Sandlow and Gretchen (Jim) Miller; grandchildren, Samantha, Jacquelyn and Rachel Sandlow and Margaret and Griffin Miller; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James; sister, Janet Weisert; grandson, Christian Miller; in-laws, Russell and Madeleine Snedden; sister-in-law, Madeleine "Tina" Snedden; and nephew, Daniel Weisert.
Edwin was a graduate of St. Bernard's Grade School, Woodruff High School and Bradley University.
He was a veteran and worked at Caterpillar Tractor Company in engine sales for 43 years, retiring in 2002.
He was a life-long member of St. Bernard Catholic Church. He was also a member of St. Brendan Irish Society and a former member of the Knights of Columbus.
He spent 35 years running Sno-flocked Christmas trees with his friends, Bob Mousty and Kenny Jefford.
Edwin had an incredible sweet tooth and soul. His interests included numerology, gardening and the stock market. He was an excellent storyteller with a dry sense of humor. He never met a stranger and always had a kind word for anyone who crossed his path. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, teaching each of them to appreciate the stock market. As an avid Notre Dame fan, he loved rooting for Notre Dame football.
His family would like to thank all of his caregivers at OSF Medical Center, OSF Infusion Center and especially the caregivers at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home for their compassionate care at the end of his life.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17, 2015, at St. Bernard Catholic Church. Father Donald Henderson will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015, at Wright & Salmon Mortuary, with recitation of the rosary at 6:45 p.m. An additional visitation will be 30 minutes prior to the Mass. Entombment will be in Resurrection Mausoleum.
Memorials may be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church, Peoria Area Blind People's Center or the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home.
Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon. com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edwin Bruggeman
Sponsored by Wright & Salmon Mortuary - Peoria.
Varun Lobo
August 7, 2023
We miss you Eddie. I've had some of the best coffee time conversations with you and Judy and I will never forget them. Thank you for being so awesome. Lots of love from Varun
Mike McConnell
August 7, 2022
Can't believe it's been 7 years Eddie. Sure do miss you.
Your Godson.
Gretchen (Happach) Polenzani
September 14, 2015
Please accept my heartfelt condolences Bridget, Gretchen & Judy. I have many fond memories of Ed driving us hither and yon in grade school and of having sleepovers at your house on (I think) Central Ave. I lost my dad 9 yrs ago and know it's so hard. Peace Love & Prayers!
Cathi Truitt Steffens
September 14, 2015
I met Bridget playing tennis at Glen Oak Park while in Grade School. Little did I know then that I would stand in line beside her at freshman orientation and that she and I would go on to become the very best of friends of whose friendship and family I would cherish dearly to this very day. I will never forget all the wonderful times Bridget; your Grandmother was a ray of sunshine; the love your parents showered upon me, and Gretchen, always so dear and sweet to me. Oh how I love you all so and it is with my deepest, most sincere heart that I hold you all close that God's mercy and grace be upon you, comforting your entire family. How blessed to have known such a kindhearted man. I love you all. I shall never forget. All my love always.
Cathi
August 18, 2015
Please know I have the fondest memories of your special family! Was blessed to know and love you all these years! So glad I had a recent visit with Judy and Ed. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Mike and Cindy Bruketa family
Varun Lobo
August 17, 2015
Judy,
Words can't express the loss of our very own Ed. He was always popular among all of us. His sense of humor, witty answers, ingenious comebacks, patience to hear us all, his eagerness to share his knowledge- to advise us and always be there for us will never be forgotten. It was you & Ed that made Peoria a home away from home. Never for a moment had I felt I missed home. I would like to take this moment to thank Ed for being a father figure to me. My memories of spending time with you both in the evenings and our discussions over a cup of coffee will always be cherished. We are sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Mom & Dad also joins me to offer their heartfelt condolences to you in this moment of grief.
May god bring you peace & comfort,
Varun Lobo
"Say not in grief he is no more but live in thankfulness that he was." Hebrew Proverb
Judith Cychol-VanPelt
August 17, 2015
To Gretchen and Bridget...... My sincere condolences to you for the loss of your father.... And to your mother.... It's not easy to lose a parent..... You all are in my prayers....
Joan Jordan
August 16, 2015
Gretchen and family,
I am so sorry that you've lost your dear father. Know that I am thinking of all of you and praying for peace for all as you remember that he is in heaven and now you have someone to watch over you.
Willard Waugh
August 16, 2015
Goodbye to my favorite pal in the old Peoria Street neighborhood. I felt at times that Ed was my younger brother which I never had. I will always cherish the day his Mom asked me to go look at a car he was interested in at 16. We went. we purchased it and I had him follow me home so he and his Mom could get the paperwork done on it.A plymouth coupe had joined the family. He came over to my house after the legalities were finished and gave me the biggest hug I had ever had. Ed said to me, Mr Waugh, you are my Hero! I am not able to get to your services but I am with you in spirit. God Love and bless you and keep you happy forever. Mr Waugh
Betty Molleck Pears
August 16, 2015
What a neat guy,lucky me for going to school with him for twelve years and being a neighbor for many more. What a wonderful family.
John & Becky Kelley
August 16, 2015
So sorry to learn about Ed. We will keep Ed and your family in our prayers.
Anita Hickman
August 15, 2015
I am honored to do his funeral flowers.....I only met him a couple times and he seemed so sweet....and his family is wonderful...I can tell they all loved him very much...You are all in my thoughts and prayers.....Hold onto the memories, talk, laugh and love each other....that's all you can do.....
John Carlson
August 15, 2015
Deepest sympathy to Judy and Family.I have no doubt that Madeleine met Eddie at the pearly gates.She loved him dearly and he was so good to her....God Bless you
Pam Shute
August 15, 2015
Gretchen: don't know if you will remember me but we worked together at PJS a long time ago in the Promotion Dept. you were one of our high school girls. I just wanted to say I'm sorry for the loss of your father. Never easy to lose a parent. Cherish the memories.
Maricela Garza
August 15, 2015
Deepest and sincerest condolences on the loss of Ed. He was a very dear man and I am so fortunate to have known him since childhood. To Gretchen and Bridget, I know how painful this time is for you and your mom. Hold her close to you, she'll need you more than ever now. I pray you feel God's loving arms around you all. His legacy and memory will never leave you. Love to you all.
Ann (Bowton) Ford
August 15, 2015
Gretchen, I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. May God be with you and your family during this difficult time. May your Dad rest in peace. With sympathy & prayers, Ann (Bowton) Ford
Gwynne and John Nicholaides, III
August 15, 2015
Dear Gretchen, your father sounds like a wonderful man, just the sort of father to have a daughter like you!
We are so very sorry for your loss, and we know from experience how devastating it is to lose a beloved father. We hope that you will take comfort that he is in a better place and is healed. Our prayer is that you and your family will find your sorrow gradually replaced by happy memories.
Nita Mullen
August 14, 2015
Judy and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time
Carol Steiner
August 14, 2015
Judy, Bridget, Gretchen and family;
We were so very sad and sincerely sorry to hear that Ed had passed. We remember so many good times with him at Mary and Gary's pool and the countless hours he would spend with me picking out the perfect Christmas tree to be flocked. Ed was such a patient, kind and loving guy who will be missed by all who knew him. You all have our deepest sympathies, love and many prayers for your peace at heart. Heaven has gained another Angel. May you RIP Ed!! Much Love to All!!
August 14, 2015
Judy, we send our deepesst sympathy to you and your family. We remember Ed as a quiet, humble and decent man. We are unable to attend his services, but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Joanie and Eddie Papis
Mary Ardis
August 14, 2015
Judy, Bridget & Gretchen (and Mary & Gary) ... I loved Ed. I loved his smile. I loved his little laugh. I loved the twinkle in his eyes. He was a great, great man. I am so sorry he's gone. I'm sure the angels led him in. And you can bet my dad welcomed him in with open arms. Sending my deepest sympathy.
william mayo
August 14, 2015
A very sad day to lose such a fine man. My condolences to the family. Please know that many hearts join in your sadness, but also share your happy memories of this kind and gentle man. Peace be with you.
Jim Schaumburg
August 13, 2015
My sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Bruggeman family - Judy, Bridget and Gretchen who I went to school with from kindergarten through high school.
August 13, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We sure did have many laughs with Mr. Bruggeman! Love to all of you,
The Tomek and Rodgers Families, Cleveland OH
Theresa Lynch Dockery
August 13, 2015
To all the Bruggeman's. We had many happy times at tailgates and various events over the years. I am sorry for your loss and your family is in my prayers.
Dan Geltmaker
August 13, 2015
Back in my high school years, while dating Bridget I spent countless evenings at the Bruggemann home. I remember Ed being very quiet but I always knew that he was there doing what a good father does. He was keeping a watchful eye over the well being of his daughter. I respected him for that as well as the love that he showed for his family. I am sure that his presence in the Bruggeman home will be missed.
Bridget, Gretchen, and Judy you have my deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow.
August 13, 2015
Carol,Steve, Judi,Jeff and Bill just heard of your loss.We were you old neighbors on McClure. Nancy told us of your loss. we now live in sunny florida. Nancy has our address. Love
Don Stenstrom
August 13, 2015
Ed and I worked together as teenagers at the Crest theater in Peoria Hts.. I remember him as a friendly happy person who was fun to be around. Judy you may not remember me but know that you, your family and Ed will remain in our prayers.
Patty Powers
August 13, 2015
I am so sad to read this. I remember Mr. Bruggeman as a kind man. My prayers are with him and his family. May all the happy loving memories comfort you now and always.
Jack & Nancy Myatt
August 13, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss.
Mike McConnell
August 12, 2015
To my Godfather of 55 years. Thank you for all the life lessons and for being there when my Dad died. Thanks forall the other times we shared. You were always good to me and my family Ed. To Judy, Bridget, and Gretchen. Thanks for sharing your lives with us and Ed. You can be
proud. He was a wonderful man who it was a pleasure to have been a part of his life. Thanks for the ride Ed.
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
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