Bernice Bruggeman, age 92, of Mahnomen, MN, died Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home in Mahnomen.


Bernice Cecelia Klinkahmmer was born April 5, 1917, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Weiler) Klinkhammer, at their home near Beaulieu, MN. She grew up on the family farm, attending the Flowing Well country school near there. As a young woman, she worked as a waitress at the Red Apple Café and Bonn's Café in Mahnomen, as well as a telephone operator for Northwestern Bell. On November 17, 1941 Bernice was united in marriage to William Bruggeman at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu, the couple lived in Mahnomen for a short time before moving to St. Paul, MN. Bill and Bernice were blessed with one son, William Jr., and four daughters, Joanne, Kathy, Colette, and Colleen. In 1944, they returned to the Mahnomen area and began farming on Bill's family farm. While raising her children, Bernice also helped with the farm chores, tending to the chickens and selling their eggs. She was a talented baker, often made specialty wedding cakes for family and friends. In the early 1970's, Bernice began working as a housekeeper for the Mahnomen Hospital, working there for nearly 20 years. In 1984, Bernice and Bill moved into a home in Mahnomen and lived there until Bill's death in 2004. Bernice then lived in the Jefferson States apartments for a short time, before moving into the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home three years ago.


Bernice was a member of the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen and was active with the Ladies Aid Circle. Over the years, she was also a member of the Mahnomen Hospital Auxiliary, the Mixed Doubles Bowling Team and card club. Bernice loved to entertain guests, hosting events and baking special meals or treats. She was especially known for her Kolaches, Swedish Tea Rings and Sour Cream Raisin Pies. In her younger years on the farm, Bernice always had a large garden and canned her produce each year. She enjoyed playing cards and going to the Casino from time to time. She treasured her family and was very excited to welcome her 15th great grandchild in a few weeks.


Bernice is survived by four daughters: Joanne (Larry) Revier of Waubun, Kathy (Gene) Janisch of Mahnomen, Colleen (John) Holweger of Moorhead and Colette (Mike) Kemper of Mahnomen; 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; a very dear niece, Lois Cook of Mahnomen; and three sisters-in-law: Marina Bruggeman and Barbara Bruggeman both of Mahnomen, and Dolores Bruggeman of Moorhead.


She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill Sr.; and one son, Bill Jr.

Funeral Services were held at 11:30 am on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen, with Fr. Rick Lambert and Fr. Mario Prada as co-celebrants. Serving as pallbearers were Rob Bruggeman, Evan Bruggeman, Jason Holweger, Michael Revier, Michael Jirik, Ryan Syverson, Todd Newton, Craig Otten, and Gavin Nordby. Special Music was performed by Carla Otten, Dave Kochmann, Brenda Sorenson, and Monica Winter.

Visitation was held on Friday, September 18th, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Prayer Service at 6:30 pm, at the Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen. MaryAnn Brisbois and Carol Liebl provided music at the Prayer Service.


Interment took place at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Mahnomen.