Elmer Joseph Brueggeman, age 86, died on Saturday, December 24, 2011, surrounded by family, from complications of an auto accident. He was born in LaCrosse on December 20, 1925, the son of the late Frank and Mary (Laufenberg) Brueggeman. Elmer was a World War II Army veteran, and was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Army Occupation Medal. He was united in marriage to Bernice Fisher on November 8, 1947. Elmer was formerly employed by Wausau Homes and Wick Homes. He loved polka music and dancing.


He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Bernice; 4 children, Gene (Nancy) of Mazomanie, Phyllis (David) Powders of Oklahoma City, Susan (Joseph) Ballweg of Prairie du Sac and Todd (Tamra) of Pardeeville; a brother, Albert (MaryAnn) of Sturtevant; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 6 brothers and 2 sisters.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BARNABAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, Mazomanie, at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2011 with Fr. Alex Navarro officiating. Friends may call at HOOVERSON FUNERAL HOME, Mazomanie, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 and also from 12:00 noon until 12:45pm on Thursday. Private family burial will be held in Wausau. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.