Alex J. Bruggeman, 77, formerly of New Bremen, died at 10:30 p.m. April 18, 2009, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.

He was born Feb. 27, 1932, in Maria Stein, to Aloys and Elizabeth Miller Bruggeman. On Nov. 20, 1954, he married Doretta Link, who died on July 19, 1968. On May 3, 1986, he married Betty Jo Smith Hipple, who died Jan. 15, 1997.

Surviving are his children, Diana (Marvin) Stolz, Celina, Kenneth Bruggeman, Fort Recovery, Lucy (Dave) Wynk, Chickasaw, Janice (Jerry) Uhlenhake, St. Henry, Lori (Chris) DuBois, Cleburn, Texas, and Cynthia Bruggeman and Joe Robbins, both of Coldwater; two stepsons, Mark (Carol) Hipple, Sidney, and Vaughn (Jane) Hipple, Fort Recovery; two brothers Arthur (Charlotte) Bruggeman, Maria Stein, and Gerald (Pat) Bruggeman, Greenville; four sisters Marie Knapke, St. Henry, Irene (Norman) Stueve, Minster, Julia (Ivo) Link, St. Henry and Barbara (Dennis) Link, Maria Stein; 18 grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

Deceased are two brothers Joseph and Vincent Bruggeman; two sisters Dorothy Reichert and Rita Schulte and a daughter-in-law, Joyce Bruggeman.

He was a farmer and worked at the former New Idea, Coldwater, and at Gagel's Hardware, Maria Stein. He was a member of the Precious Blood Catholic Church, Chickasaw, the American Legion, Maria Stein, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Chickasaw. He was a decorated U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient from injuries he received during the Korean War. He was a graduate of the former St. John's school of Maria Stein.

Memorial Mass is 10:30 a.m. May 1, 2009, at the church, the Rev. Gene Schnipke officiating. Burial of his cremains is at the church cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the church cemetery c/o Lester Homan at 5887 Wilker Rd., New Bremen.

Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home of New Bremen is handling the arrangements.