Patricia Joanne Bruggeman

Patty Jo lived 90 years of a life of dedicated service to her community. Her strong Christian faith led her actions. “We are Christ’s arms and legs and voice in our world.” Her husband, Roger, and Patty Jo first met as volunteers at Pikes Peak Hospice. Together they lived out their faith through action. Patty Jo received a 30 year pin for her service at Pikes Peak Hospice.

Patty Jo is a Colorado native, born in Rocky Ford and raised in Colorado Springs. She was preceded in death by her beloved sister Janet M Berridge, parents, Harold S. and Virginia J. Teats and her son Daniel Nowels. She is survived by her steadfast loving husband of 35 years, Roger Bruggeman; daughter, Jennifer J Flanagan (Terry); her two sons David Nowels (Carolyn) and Terry Nowels (Laura); her step children Robin, Julie and Chris Bruggeman; and her brother Gary Sherwood (Vickie). Her eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and five nieces and nephews brought her much joy over the years. Her dear niece Jo (Lori), and nephews Ron and Tom have a special place in her heart with their tender care of her sister, Janet. Some of her treasured memories were summers with Janet and their seven kids fishing at Mount Massive Lakes and playing games at Papa and Cookie’s cabin near Leadville.

Patty Jo worked at First Presbyterian Church for a number of years, primarily in children’s ministry. Her embrace of service led to training and to leadership of the Stevens Ministry Program at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She envisioned the need for an outreach ministry, advocated for a Stevens Ministry Program in her parish, and then led the ministry, training and mentoring volunteers and watching them grow in their faith and service.

She served for six years as the Director of Volunteer Services at Penrose Hospital. Later she served for nearly a decade as the Director of Volunteer Services at Goodwill Industries of Colorado Springs, training and mentoring hundreds of volunteers. Many were sent to Goodwill to serve their mandated community service hours. She once wrote that “many people have never had the chance to do volunteer work—doing something for someone who can’t do for themselves. I think that it gives them another way of living life.” Patty Jo lived a life of service to others, regardless of their circumstances.

Patty Jo’s family was deeply rooted in the church and city as her grandfather and father built numerous Colorado and New Mexico public buildings, schools and churches. First Presbyterian Church was their crowning achievement.

In retirement, Patty Jo led a weekly women’s bible study group for years and she and Roger hosted a neighborhood Christmas gathering every year, creating a warm and welcoming community. These treasured neighbors and friends brought her great joy throughout the years. Her life was one of selfless service, from beginning to end, a life she and Roger took on with great love and commitment. Her legacy will continue through all those whose lives she touched with her faith and compassion.

“Well done good and faithful servant.” (Mathew 25:21)

Services —

Funeral Mass February 6, 2026 at Sacred Heart Church at 10:00AM

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patty Jo’s memory to Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care, 2550 Tenderfoot Hill St, Colorado Springs 80906 pikespeakhospice.org or to Sacred Heart Church, 2021 W. Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs 80904 https://www.sacredheartcos.org/