Betty A. Brugger, age 83, of Monroe, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the SSM Health Monroe Hospital. She was born January 10, 1942, in Monroe, WI. The daughter of Adolph and Nina (Bachmann) Zimmerman who both immigrated to the U.S. from Switzerland. As a young girl she learned to speak the Swiss language. Betty graduated from Albany High School in 1960.
She married the love of her life, Gary Brugger, on June 24, 1961, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Albany, WI. They farmed together in the area for many years. Betty enjoyed being a homemaker and was a member of the Winnetka Homemakers. She loved to cook, bake & entertain. She was a wonderful cook and over the years participated in many cooking contests. Betty also took great pride in always ensuring that her flowers and lawn were meticulously maintained, always wanting the farm to look its best.
In their earlier years, Gary & Betty liked to travel. A few of their most memorable trips, were an Alaskan Cruise and three trips to Switzerland.
Betty was a social person and enjoyed going to lunch with “the girls”, playing BINGO and events at the Senior Center. After moving from the farm to Monroe, they were blessed to have great neighbors who became dear friends, always looking out for one another.
Betty is survived by her children, Lisa Stauffacher, Lori Brugger, Mike (Sandy) Brugger, and Melissa (Tony) DeRemer; 5 grandchildren, Devan (Kyle) Klopfenstein, Colton (Leeanna) Brugger, Mia Stauffacher, Alex Stauffacher, and Kaelee DeRemer; 3 bonus grandchildren, Brooke, Dane, and Luke Trustem; and 4 great-grandchildren, Cayson & Emersyn Brugger and Lakyn & Aisley Klopfenstein. She is also survived by special in-laws, brother-in-law, Anton Moest, and sister-in-law, Isabel Zimmerman, as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Gary; sisters, Gertrude Moest and Martha Elmer and brother, Adolph Zimmerman, and brother-in-law, Arlyn Elmer.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at SHRINER HAGER GOHLKE Funeral Home.
A private service will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025 with Father Chahm Gahng as celebrant. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established in Betty’s name.
The family would like to thank Dr. Deana Courier and the entire 1st floor/ICU staff for their compassionate care & support in her final days. A “special’ thank you to Mia McDermott, NP and the entire oncology and radiation teams at the Monroe Clinic for the exceptional care she received. You all were a true blessing on this journey.
“Mutti, wir lieben dich. Ruhe in Frieden”
(Mom, we love you. Rest in peace)
