Dale Brueggeman

Dale L. Brueggeman, 88, died and went home to be with his Lord and Savior Monday morning, Aug. 12, 2019, at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood. Dale was born April 8, 1931, in Wray to Fritz and Erna (Schildmeier) Brueggeman.

He grew up with three siblings, Virgil, Wilma and Bob. He attended schools in Vernon and Wray. On Dec. 23, 1950, he married Clarice Ann Muller. They had four children: Mitch, Lori, Greg and Bobby.

Dale was never afraid of a challenge or hard work and was always looking for new opportunities. In addition to being a great farmer, he was also an entrepreneur. Some of his accomplishments included drilling one of the first irrigation wells in Yuma County.

He owned and operated a farm near Vernon and raised crops including sugar beets, pinto beans, wheat, corn and alfalfa. At one time he owned a drilling rig and did exploration drilling in North Dakota and South Dakota. Later in life he started Basin Water Hauling for gas field support. All of his adventures brought life-long friends across his path.

Dale loved spending time with family and friends. His hobbies included golf, bowling, riding motorcycles, water skiing and flying.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, one sister-in-law, a grandson and twin great-granddaughters.

He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Mitch and Diane Brueggeman, Lori and Bob Noff­singer, Greg and Bea Brueggeman, and Bobby and Linda Brueggeman; 15 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; sister, Wilma Brueggeman; sister-in-law, Dorothy Brueggeman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dale never met a stranger, was a friend to all, was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service was held Aug. 15 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Wray, with Pastor Timothy Davis officiating. Cremation was requested, and inurnment was held at the Glendale Cemetery in Vernon.

Memorials may be made to the Vernon Fire Department, P.O. Box 44, Vernon, CO 80755, or Calvary Lutheran Church, 518 Dexter St., Wray, CO 80758.

Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home in Wray was in charge of arrangements.