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Vernon Brugger
Date Of Birth:February 7, 1910
Date Of Death:March 23, 2010
Service Date:3:00 pm, Friday, March 26, 2010

Vernon W. Brugger, of Bloomington passed away Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at Bell Trace Health and Living Center.  He was 100 years old.

 Born February 7, 1910, in Tulare, South Dakota, he was the son of George Godfrey and Lilly (Zibell) Brugger. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the University of South Dakota. He received a master's and doctorate in education from Indiana University. He received a Juris Doctor from the George Washington University School of Law in Washington, D.C.

 Brugger had a career as a commissioned officer of the U,S. Army. His assignments included commanding officer of company 1707 of the Civilian Conservation Corps at Waldron, Arkansas, Adjutant General of the 3rd Infantry Division, 4 years as an instructor at The Adjutant General's School at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, which followed his graduation from the regular course at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Operations and Personnel divisions of the War Department General Staff in Washington, D.C., and the Office of Strategic Services in Washington, D.C. His overseas assignments were in Japan and Puerto Rico. Legally, he was the lead defense attorney in a general courts-martial case at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. He retired as a lieutenant colonel, Regular Army while serving as the Chief of the Compassionate Review Section of The Adjutant General's Office in the pentagon.

 In Bloomington, Indiana, Dr. Brugger was with the University Schools and in the office of the superintendent of the Monroe County School Corporation.

 He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn (Hopkins) Brugger and his eldest son Vernon W. Brugger, Jr. Survivors include his eldest daughter Janice Y. Crowe, Wayne, Michigan; Carl G. Brugger, Bloomington, Indiana; and, Betty J. Hardy of Bloomington, Indiana. He had 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

 He was of the Methodist faith. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, American Legion, Retired Officer's Association, Indiana State Bar Association, South Dakota State Bar Association, and the Indiana State Educational Association.

 Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 26, 2010 at 3:00 pm at Allen Funeral Home, 4155 S. Old State Rd. 37, with visitation from 2:00 p.m. until time of services. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Stroke Association.  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org.


  • From: Margaret Olson
    Location:Urbana, IL

    Carl, Betty, Elaine and the rest of your family. I was saddened thismorning to hear that Vernon's obituary was in the paper. I let Frank know, too. He and I read the great story of Vernon's 100th birthday online at the H-T. This is an impressive obituary for a man with a distinguished life. I wish that Frank and I had stopped in at Bell Trace in February when we were in Bloomington making final arrangements for the sale of Dad's house. If I didn't have other commitments tomorrow, I would be there Friday to tell you in person how sorry I am. Bell Trace will not be the same without you all. Margaret Olson


  • From: Doc and Marzell Busé
    Location:Vernon Brugger

    To the Carl Brugger family. Just to let you know we share in your loss and all our sympathy is with you during this difficult time. Just cling to God's hand. Doc and Marzell


  • From: Pastor Lorah Houser Jankord
    Location:Tulare United Church

    Dear Friends, I recently learned of Vernon's death and his connection to the Tulare United Church through a note (and memorial) from Rev. Ronald Brugger. The history of the Brugger family runs deep in this community and we are thankful for all they have meant and mean to our Christian fellowship. Our sympathy to your family. Peace be with you.