Laurel J. Bruggen
Obituary's Biography:
Laurel Jean Bruggen (nee Dodge) passed away on April 3rd, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben B. Bruggen Jr. and her brother, Frank Dodge. She is survived by her two sons, Paul Bruggen (Lisa) of Lake Villa, IL, and Karl Bruggen (Elizabeth) of West Chester, OH. She is also survived by four grandchildren- Jessica, David. Eric and Joel and many nieces and nephews.
Laurel was born in 1935 and raised on a farm in Genoa, IL and graduated from Marengo High School. She then graduated from Rockford Nursing College and became a nurse. Laurel and Ben were married in 1956 and moved to Grayslake in 1960. She was a long-time member of the United Protestant Church in Grayslake where she taught Sunday school and Confirmation and faithfully served on many committees and organizations. Laurel volunteered for many different community organizations such as PADS Lake County, Feed My Starving Children and Meals on Wheels.
Laurel was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt, and she will be missed by all who knew her.
A visitation will be held May 11, 2024 at 10 AM at the United Protestant Church, 54 S. Whitney St. in Grayslake, with a memorial service to follow at 12 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to PADS Lake County. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.
I loved Aunt Laurel! She was so sweet and always sent cards! We Bruggen ‘s were blessed with the BEST mothers!! With love Leslie
Laurel was a kind, loving aunt. Her sweet and patient demeanor will always be remembered.
Cousin Laurel was an inspiration to me and I followed her into nursing and we were both graduates of Rockford Memorial Hospital School of Nursing.
When we were kids I loved to go to the Dodge farm. She and Frank put up with us city kids!
Sympathy to the family and I’ll see you at her service.
Laurel was an inspiring woman of God and fellow church family member. she always sought out my kids and i to say hello, check in, and tell the kids how much they had grown. Laurel made such an impact in the community and made us all feel like family, she will be deeply missed.
Laurel had both of my children in Confirmation class. I think of her every Christmas when I hang the pelican ornament that she gave us. She was a gentle, loving, and caring soul.
At least 25 years ago, my son Neil was in the neighborhood visiting his friend Carl, saw Laurel outside, and stopped to chat. She needed an access door installed so the gas company could more easily read her meter. Neil had tools in his truck so he and Carl made the necessary cuts, constructed a door complete with hinges, and were finished in an hour or so. Laurel came outside with the checkbook and inquired how much she owed. The two boys looked at each other and both shrugged.
Neil then said, “Mrs. Bruggen, I don´t ever remember paying you for all the days you spent with us in Sunday School and Confirmation Class, or the times you stayed overnight with us at a church lock-in”.