Mary Jo was born in Sioux Falls, SD to her parents, George Bruggeman and Marcella Gray Bruggeman on November 11, 1951. She grew up in Des Moines, IA, Ramsey, NJ, Keen, NH and Minneapolis, MN. Mary Jo graduated from the University of Colorado-Boulder. She had a successful career in the software industry. In 2005 she retired to Atlanta and taught bridge. Mary Jo loved history, golf, travel and geocaching.
Surviving family members include her husband, Walter Van Winkle of Johns Creek, GA; her son and fiancée, Zachery Sponseller and Megan Vance of Conshohocken, PA; and her brother, Terrance Bruggeman of San Diego, CA.
A private memorial service will be held for family with her remains to be scattered on the waters of Priest Lake, ID. In lieu of flowers, her family suggest a donation to the American Cancer Society in Mary Jo Van Winkle’s name.
