Willard Bernard Brueggen, 95, of Sparta, Wis., passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at the Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta. He was born on June 28, 1930, to Herman and Margaret (Mlsna) Brueggen, one of 12 children raised in the rural township of Jefferson near Cashton.
Willard married MaryAnn Hemmersbach on May 28, 1956, and together they built a life on St. Mary’s Ridge, where they raised their children on the family farm.
Willard proudly served in the U.S. Army from May 9, 1951, to May 8, 1953, spending his service time in Germany. He also spent many years as a patrolman for the Township of Jefferson, working on the roads and bridges, plowing snow and driving the grader. During snowstorms, he slept in the town shed on folding chairs to ensure he could get out on the road early the next morning to clear them. MaryAnn took care of the little ones and milked the cows during this time. He also served on the town board for many years and sold Vigortone Seed. He told the story of 1947, at age 17, when he and his brother Philip each spent 50 cents on a dollar ticket and won a new car. Their dad later sold it.
Willard was a progressive dairy farmer who took a farm from a sheriff’s sale and built it into a beautiful farm on St. Mary’s Ridge. He was among the first to use dams, contour strip cropping, diversions and other conservation methods to preserve the land. Proud of his Ford tractors, he spent the off-season maintaining equipment and watched the weather closely to make the most of good conditions.
Willard loved music, especially polka. His parents were musicians. He and several siblings played with the Ridgeland Dutchmen, Syl Leibl, and many other bands, becoming known as an exceptional tuba player. Learning by ear while tending the farm helped him develop his skill. He was later inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame. Though he enjoyed performing for dances and crowds, he loved to play at home. A favorite memory of his was sitting on the deck on a summer night with his friend Ted Anderson, playing music while the cows gathered at the fence to listen. There were many memories with family and friends, including cruises and bus trips.
Willard was the kind of man who always met you with a smile and a light-hearted joke, eager to brighten the day of anyone he greeted. He had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he adored deeply.
Willard is survived by his wife of 69 years, MaryAnn; their children, Jim (Laura) Brueggen, Curt (Sue) Brueggen, Rick (Lori) Brueggen, Kristine (Randy) Erickson, Gary (Brianne) Brueggen, and Judy (Brad) Biever; his grandchildren, Jared (Katie), Dan (Casey), Adam (Ally), Andy (Leah), Amber (Ethan), Angel (Devon), Mason, Matelynn and Maverick Brueggen, Rachel, and Chloe Erickson, Dillon, Matthew and Grace Biever; his step grandchildren, Caitie (Tyler) Majewski, Kristen (Cody) Simons, Erin (Mike) Kennedy, Tim (Toni) Ross; his great-grandchildren, Beckett, and Kiersten Brueggen, Ellie, Kaleah, Riley, Aria, Hudsen, and Avery Brueggen, Watson, and Duke Sebranek, and Kendal Christopherson; his step-great-grandchildren, Natalie, Brodie and Fynlie Majewski, Cailey, Wyatt and Amelya Simons, Easton, Emmett, Charlotte and Callen Kennedy, and Tigue, Torren, Tiernan and Titus Ross; his sister, Florentine Geier; his sisters-in-law, Madonna and Betty Brueggen; along with many other nieces, nephews, relatives and too many friends to count.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Joseph; an infant brother, Paul; his siblings, Roger Brueggen, Sylverius (Betty) Brueggen, Bernadine (Leonard) Klinkner, Dolores (George) Leis, Chuck (Theresa) Brueggen, Harry (Marie) Brueggen, Angie (Bob) Dickman, Del Marie (Arnold) Hemmersbach and Philip Brueggen; and a brother-in-law, Henry Geier.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, Wis. Father Eric Berns will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation Monday, Dec. 8, beginning at 3:45 p.m. with the rosary, and visitation will continue until 7 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home, 1132 Angelo Road, Sparta, Wis. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Cemetery in Norwalk, Wis. Visitation will also be held Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Sparta is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
