Carol was born on September 10, 1936, to Victor and Irene Clausen in Elkhart, IN. She was baptized into the Christian faith in 1943. Carol graduated from Elkhart High School in 1954, and married Ed Brueggemann on June 11, 1955. In Elkhart, Carol worked at Drakes and Workinger Electric. She was active and held offices in Elkhart Junior Women’s Club and County and State General Federation of Women’s Clubs. She re-entered the work force with Poe Products in Grand Rapids, MI, while living in Wyoming, MI for seven years. She also helped re-establish parent’s groups at her children’s school.
Carol and Ed relocated to Belleville, IL in 1970, to start their new business, Brueggemann Draperies, Inc. She became active at Belle Valley South, Chamber of Commerce, the Exchangettes, and the Elks 481, where she served several years as president of the Elks Ladies Auxiliary. She also served two years as president of the St. Clair County Republican Women and several years as a precinct committeeman. Carol’s greatest joy was time spent with her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed Brueggemann, who died on September 4, 2006; her parents; a brother, Terry Clausen, who died on December 18, 1973; a daughter, Lisa Brueggemann Salvatore on May 25, 2011; and her corgi, Peanut.
Surviving are her daughter, Kim (Jeff) Weik; a son, Mark Brueggemann; four grandchildren, Holly, Joanna, Abby, and Eric; a great-grandchild, Auggie; a brother-in-law, Sep (Sally) Brueggemann; nieces, nephews; and many friends, including her 4-legged ones.
We love you Mom. Your pies, white cake, and yearly snowman party will be missed!!
The family would like to thank Hospice of Southern Illinois and Amedisys for their tender care.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, the Belleville Area Humane Society, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Abou Ben Adhem
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:—
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the presence in the room he said,
“What writest thou?”—The vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, “The names of those who love the Lord.”
“And is mine one?” said Abou. “Nay, not so,”
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still; and said, “I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men.”
The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest,
And lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest.
Visitation: Friends may visit the family from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Darrell Weber officiating.
Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.