Carl J. Bruggink, age 87 of Clintonville was called home by his Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
Carl was born on March 1, 1938 in Oostburg as the son of the late Reuben and Eunice (Oonk) Bruggink. He graduated from UW LaCrosse and earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Northern Michigan. Carl was united in marriage to Judith “Judy” Meerdink on August 29, 1958. In 1960 the couple moved to Clintonville where Carl accepted a position at the Clintonville High School; teaching and coaching there for over 41 years. He was proud of his boy’s basketball teams that made eight trips to the WIAA State Tournament. They won 2 State Championships and earned 3 runner-ups. When he retired with 549 wins he had the third most wins in the state with most of them coming as the smallest school in the conference. He felt very very honored when the high school basketball court was named the “Carl Bruggink Court” and was quick to share the honor with all of his former players; from the stars to the last man on the bench. He was also honored to be inducted as the youngest coach in the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. Carl always felt his family was the most important part of his life. He was very proud of his and Judy’s 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 11 ½ great-grandchildren and loved attending their many games and concerts etc. Their Christian faith was the most important thing in their lives. They attended the United Methodist Church in Clintonville where Carl served as the Lay Leader for many years as well as numerous committees including as the president of the Administrative Board. He also taught the High School Sunday School Class, served as Youth Leader, and sang in the church choir for many years. Carl was also very active in the community. He was a proud member of the Rotary Club for over fifty years. He was named Rotarian of the Year three times and was honored twice being named a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest Rotarian award. He and Judy delivered Meals on Wheels for many years and Carl served on various community organizations including as president of the Graceland Cemetery Board. He also proudly served as a member of the seven person committee that was instrumental in building the new high school building in 2001.
Carl is survived by his devoted wife Judy of 67 years.
Children: Sheri (Mike) Jirschele, Jeff (Maria) Bruggink, and Steve Bruggink.
Grandchildren: Jeremy (Jennie) Jirschele, Jennifer (Al) Soldner, Justin (Liz) Jirschele, Megan (Sean) Burns, Abby (Tim) Ruesink, and Michael Bruggink
Great-Grandchildren: Keagen, Taelyn, Paetyn, Taetym, & Rielyn Jirschele; Parker, Paxton, & Pierce Soldner; Blake & Mac Jirschele; and Millie Burns & Baby Girl Ruesink.
Sister: Marcia Bruggink and Brother: Roger (Adilee) Bruggink.
Sister-in-law: Betty (Fred) Menzer.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents Reuben and Eunice Bruggink, and by his in-laws Howard and Mildred Meerdink.
Carl’s funeral service will be held Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 11am at the United Methodist Church, 24 W. 13th Street, Clintonville, WI 54929 with Rev. Diana Ziegler officiating. Interment will follow at the Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 from 4pm – 7 pm and again on Thursday morning from 10am until the time of service. Carl’s family invites you to wear your favorite Clintonville Trucker apparel as Carl never stopped supporting his team. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established by his family. They would also like to thank the staff at ThedaCare Neenah, Shawano, and Hospice as well as the Clintonville Area Ambulance for all of their kindness. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Clintonville is assisting his family and will be recording the service on their Facebook page. Condolences can be sent via their website www.eberhardtstevenson.com
Comments