Joe Bruggman, 80, a Wenatchee resident since birth, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at Central Washington Hospital. He was born April 24, 1929, to Edmond and Martha Bruggman. Dad graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1948. From 1951 to 1953, he served during the Korean War in the United States Army. He married JoAnne Greene in 1955, and they had three children, Mike, Mark and Melinda. He was so happy to have his children married at St. Joseph Catholic Church, as he and JoAnne were. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He retired as a Senior Journeyman Meat Cutter after 36 years with Safeway Store. Anyone who knew our dad would recognize his voice, as he either was singing, whistling or talking to people in his happy, friendly manor. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, family reunions and mostly, watching his children and grandchildren playing sports and performing in dance recitals throughout the years. Dad's retirement years were spent with some traveling and his favorite pleasure was meeting every morning with his friends at McDonald's. They were able to fix most of the world problems before their second cup of coffee. Some of the men in this group were friends from his grade school days.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, JoAnne; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Jen of Wenatchee; son, Mark of Scottsdale, AZ; daughter and son-in-law, Melinda and Scott Gere of Wenatchee; grandchildren, Amy and Boone Bruggman, Nikki and Kasie Bruggman, Jamie and Kori Jo Gere; three brothers, Edmond, George and Richard (Sharron) Bruggman, all of Wenatchee; three sisters, Margaret (Dick) Christian of Renton, Mildred (Lee) Hadwiger of Pullman and Marion (Frank) Boniparte of Everett; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmond and Martha; older sister, Mary Davies; brother-in-law, Ron Davies; sisters-in-law, Alta and Akiko Bruggman; granddaughter, Tia Kay Bruggman.

Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 2, 2009, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 625 S. Elliott in Wenatchee. A Celebration of Joe's Life will be held at the Cellar Cafe in Wenatchee at 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 2, 2009. Memorial contributions may be made to Inpatient Hospice House Planning Project Donation Foundation of N.C.W., 9 North Wenatchee Avenue, Suite 121, Wenatchee, WA or St. Joseph's Catholic Church Parish Project, 625 S. Elliott Avenue, Wenatchee, WA.