Service Information
Roger Bruellman, age 77, of Gaylord passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at Bigfork Valley Hospital in Bigfork.
Funeral Service will be Tuesday, July 11, 2017, 10:30 A.M. at American Lutheran Church in Gaylord with interment in Dell Lutheran Cemetery, Emerald Township, Faribault County, Minnesota. Military Honors by the Manthey-Asmus American Legion Post #433 of Gaylord.
Visitation will be Monday, July 10, 2017, from 3:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. and will continue on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, from 8:00 A.M. until the time of the service, ALL at the church. A Prayer Service and Time for Sharing will be at 7:30 P.M. on Monday.
Obituary
Roger Ernest Bruellman was born on November 14, 1939, to Ernest and Esther Bruellman near West Bend, Iowa. He was raised on farms near West Bend, Iowa, and Frost, Minnesota.
Roger graduated from Frost High School and shortly thereafter entered the United States Air Force, where he served from 1958-1962.
Roger was united in marriage to Ann Tellefson in Blue Earth, Minnesota, on September 8, 1962. Upon marriage, the couple moved to Mankato, Minnesota, where Roger earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology Education from Mankato State University in 1967. Teaching opportunities soon brought Roger and Ann to Gaylord, Minnesota, where they would make their home and raise their family. Together, they would raise four children. Roger went on to earn a master’s degree in guidance counseling from Mankato State University in 1972, allowing him to move into a position he loved. He served dutifully there for the remainder of his career. Through his work as a teacher, guidance counselor, advisor and coach, Roger touched the lives of countless young people. He had a way of firmly encouraging his students and athletes and helping them understand their own strengths and life paths. His influence went beyond borders, as he and his family hosted numerous foreign exchange students through his involvement with Rotary International. The stories of his impact on young people’s lives are numerous and reach around the globe. Roger retired from the Sibley East school system in 1998. Upon retirement, he continued to serve education through his work with student teachers at Mankato State University for several years.
Throughout his life, Roger established himself as a civic leader, serving on numerous boards, councils and organizations. Most notably, Roger served on the Gaylord Hospital and Library Boards, Lakeview Nursing Home Board and Gaylord City Council. Currently, Roger was a proud member of the Gaylord Sertoma Club and the American Legion Post 433. Family, community and faith were extremely important to Roger. Modeling faith to his family took on several forms, including his service to his long-time church, American Lutheran Church, in Gaylord. While he served his church in many capacities, most recently Roger found great pleasure through participation in a small men’s choir and non-denominational men’s bible study and prayer group.
Roger passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2017, while at his lake cabin in Bigfork, Minnesota, at the age of 77 years. Blessed be his memory.
Roger is survived by his:
wife, Ann Bruellman, of Gaylord, MN;
daughters, Janet (Mark) Huss, Maria Lieske and Laura Thompson;
son, John (Kristin) Bruellman;
11 grandchildren;
seven great-grandchildren;
sisters, Marlene Bruellman and Virginia Askeland;
brother, Dwight Bruellman,
many nieces and nephews and hundreds of people who count him as a “dad.”
Roger was preceeded in death by his parents, Ernest and Esther Bruellman; two infant brothers; and an older brother, Gordon.
Diane Dietz says
Roger would have said he had a good life until we wish it longer. He was good to students and remember doing parenting classes with us parents. Deepest sympathy to Ann and family. Diane Dietz
Kris Bents says
So sorry to get this news – touched many lives for the good – I’m grateful to have been one of those people. Gods blessings to all of you!
Laurie Tapia says
Oh we all loved him! Deepest sympathy to the family and friends!
Monica Geisdorf says
Best teacher…… Great role model … always pleasant and the best friend/advocate any student ever had! My sympathies to the family. Roger was one of a kind and will surely be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. Rest in peace!
Rosine says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss! I was a student at Mankato State, many, many years ago, and Mr. Brullman was my supervising counselor. I worked with him for a year and learned so much from him. Please know of my sympathy for you, his family, and know of my thoughts and prayers for you as you grieve his loss in your lives. I will be out of state, otherwise I for sure would have come to the visitation. What a great man, teacher and mentor during that year I had the privilege to work with him. Blessed be his memory. I know he touched many, many lives. My heart goes out to you.
Lei Amorim says
God blessed so many be allowing their lives to be touched in some way by Mr. B. To me he will always be remembered as teacher, leader, role model, advocate and friend. His smile will forever mark the memories we hold in our hearts. My sympathies to you, Ann, and the entire Bruelman family. May God comfort you during this difficult time and your special memories bring you continued comfort in the future.
Brenda Wiese says
I was so saddened to hear. I have many memories of Mr. B during my Jr. and Sr. years. He was instrumental in helping me recognize my abilities. I remember being called into his office after taking the National Math test. He told me he knew I was struggling with Advanced Algebra and that I doubted my math skills, but showed me the results of my score on the National Math test and said, “You scored 2nd in the school. Never doubt that you have the ability for Math and don’t let one class get you down.” I know how this impacted my life. His impact to so many will never be forgotten. Thank you, Mr. B. Ann and family-I send my deepest sympathies. Only wish I could be there to give you a big hug! May you be blessed by the love of family and friends as you journey through the difficult times ahead.
sjhsd says
Such sad and shocking news. As John was a classmate and close friend of mine, I got to spend quite a bit of time with Mr. B outside of his formal school roles. He was always supportive, yet demanding of one’s best. He’ll be missed by all whose lives he touched, which is a huge number of people. Ann, John, and the rest of the family…please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Wish I could be there in person to give you all a big hug. Hang together and rely on each other and your many friends during these trying days. And always remember the great times you had with Roger.
Scott Hed
Granada, Nicaragua
Mary Otting King says
Although I did not know Mr. Bruellman except through my mother, Elfrieda, she spoke so highly of him and of Ann and he was always so warm and gracious greeting us at church when I was in Gaylord visiting. My deepest condolences to the family for your loss.
Pastor Dave Nelson says
I was deeply shocked and saddened to see a Facebook post this morning regarding Roger’s recent death – having just seen you both at our Synod Assembly in June. Roger talked about how we should come down for a visit – I am sad that didn’t happen! Roger was a special man, who I deeply respected. He was always so encouraging! As a young pastor in Gaylord, Roger was on my Pastor/Parish Committee, and I turned to him often for advice, etc. I will always remember one particular conversation where Roger taught me something about perspective that I have carried with me throughout my ministry. And Ann – you were/are the best as well. My heart goes out to you all – to the family – to all who grieve, with me, the death of a wonderful man who gave so much to the people of Gaylord! We are in Rochester today – Diane’s dad is undergoing heart surgery. You will all be in our prayers as well. I would sure like to make it to the visitation or the funeral, but I will have to see how today goes with Diane’s dad. May God’s grace and love surround and enfold you all in this time of deep sadness! God’s love is strong, and God will not let you go! God received Roger and is holding on to him in love and grace now and forever. While we grieve, we do not grieve as those who have no hope! Love from all of us to you!
Rae Rae Christensen says
Roger had such a knack for making people feel special. He is the most kind-hearted, talented, smart, delightfully funny, stinker. I will remember some of his stories forever, but will never be able to tell the story the way he does, drawing you in the way only Roger can do. Turtle Lake lost a very good man, we lost an amazing neighbor and friend, and I can hardly stand to think about what a loss this is for you, Ann. Much love and hugs. LaRae and Tom Foehrenbacher
Greg Quist says
I am devastated by the news of Roger’s passing. Sympathies and prayers to you and all of your family. Roger was one of my favorite people of all time… GREAT teacher and GREAT football coach of mine (junior and senior Gaylord HS years — class of 1969). We were friends for a lifetime. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to fly him through some acrobatics during Roger and Ann’s visit to our home in San Diego circa 1976-77, the frequent visits Mom’s place at “the lake,” and then to see him a couple years ago at son Gordy’s band gig in Minneapolis. I shall miss him greatly. You left us way too soon. RIP and Godspeed, my friend.
Mika Ropo says
Hi
My name is Mika Ropo from Finland!I was exhange student in Gaylord 1977! by Rotary Club!
I lived with Bruellman’s family quite many months!They treated me like their own son! I played with those 2 beautiful adopted girls everyday!
I am very sad when I found out now that Roger died 2017!
I am very sorry to hear that,ge was still ”young” man!
I really hope some of your family can read this and remember me!!
All the best and keep in touch if possible!
Mika Ropo
Maria Lieske says
I remember you back in the day!
Yes, you were one of my favorite exchange students we ever had!
I always wonder just how the past exchange students that we had, including you, , are all doing now.
This is Maria, the older two of the adopted girls who grew up in the family, and I will never forget the antics that we all went through!
Great memories! And good to hear from you again ?!
Hugs ?! M.
P.S. Don’t be a stranger, ok?