Ervin Eugene Bruggeman

Ervin (Erv) Bruggeman formerly of Belle Fourche, SD., passed away while hospitalized in Denver, CO, from complications of asbestos lung disease.

Erv was the second child and only son of Charles and Alta Bruggeman. He was born, raised, attended school and worked for several years in Belle Fourche. As a very young boy, one of Erv’s favorite activities was riding broncs, calves, sheep or anything else he could get thrown off. He spent some summers at the Nemo Guest Ranch helping Casey Tibbs break broncs. Ranch life and animals were always a big part of his life and his fun. While in high school, he spent summers working for area ranchers and furthering his knowledge and love of being a “cowboy”. He participated in and attended many rodeos in his lifetime, starting in Belle Fourche July Rodeo where he could be found “earing” for the wild horse race and later just enjoying watching others at the NFR and PBR. He gloried in the fact that he was a lifetime member of the Western South Dakota Buckaroos, and enjoyed many years of friendships and memoires with this group of other cowboys.

Erv enlisted in the United States Navy in 1959 and was stationed aboard the USS Mahan when it was first commissioned into service. He had the opportunity to see many ports while in the Navy and was actively involved in the Cuban Blockade during the Bay of Pigs. His military experience carried over into his civilian life, becoming the Commander of the AMVETS Post #1, in Belle Fourche, and always reveling in telling stories of his Naval experiences.

After his discharge, Ervin returned to Belle Fourche and began working with his father at Bruggeman’s Electric. During this time, he lovingly fulfilled his role as “big brother” to “little sis.” Many hours were spent teaching her to dance to the “rock and roll” of Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis and many others on those 45 records. These two shared many drive-in movies, Spearfish dances and all-around great sibling bonding, that continued throughout his life.

Erv’s dad knew Erv could and should advance his skills and expertise in the electrical field, so Ervin enrolled in Coyne Electrical College in Chicago, Illinois; the same school that Charles had attended in 1940. It was here, he met and married his first wife, Ellen Beuthe, and in their lives together, they welcomed their three children; Scott, Brandy and Mary. Erv worked with his dad until an opportunity was offered for his employment with Coors Brewing in Golden, CO. The family resided in Colorado until Erv came back to take over Bruggeman’s Electric after his father’s retirement. After his divorce from Ellen, Erv moved back to Colorado again and worked for Coors Brewing until his retirement.

Ervin met Geraldine (Geri) Duddleson while working in Colorado. They were married on July 23, 1988, and he welcomed into his life and family her two children, Lisa and Anthony. Erv and Geri spent the first years of their marriage in Conifer, CO, while he continued his career with Coors and Geri worked for the city of Englewood. They spent many great times together in these years and the fun would continue through their retirements.

After his retirement, Erv and Geri moved to Granby, CO, where they enjoyed boating, fishing, four-wheeling and RV’ing. They spent Colorado “winter” time enjoying seeing the US in their motorhome and eventually settling in Yuma, AZ, where they eventually built a “little” casita that then became a “bigger” winter home. Here too, Erv met and made many new friends and shared tours of the country, boating, fishing, four-wheeling the desert and always welcoming old and new friends to the “patio.”

Ervin’s personality was larger than life. He always had a smile on his face, a funny story to tell, and cold Coors Originals (“Buckskins”) stocked in the fridge for visitors and of course, himself. “He never met a stranger” truly applied to his life.

Erv was always determined as he battled and overcame stomach cancer, and then a year ago began a battle with asbestos lung disease, which rapidly advanced in the last few months, and a battle he did not win.

Ervin was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Alta, and his older sister, Charlotte (August 20, 2020).

He is survived by his wife, Geri, Granby CO; five children; Scott (Laura) Bruggeman, Arvada, CO, Brandy Bruggeman, Yuma, AZ, Mary Bruggeman, Golden, CO, Liza Dubois, Littleton, CO, and Anthony Duddleson, Grand Lake CO; five grandchildren, Michael, Sam, Evan, Monica and Alex; Sister and brother-in-law Gayleene and Gale Ballenger, Las Vegas, NV, Brother-in-law, John Metzger, Granby, CO; nephews Ryan Ballenger, Bozeman, MT and Erik Ballenger, Boise, ID; niece Denise Dixon, Rockledge, FL; and his first wife, Ellen Bruggeman, Denver, CO; numerous cousins and many, many friends. He will be missed and never forgotten by all who ever had the good fortune to meet and know him.

A celebration of Erv’s life will be held at his home in Granby, CO at a later date. Per his wishes, final committal will take place with the spreading of his ashes in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, over the 4th of July, 2021.