Alfred Anthony Bruggeman, 80, of Phillipsburg, Kansas, passed away on the morning of June 29, 2008 at Phillips County Hospital. He was born on the family farm on November 29, 1927 to Gerhard and Mary Ann (nee Ditlinger) Bruggeman as the twelfth of thirteen children. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School at New Almelo and was a mass server in his boyhood years. Alfred spent his childhood days growing up on the farm, enjoying life, and helping wherever there was a need. Upon finishing school, Alfred helped his father farm and he eventually fanned on his own before working at New Almelo Service Station and then eventually the Lenora Cooperative Service Station. Always the hard worker, Alfred also did part-time work at the local grocery store after church on Sunday mornings.

On June 12, 1951, Alfred married Gwendolyn Ann Streit in New Almelo. Gwendolyn lost her life in a car accident less than three months after they married. Alfred married Carroll Lea Jenkins of Norton, KS on August 8, 1957 at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Norton. With this union, five children were born. Following their marriage, Alfred and his family lived in New Almelo until 1965 at which time they moved to Phillipsburg, KS where Alfred remained until his death. He spent most of his working years as a dispatcher for Kansas Nebraska Energy until his retirement in 1991 as well as working part-time as a handyman on his days off As the family handyman, Alfred would often tell his family ''there is an easier way to fix this" and then he would creatively come up with a new way to solve any problem. Alfred passed his handyman skills along to his only son, Doug, by teaching him the importance of "doing things right the first time".

Following his retirement, Alfred suffered some health problems including two heart attacks, cancer, diabetes, and Barrett's esophagus which required four trips to the Mayo Clinic. He recently developed Parkinson's disease and suffered two strokes which left him bedfast for the past three months. With the help of Carroll and his children, Alfred remained in his home up until his final days. Despite his illness, Alfred always remained gracious and he had a smile for everyone who came into the room.

Throughout life, Alfred had a deep faith in the Lord. He was a member of the SS Philip and James Catholic Church and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Alfred's religion and family were the most important things in his life.

Alfred is survived by many loving family members who will dearly miss him. Included are his wife Carroll, daughter Kay Bruggeman of the home, daughter Mary Straub and her husband Marty of Hays, KS, daughter Marlene Bruggeman and her fiance Kevin Merklein of Phillipsburg, and son Douglas Bruggeman and his wife Lacy of Hays, KS. Alfred was a proud and loving grandfather to four children: Stacia Straub, Allison Straub, Arin Straub, and Noah Bruggeman. Alfred is survived by one brother, Father Gerald Bruggeman of Colorado Springs, CO, and two sisters, Regina Riedel of St. Peter, KS and Elizabeth Brinker of Glen Elder, KS, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Alfred was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Deborah Louise, who died at four years of age due to a heart condition; two brothers, Ambrose Bruggeman and Leo Bruggeman; and seven sisters, Agnes Otter, Sophie Otter, Helena Otter, Mae Linden, Antoinette Bruggeman, Louise Nible, and Sister Ligouri (Frances Bruggeman).

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, on Tuesday, July 1, from noon - 9 p.m. and Wednesday, July 2, from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. A scriptural wake will be held in his honor on Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with the family receiving friends following the service from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. A funeral mass will be held Thursday, July 3, at 10:00 a.m. at SS Philip and James Catholic Church, Phillipsburg, with Fathers Benjamin Saw and Gerald Bruggeman officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg. Memorial contributions may be given to the Phillips County Hospital Physical Therapy Dept., the SS Philip James Catholic Church, or to Phillips County Home Health.