Gretchen Bruggeman

Gretchen Ruth (Johnson) Bruggeman
Age 93 of White Bear Lake entered Heaven, surrounded by family,
on November 15th 2023.

Gretchen was the daughter of Adolf and Esther (Millie) Johnson and was a lifelong resident of White Bear Lake. She graduated from White Bear Lake High School in 1949. Gretchen attended Rasmussen Business School and was a secretary at the St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company.

In 1953, she married her high school sweetheart; Homer Bruggeman and they were blessed with four children.

Gretchen was a wife/mother/grandmother who dedicated herself to her family with a nurturing spirit and tireless abundance of love. Her home was a haven of warmth, laughter, great food and unwavering support. Because of her love for the Lord, she lived her life with a heart of kindness, grace and generosity.

She demonstrated the importance of family, had a servant heart and a strong work ethic.

Gretchen enjoyed skiing on the slopes of Colorado and with the local Tuesday Wipe Out gals. She also enjoyed tennis, Bridge, fishing on Lake of the Woods with Homer at their cabin and fifty-five years living on Bald Eagle Lake.

She loved spending time with and attending the many events of the grandchildren. They brought her some of her greatest joys.

She loved attending and worshiping at Eagle Brook Church for twenty plus years. 

While in her presence, Gretchen's humble spirit and warm smile always made you feel valued. Her greatest legacy will be her commitment to God and her selfless devotion to her family.

Gretchen is preceded in death by her husband, Homer and grandson, Samuel Tucker. She is survived by her children, Jim (Brenda), Lori, Becky (Gary) and Paul (Denise); grandchildren, Michael, Tami, Lynde, Lindsay, Allie, Dane, Natalie, Nick, Jessie, and Cory; 18 great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service for Gretchen is on Saturday, December 16 at 11:00 am at Rockpoint Church- (5825 Kelvin Ave N Lake Elmo, MN 55042) with a visitation one hour prior.