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 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, Cynthia Bruggeman and Joe Robbins, both of Coldwater, and Donna (Jeff) Frilling, Maria Stein; 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 plant, 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 also was a graduate of the former St. John's school in Maria Stein.

A 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.

There will be no calling hours.

Contributions may be made to the church cemetery in care of Lester Homan, 5887 Wilker Rd., New Bremen.

Arrangements are being handled by Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home of New Bremen.