Watch Rena's Funeral Mass

n Loving Memory of Marina Bruggeman
April 16, 1926 – April 24, 2025

We celebrate the extraordinary life of our beloved mom, Marina Bruggeman, who passed away peacefully at the age of 99—a woman of immense faith, strength, and grace.

Marina was one of eight children born to Joseph and Marie (Klinkhammer) Eveslage on April 16, 1926, in Mahnomen, Minnesota. A farm girl, she grew up milking cows and swinging from the barn rafters.

On March 19, 1948, Marina married Raymond Bruggeman at St. Patrick's Church in Hudson, Wisconsin. They had nine children, building a home grounded in love and enduring faith.

Tragedy struck the Bruggeman family in 1970 with the heartbreaking loss of their eldest son, Daryll, in a car accident. Just two years later, Marina lost her beloved husband, Ray, to a sudden heart attack. In 2001, she endured the loss of her eldest grandson, David Janisch, at the age of 33. Through every loss, Marina carried on with resilience and grace. Her deep faith and quiet strength became the foundation her children stood on, and the example they still carry in their hearts.

Marina was not only strong—she was also sharp, smart, and wonderfully witty. Her quick comebacks and knowing smile could light up a room. She found joy in life's simple pleasures: baking caramel rolls, always keeping sugar cookies in the freezer for her grandchildren, tending her vibrant summer flowers, and playing "just one more" game of 31.

She is survived by her loving children: Cindy Janisch (Bemidji, MN), Bonnie and Jerry Siverson (Plymouth, MN), Pam Clark (Mahnomen, MN), Rick and Joanie Bruggeman (Rugby, ND), Kevin and Denise Bruggeman (Perham, MN), Terri Darco (Waubun, MN), Doug and Sue Bruggeman (Pelican Rapids, MN), and Chelle and Mike Mueller (Hudson, WI); 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Elaine Kaiser; and sister-in-law Jan Eveslage.

Marina is preceded in death by her parents, Marie and Joseph; her husband Ray; her son Daryll; her grandson David; her son-in-law Dave Janisch; and her siblings: Bert, Joey, Romie, Heidi, Dodie, and Eleanor.

Marina lived with a strong faith, spoke with humor, and loved with her whole heart. Her legacy is forever ours to carry forward…"and that".

Memorials will go towards Peteyville, a Christmas light display in Pelican Rapids started by her son, Dougie, that reflects Rena's joy in decorating for the holidays. In lieu of flowers, please send a bouquet to your mom, grandma, sister, aunt, or friend. We'd love to hear who received them!

A celebration of Marina's life will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen, MN, beginning with visitation at 1:00 pm and Memorial Service at 2:00 pm. Inurnment will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery. All are welcome to come together in remembrance of a truly loved woman of faith.