Saturday, April 20, 2024
Darlene Brueggeman of Mukilteo, Washington, died peacefully of a brief illness surrounded by her family October 13, 2018 at Providence Everett Medical Center. She resided at Harbour Pointe Senior Living prior to her illness.
Darlene was born to Louis Kestler and Pearle Adair, February 4, 1921 in Dickens, Nebraska. She had an older brother, Glen, a sister, Leona, and a younger brother, Duane. The family moved to Springfield, Nebraska, where her parents owned the local variety store and she and her siblings attended school.
After graduating from Springfield High School, Darlene attended business school. Upon completion of business school, she was employed by the FBI as a stenographer in Washington D.C.
While working for the FBI, Darlene met her future husband, Harold William Brueggeman, Sr. (Hal), who was a Special Agent. They married on February 14, 1942 and welcomed two sons, Bill and Bob and a daughter, Mary. The family lived in Arlington, Virginia, while Hal worked in Washington, D.C.
Hal and his family were later transferred to Grand Island, NE, for seven years and then to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Darlene was adept at moving and making new friends in each community. She was a stay at home mom while the children were in school and provided endless rides to dance lessons, swimming practice and many school events. She loved animals, especially cats. She enjoyed making favorite meals for her family, was an avid bridge player, knitter and kept the home in order while entertaining friends.
After Hal retired from the FBI in 1970, he and Darlene moved to join longtime friends in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
There, Darlene continued her love of playing bridge, knitting, swimming, and she also enjoyed gardening and collecting antiques. Hal predeceased Darlene in 2002.
In 2005, Darlene moved to Mukilteo, Washington, to be close to Mary and Bob, who lived in Mukilteo and Kirkland, Washington, respectively.
She was a loyal Mukilteo YMCA member, exercising several times per week, continued to play bridge, and enjoyed knitting afghan blankets for her friends and family. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mukilteo.
In 2012, Darlene moved to Harbour Pointe Retirement Center where she was an ambassador to new residents and continued her favorite activities. After a diagnosis of dementia in 2016, she eventually discontinued playing bridge and knitting, but continued enjoying exercising and visiting with friends and family. She was a bright light for all that knew her and she maintained her sense of humor to the end of her life.
She is predeceased by her parents, husband and siblings.
She is survived by her son, Bill (Kathy) of Casa Grande, AZ; son, Bob of Carlton, WA; daughter, Mary of Mukilteo; granddaughter, Summer Dahozy also of Mukilteo; sister-in-law, Virginia Kestler of Colorado Springs, Colorado; many nieces and nephews and their families, as well as her beloved cat, Tweetie.
A memorial service, with a reception following, will be held Saturday, December 8, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Harbour Pointe Senior Living, 10200 Harbour Pl. in Mukilteo.
For questions, please contact Mary Brueggeman at: maryb4777@hotmail.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Darlene’s favorite charity in her memory: St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 N. Main Street, Chamberlain, SD 57235 or Purrfect Pals, (a no-kill cat shelter), 230 McRae Rd NE, Arlington, WA 98223.
