Wade John Bruggeman, 86, was born October 28, 1936 in Carroll, the eldest of four children born to Walter and Edna (Brockmann) Bruggeman. The family originally farmed south of Westside, then moved to Arcadia, in 1944 where his dad owned a feed business. At that time Wade obtained his first job of setting pins at the Arcadia Bowling Alley.
On November 22, 1936, Wade was baptized at Zion Lutheran, Arcadia, and confirmed at the same church on April 6, 1952, both by Pastor Theo Tews. He attended grade school in Westside, and later Arcadia. Wade graduated from Arcadia High School in 1955, the last class to graduate from there. Wade attended Northwest Missouri State Teachers College, Maryville, MO and graduated in May, 1959.
After graduation, Wade began his 38-year teaching career as an English and French teacher at Charter Oak High School for five years, taught in Denison High School for two years, and was the high school principal at Sergeant Bluff-Luton for one year. He furthered his education at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, receiving his MS degree (1964) and Specialist in Education degree (1967). He and colleague Don Gries were the first two to receive this prestigious degree from the University.
In the fall of 1967, Wade and Ruth moved to Charter Oak, where Wade became principal at Charter Oak-Ute High School. Periodically, he also was a guidance counselor, Driver's Education instructor, and a coach for various sports teams. Wade retired in July, 1997.
Wade and Ruth Schluter were married at Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake, on August 14, 1960. To this union two children were born, Brian (1961) and Carol (1965). Wade was a caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather. Wade and Ruth created a loving home where they instilled the importance of faith and education while providing a childhood that was second to none. A devoted husband, Wade and Ruth observed their 62nd wedding anniversary in 2022.
A supportive father, Wade enjoyed attending all activities while Brian and Carol were in school and later when Carol played and coached softball at the college level. Each year the family took a two-week camping vacation to various destinations across the country, enjoying various parks, major attractions, overall sightseeing activities, and attending Major League baseball games.
Wade and Ruth owned a cabin and boat on Blackhawk Lake in Lake View, where they spent numerous enjoyable summers with family and friends. After retirement, they wintered in Arizona enjoying various activities, especially those surrounding music. Wade and Ruth formed a duo and enjoyed playing music and entertaining at various events in Arizona and Iowa.
Wade possessed many talents including being able to fix, build, or 'figure out' most anything. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, hunting, everything surrounding music and sports, and also completing the daily crossword puzzle.
Wade is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Ruth Bruggeman of Charter Oak; son, Brian Bruggeman and his wife Susan of Lincoln, NE; daughter Carol Bruggeman of Louisville, KY; grandchildren; Emily Shinn and her husband Levi of Elkhorn, NE and Ethan Bruggeman and his significant other Keysha Foulk of Lincoln, NE; great-grandchildren: Alexander and Theodore Shinn of Elkhorn, NE; sisters Nancy Wright of Monroe, IA; Janice Burke and her husband Richard of Rock Port, MO; sister-in-law Rita Hicks and her husband Bill of Lake City, IA; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Wade is preceded in death by his parents, Ruth's parents Emil and Violetta Schluter, brother Lon Bruggeman, sisters-in-law Audrey (Jack) Lamaak and Lorraine Schulter, and brother-in-law Dr. Gerald (Carolyn) Schluter.
Memorial donations may be made to the 'family of Wade Bruggeman' for distribution at a later date for programs surrounding Wade's passions of education and sports.
Funeral Services were held 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 12, at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak, with Rev. Richard Merrill officiating. Organist Brenda Christiansen provided accompaniment for congregational hymns "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less," "How Great Thou Art," "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "Heaven is my Home." Wade and Ruth's recording of "I'll Fly Away" was played as the congregation was walking out of church. Serving as honorary pallbearer was Rollie Wiebers. Serving as pallbearers were Ethan Bruggeman, Levi Shinn, Daryl Lamaak, Keith Lamaak, Dr. Aron Burke, Bill Wright, Scott Hicks and Stephen Stark. Directly following the service, the family invited everyone to the fellowship hall for a time of fellowship and lunch. A Committal Service was held at 1:30 p.m. at Arcadia Cemetery in Arcadia. Services were entrusted to the Huebner Funeral Home in Charter Oak.
