Ruthie Brueggeman-Parker, 90, of Tomah, and formerly of Wilton, died on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at Touch of Home in Tomah.
On Nov. 30, 1934, Ruth was born to Carl and Iva (Alton) Winchell in Posey Creek, Wis. She attended Wilton Elementary and was later a member of Wilton High School’s graduating class of 1951.
Ruth was united in marriage to LaVerne Brueggeman on Aug. 28, 1954, at the Methodist Church in Wilton. On Feb. 22, 2003, Ruth united in marriage to Darrell Parker. Ruth was a member of the Ontario Homemakers and attended Grace Community Church. She enjoyed spending her time playing cards, especially on Tuesdays at the Senior Center, and the game Aggravation, and spending time reading and sewing. She patched many jeans over the years, and in her later years, she enjoyed sewing Denim Patch Quilts. She had a huge vegetable garden and flower garden. Ruth was proud of her big family and her many grandchildren. Everyone called her “Granny,” and she will always be remembered for her laugh. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.
She is survived by her five children, JoAnn Peterson of Tomah, David (Marlene) Brueggeman of Wilton, Doug (Shelly) Brueggeman of Norwalk, Sue Rego of Ontario, and Wendy Brueggeman of McFarland, Wis.; 21 grandchildren; many, many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; stepchildren and step-grandchildren; her siblings, Audrey Steidl, Neil (Janet) Winchel, DeEtte (James) Thomas, and Debbie (Roger) Campfield; and nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her two husbands, LaVerne and Darrel; two sons, Donald and Robert; two sons-in-law, James Peterson and Harry Rego; four brothers, Gene, Robert, Carl, and Dennis Winchell; a sister Goldie; and a stepmom, Lucille.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 17, at Grace Community Church, 100 Monroe St., Ontario Wis. Pastor Bruce Milleman and Trevor Skrede will officiate. Burial will be in the Hillside Cemetery, Wilton.
Relatives and friends are invited to call Sunday from 2–4 p.m. at Grace Community Church and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
The Smith-Nelson/Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
