Leo Albert Brueggeman

BIG LAKE, Alaska - Leo Albert Brueggeman, 58, of Big Lake, Alaska, died of natural causes July 31, 2004, at Valley Hospital.

He was born in Everett, Wash., on Feb. 15, 1946, and raised in Polson. Leo attended schools in Polson.

In 1963, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served five years as an Aviation Machinist Mate and Jet Loadmaster. He was honorably discharged and after his military service, he completed his higher education in heavy equipment operations and road construction, graduating at the top of his field.

He moved to Alaska in 1967. He married Coni McManus in the fall of 1968. From 1968 to 1994, he worked for various oil companies, traveled extensively in the Alaska bush communities drilling wells and installing water systems. From 1994 until the present, he pursued his calling as a spiritual leader.

He devoted his life to the pursuit of freedom for all men and their families. He earned the respect of many through his never yielding faith, truth, wisdom, and respect for others, always being available to give of himself anytime he was needed. His entire life was dedicated to the freedom he now has.

With the spirit of true Alaskans, Leo along with his sons, fought the devastating Big Lake fire and was instrumental in saving his own home, as well as many others.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Melanie Martin.

Leo is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Coni; children, son Michael and wife Eve, son Karl, son Erich, son Aaron and wife Jennifer, daughter Emily and husband Heath, and daughter Crystal; grandchildren, Destiny, Troy, Kade, Christina, Kolten, Christopher, Issac, Willow, Cassandra, and Erich, all of Alaska; brothers and sisters, Dan Brueggeman of Spokane, Michael Brueggeman of Missoula, Anna Turney of Deer Park, Wash., Paul Brueggeman of Polson, Melanie Buckless of Polson, Margaret Arneson of Polson, Donna Collins of Deer Park, Duaine Collins of Polson and his father, Arthur Brueggeman of Polson.

Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated Aug. 11 at Immaculate Conception Church, Polson with the Rev. Gary Reller officiating. Interment with military honors followed at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson.

Memorial donations accepted at First Vineyard, P.O. Box 118, Bountiful, Utah, 84011, c/o Coni Brueggeman.

He will live on in us all.