Obituaries

 

Nancy Ruth (Burke) Bruggeman

Died July 14, 2014

TRAVERSE CITY – Nancy Ruth Bruggeman, 82, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2014 at Munson Hospice House surrounded by her loving family.

  Nancy, the second eldest of five children, was born on Dec. 13, 1932, in Detroit, to Edward Samuel and Mary Ellen Burke.  Nancy was preceded in death by a sister, Martha Jane Dunseth, and a brother, Marvin Edward Burke.

  On Nov. 2, 1951, Nancy married Henry J. Bruggeman in Detroit.  Hank preceded Nancy in death.  Together Nancy and Hank raised five incredible children: Jeffrey (Kathy), Jenny Keck (deceased), Martha (Hugh) Cook, Amy (Bob Maleski) Bruggeman, and Emily (Duane) Kalember.  Their fine children gifted them with seven wonderful grandchildren, Dennis (Marlana) Keck, Joanna (Damon Martinez) Bruggeman, Monica (Matthew) Gable, Emily (Brian) Sieg, Nicholas (Kelsey Punsal) Kalember, Abby (Phil Marsh) and Lauren (Dan Sterwald) Kalember.  Nancy also had the blessing of knowing and loving her six great-grandchildren, Cayden, Madilyn Joy, Jaren, Otto, Nolan, and Dax.

  Throughout her life Nancy had many jobs outside of the home, including working for the Josten’s Yearbook Company on yearbook layouts.  Nancy worked in fabric stores, doctor’s offices, and retail stores.  She did clerical jobs and even worked in a floral shop making floral arrangements.  She was a “Jill of all trades,” so to speak!

  Her many hobbies included painting with watercolors and when the girls were young, she would sew matching dresses for holidays for a long as they allowed her to get away with it!  She also loved to read and work in her beautiful flower gardens.  Nancy was also known for having the “gift of gab” and would often strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, always interested in someone’s “story.”

  Nancy has donated her body to the University of Michigan Medical School.  A private family service will be held at a later date.

  Our family would like to extend our sincere thanks to the wonderful staff of Munson Hospice House for the gentle and loving care our mom was given during the last days of her life.

  Anyone wishing to send a memorial in Nancy’s name may do so to the Grand Traverse Commission on Aging, or to the Munson Hospice House.

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.