Robert Marsh Brugger

Robert Marsh Brugger, age 93, of Elk Rapids passed away Friday, October 16, 2015 at Munson Medical Center with his family by his side. He was born May 27, 1922 in Flint to Charles and Lillian Brugger. Bob graduated from Durrand High School in 1940. He enlisted in the US Army in 1942 and served in the Pacific during WWII. He had 5 landings while on duty in the Pacific. Bob was discharged in 1946 and he joined the reserves in 1952 from which he retired in 1982.

In 1946 Bob married the late Helen M. Labar. Together, they raised six children. She passed in 1991 after 46 years of marriage. Bob married the late Helen Grace in October of 1991 and they had 23 years of wonderful marriage until her passing in 2014.

In 1949 Bob and Helen moved their family to Boyne City because northern Michigan was a better place to raise a family. Bob ran his own restaurant in Boyne City until 1954 when he was hired by A & P food stores. In July of 1961 A & P transferred Bob and his family to Elk Rapids as store manager. After that move Bob refused any more transfers because he and his family loved Elk Rapids. The store closed in 1972 and Bob went to work for the local Spartan store until his retirement in 1984.

Bob was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids. He served as a Deacon for 12 years and an Elder for 6 years. The church and serving the Lord was a mainstay of Bob’s life.

He was also very active with the local Masonic Lodge #275, where he joined in 1976. Bob became secretary of the lodge in 1986 and held that position for 18 years. Bob was also on the Elk Rapids Township board for 15 years, delivered meals-on-wheels, worked in the Community cupboard, and worked as a volunteer at Munson Medical Center.

Bob is survived by his six children: Marguerite Vonesh, Joanne (Ken) Parrish, Carol Brugger, Robert D. (Deb) Brugger, Linda (William) Rabold, and Timothy (Angie) Brugger; 15 grandchildren and numerous great and great great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 22, 2015 from 6-8 pm at the Covell Funeral Home in Elk Rapids. A funeral will be held Friday, October 23, 2015 at 11 am with visitation one hour prior at the Elk Rapids First Presbyterian Church. Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery at 2pm.

Memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be directed to the church.

Please share a memory and view photos of bob at www.covellfuenralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Elk Rapids.