Lester 'Red' Bruggeman

Lester “Red” Bruggeman died on November 28, 2020. He was 89. He was born on April 7, 1931 in Coldwater to Leo and Eleanora (Hausfeld) Bruggeman. He graduated from Coldwater High School in 1949. He worked briefly for New Idea, but was with Matt Schwieterman Inc. for 43 years as a ready mix batchman and crane operator.   He retired in 1996.

Red was in a group of friends contacted by the Fraternal Order of Eagles to organize the Coldwater Aerie in 1949. He served as the president in 1954-55, and was a loyal member until his health declined this year.

He enjoyed sports as an adult and played on local softball and bowling teams, scoring the first 700 series at the new Coldwater Bowling alley in 1974.  He also loved fishing and following the Cincinnati Reds.

He was an excellent carpenter having built a bedroom addition and garage to his home by himself.  He also enjoyed building and fixing things for his children and grandchildren.

He was an avid gardener and loved tending his elaborate vegetable garden, in which he took particular pride in his heirloom tomatoes.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Jo (Cox) Bruggeman, his five children, Susan (Ted) Williams, Wapakoneta, Leslie Bruggeman, Shaker Heights, Michael Bruggeman (Julie Penrod), Dunkirk, IN, Terry Riesen, Perrysburg, and Elaine Bruggeman, Coldwater; four grandchildren, Luke (Taylor) Swygart, Joshua Riesen, Jessica Riesen, Jack Riesen, and two brothers, Robert Bruggeman, McCormick, SC and Thomas Bruggeman, Dayton.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Eugene and Carl Bruggeman, and two sisters, Edna Powers and Margaret Velez.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all services will be private.  Interment will be at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.  Those wishing to make donations in his memory may direct them to the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Fund.