Doris Catherine (Barhorst) Bruggeman,

Age 94, formerly of Maria Stein, passed away peacefully of natural causes early Tuesday morning, March 26, 2024, at The Gardens at St. Henry, in St. Henry, Ohio, where she had been a resident for nearly seven years.  She was born March 4, 1930, in Tipp City, Ohio, to the late August & Mary (Herbert) Barhorst.  On April 18, 1951, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in McCartyville, Doris married Virgil Bruggeman who preceded her in death on January 7, 1978.  Surviving are six of eight children: Robert & Rebecca Bruggeman of Boswell, IN, David (dec.) & Dorothy Bruggeman of Coldwater, Ronald Bruggeman (dec.), Jan & Bob Borgerding of St. Henry, Mike & Peg Bruggeman of Botkins, Phyllis & Rick Rammel of Coldwater, Rita & Dave Pedersen of Maria Stein and Lois & Mark Bensman of New Bremen; 28 grandchildren; 62 of 63 great-grandchildren (one dec.) and 5 great-great-grandchildren; two siblings, Joseph Barhorst of Coldwater and Martha & Richard Subler of New Bremen along with several sisters & brothers-in-law: Mary Pierron of St. Henry, Howard & Marlene Bruggeman of Maria Stein, Larry & Becky Bruggeman of Maria Stein, Kay Bruggeman of St. Marys and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Joseph Prenger; Nine siblings: Clarissa & William Brinkman, Charlene & Lavern Schmit, Dolores (twin) & Werner Bruggeman, Herbert & Clarissa Barhorst, Clarence & Shirley Barhorst, Marilyn & Ralph Meyer, Emily & Jack Subler, Eloise & Ivo Braun, Margie & Ed Rethman and several brothers & sisters-in-law: Werner Homan, Wilma Barhorst, Velma & Leonard Dietz, Virginia & Lavern Bruggeman, Joseph Pierron, Don Bruggeman, Mary Bruggeman and Eileen & Kenneth Otting.

In 1993, Mrs. Bruggeman retired from Mersman Furniture in Celina.  She was also a homemaker.  Doris belonged to St. John The Baptist Catholic Church and the St. John’s Ladies Sodality.  Years ago, she had been active with The Red Hat Ladies club and the Chickasaw VFW Auxiliary.  Doris was dedicated to her family and especially loved visiting with them.  She also enjoyed playing Bingo, computer Solitaire and listening to Polka music.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at St. John The Baptist Church in Maria Stein with Rev. Mark Hoying presiding.  Interment will follow at the church cemetery.  Family and friends may call Monday, 3:00 to 7:00 PM and Tuesday 9:00 to 9:45 AM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie.  Memorials may be made to the Cancer Assoc. of Mercer County or charities of choice.  Private condolences may be expressed at gehretfuneralhome.com.