Paul Herman Brueggen, 76, of rural Cashton, Wis., passed away, peacefully wrapped in the love of his family, on Jan. 8, 2026, at the home he so dearly loved. He was born June 27, 1949, on the family farm outside of Cashton, Wis., to Alois and Mildred (Kapeller) Brueggen. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic grade school until 8th grade, and then went to and graduated from Cashton High School, where he excelled in track and baseball.
Paul attended the wedding of Jerome and Elvera Brueggen, and as fate would have it, he met Sharon Schmitz — changing his life forever. After the death of his father in 1967, Paul took over the family farm, embracing the responsibility at a young age. On Oct. 3, 1970, he married the love of his life, Sharon Schmitz, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta.
In the early years of their marriage, farming was not always easy. Paul often joked that when their milk check in 1971 totaled just $1.48, he and Sharon learned to live on love. Their marriage was a beautiful example of partnership and affection, and together they built a home on the family farm filled with love and laughter.
Paul and Sharon were inseparable, evidence to their unbreakable bond. They attended countless events for their children, and when their grandchildren arrived, Paul’s heart swelled with even greater love. He will be remembered for his sweet demeanor, beautiful smile, and twinkling blue eyes that would shine brightest when Sharon was by his side.
His faith was a very important part of his life and was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Even during the last five years of his life, as he faced health challenges, Paul’s faith never wavered, providing him with strength and peace.
Paul is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sharon; his children, Joe (Lisa), Mike (Karine), Dale (Stephanie), Ron (Nicole), and Sheri (Jerry “Butch”) Kraabel; his grandchildren, Zach, Ella (Zack Mlsna), Henry (Emmah Larson), Martin, Calvin ( Katelynn Nelson), Preston (Emma Nechanicky), Brooke and Carter, and his step-granddaughters, Sydney and Peyton; his siblings, Rita Schroeder, Caroline Schultz, and Patricia (James) Whitehead; his in-laws, Judy Frederick, Kathy (Carl) Sagler, Linda (Richard) Hansen, Jeanine Stark, Carolyn (Joe) Hansen, Clarice Donskey, David (Barb) Schmitz, Jeff (Carol) Schmitz, Jeff (Karen) Leis, John (Michelle) Schmitz, Steve (Lori) Schmitz, Randy (Sherry) Schmitz, and Jerry (Diane) Schmitz; along with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Alois and Mildred; his sister, Bonita (Charles) Hemmersbach; his mother- and father-in-law, Albert and Luella Schmitz; his brothers-in-law, Cletus Schroeder, Norman Schultz, David Frederick, Dale Donskey, and David Stark; his sisters-in-law, Cindy (Schmitz) Leis and Jackie (Hynek) Schmitz; and three nephews, Nathan Schultz, Craig Schroeder, and John “Hoover” Frederick.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Ridge, Wis. Father Matthew Bowe will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Family and friends are invited for visitation Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton, Wis. Rosary will begin at 3:30 p.m., followed by visitation until 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held Thursday at St. Mary’s Church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
