2/16/1930 – 7/19/2016
Ralph was born in Omaha, Nebraska on February 16, 1930 and a lifelong resident, passing away on July 19, 2016.
He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, receiving an honorable discharge in 1953. He was employed by several Omaha-based offset printing companies as a production manager. Following retirement, he continued employment for Osco Corporation, primarily as a seasonal employee of the company’s green houses. A graduate of Omaha North High School, he earned credits at Metropolitan Community College where he pursued study of one his key lifelong interests, photography. He enjoyed many outdoor interests, particularly gardening, hunting, fishing, and camping and backpacking with his wife, children and grandchildren. Memorable trips included a number of visits to Canada and western United States destinations. Also a gifted wood-worker, he enhanced the family home with multiple projects over the years, as well that of his children. Ralph also believed strongly in saving the lives of others and to that end was a regular blood donor on behalf of the American Red Cross, so much so that he eventually earned a Ten-Gallon donor pin, a truly remarkable achievement.
He is predeceased by his parents, Theodore William and Lena as well as a sister, Helen Billings and brother Paul. He is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Evelyn, daughters, Linda Tripp (Steve), Susan Tabor (Mike), Cheryl Goodwillie (Mike) and son Michael Brueggemann (Jana) as well as nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent to St. Mark Lutheran Church.
Visitation Sunday 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Roeder Mortuary – 108th Chapel 2727 N. 108th Street Omaha, NE; Service 10:30 AM Monday (7/25/2016) at St. Mark Lutheran Church 1821 N. 90th Street Omaha, NE, Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery at Omaha, NE
So sorry to hear of Mr Brueggemann’s passing. I will always remember him and his Volkswagen! My sympathies to the Mrs Brueggemann, Cheryl, Susan and the rest of the family.
Ralph, the warmth of your smile will always fill my heart when I think of you! You always made everyone around you feel special as you would pull them aside, hold their hands, ask them how they were doing and what they were thinking or feeling during tough times. We have always thought of you as our uncle. Thank you for the blessing you have always been to our family! Heaven has been blessed with a beautiful angel! To the precious Brueggemann family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing your family with us. We love you!