He was born January 11, 1937 to Harold J and Eva L (Harryman) Bruegging in Jefferson City, MO, where he graduated from St Peters High School in 1955. He received his bachelor of science degree in Civil Engineering from Rolla School of Mines and Metallurgy (now Missouri University of Science & Technology), and was a member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. He married his love, Ann W (Spaunhorst), also of Jefferson City, in 1959 while he commuted to Columbia, MO to complete his MS in civil engineering degree. He joined the Army Reserve in January 1961 and was honorably discharged in January 1969 as a Captain in the Transportation Corp.
After a long and successful engineering career in Kansas City (starting at AC Kirkwood, and then to the Marley Co.), he retired from Butler Manufacturing Co. (now Bluescope Steel) in 2001 to pursue greater endeavors, such as picking the grandkids up after school and taking them fishing at a nearby park. He enjoyed making things, like model boats and ships, and he especially enjoyed “remodeling” the doll house he had originally built for his daughters when his granddaughter came along. Jerry and Ann enjoyed many years with a group of “bridge club” friends who expanded to become the “bridge club and travel group” friends. He was also an avid sports fan, and followed the Kansas City Royals, KC Chiefs, as well as Mizzou and Notre Dame football and Kansas Basketball, among others. He had a quick wit, a brilliant mind, and was a talented musician, sharing his love of music with family and friends around the piano or organ.
In addition to his wife, Ann of 61 years, Jerry is survived by: two daughters - Ruth Woods (Tom), and Rebecca Beck (Steve); two grandchildren – David Beck (Jenna) and Rachael Beck; one great-grandchild – Josie Rose Beck; one sister – Joan E Ruck (Wayne) – their daughters Julie, Kelly, and Holly along with their families; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law – William Spaunhorst (Joan) – their children Janet, Scott & Lorna, along with their familes.
In light of the COVID-19 times and restrictions, the family held a private burial service, and will plan a public celebration of life when it is safe to do so. The family suggests memorial contributions to Kansas City Hospice, or St Thomas More Parish, or the charity of your choice. We wish to thank the wonderful staff at Kansas City Hospice, as well as the caregivers from Midwest Home Health Care, and our overnight angels Pat & Tish, for all of their loving care and support which allowed him to pass comfortably and with dignity at home.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home & Mount Moriah Cemetery South.
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