Barbara "Babs" Bruggeman, age 84, of Mahnomen, MN, died Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home, Mahnomen, MN.

Barbara Elaine Roy was born October 8, 1935, in Mahnomen the daughter of Peter and Millicent (Mielke) Roy.  She grew up in the Mahnomen area and spent a lot of time at the cabin on South Twin Lake.  During high school, Babs entered the work force as a young babysitter and the summer of her Junior year she worked in the office at REA.  Babs graduated from Mahnomen High School with the Class of 1953.  Following high school, she attended college at St. Catherine's in St. Paul, MN, for a time before moving to Watertown, SD.  Babs returned to Mahnomen and was united in marriage to Edwin "Pete" Bruggeman on September 17, 1955.  The couple made their home in Mahnomen where they raised four children.  Over the years, she worked in the offices of Oscar Nelson Mahnomen County Agent, Mahnomen County Social Services, for Dr. Koons and at Agnes and Mildred's Dress Shop.  In 1973, Babs began a 21 year stretch of employment at Coast to Coast.  Pete died unexpectedly in October of 1985. Babs continued to live in their home and began working for Prairie Dental in 1994 until she retired in 2000. She had made her home the past few years at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Babs was a lifelong member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and sang with the choir for many years.  She was the first elected woman as Mahnomen County Commissioner.  Babs won by a landslide as a write in candidate and served for four years from 1991-1994.  She took great pride in her graduating class and helped with organizing the class reunions for the all school reunions and the monthly get togethers for several years.  Babs had a love for all animals, but mostly for her dogs. She had a great passion for music, singing and playing the piano.  Babs was a true homemaker.  She was a wonderful cook and baker, often making the house smell of fresh sweet treats, especially bread and donuts.  She enjoyed cooking big meals for her family, gardening and canning the abundant produce.  Babs also sewed clothes for her children for many years and we can't forget the wonderful birthday parties she hosted for the kids.  Family held a special place in her heart, and she cherished all the times spent with them, especially her grandchildren.  Many great memories were made that they will forever hold in their hearts.  Babs will be missed by many.

Babs is survived by three daughters: Brenda (Jim) McCauley of East Grand Forks, MN, Sandra (Greg) Rodlund of Durbin, ND, and Heidi (Greg) Pavek of Waubun, MN; 14 grandchildren: Joe (Kristi), Sheldon (Jodi), Peter and Tyler Bruggeman, Jim and Jared (Ashley) McCauley, Megan (Matt) Syria, Amber (Alex) Kautz, Sarah (Matt) Dutt, Dan (Melissa), Justin (Brittany), Kelsey, Jacob (Kenzie), and Tommy (Cassie Keough) Pavek; 20 great-grandchildren; one brother, Paul (Rose) Roy of Naytahwaush, MN, and nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Steve; grandson, Brandon Rodlund; great-grandson, Rhett Pavek; and a niece Paula Roy Robinson.

Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 9, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen, MN. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2020, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:15 p.m. followed by a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the church.