Loretta Jo Brugmann

MANTUA

Loretta Jo Brugmann, 86 years of age of Mantua, Became Our Gift to God on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.  Loretta was God’s Gift to Us on December 12, 1936 in Kent, Ohio, the daughter of the late Stanley and Lillian (Wolski) Zalewski.  Loretta grew up in Kent where she graduated from Kent Roosevelt High School.  On November 27, 1954, she married Roy N. Brugmann both moving to Mantua in 1960.    Loretta became part owner of Oscar Brugmann Sand and Gravel where she remained active with the family business up to the time of her passing.  As a long time and devoted member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mantua, she taught CCD, was a Church Lector, a member of Parish Council, the Ox-Roast Fair announcer and spent endless hours of service to the church community.  While at St. Joseph’s Parish, she developed a long-time bond with her special friend, Father Joseph Fata, whose passing preceded Loretta. Loretta, along with Roy and the entire Brugmann family,  were involved with 4-H where she served on the 4-H Beef Committee and was the announcer at the sale and auction for the Portage County Randolph Fair.  She also was the announcer for the Mantua Potato Festival for many years, another way that she valued her community. Loretta will be remembered as a woman who took pride in knowing she was responsible for the beauty of their home by continuing to mow 30-acres of their 100-acre farm.  Loretta was also known as an avid fan of all of her children and grand-children’s activities in the Crestwood School District where she was known as “Grandma Lala”.

Loretta was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Roy N. Brugmann, on October 28, 2011. Her dear siblings, Richard Zalewski, Bob Zalewski, Alan Zalewski, Michael Zalewski, Dolores Zalewski and Dorothy Zaleswki also pre-deceased her.  Loretta is survived by her devoted children, Alan (Wendy) Brugmann, Debbi Jo Bailey, Shannon Jo (Rich) Bretz all of Mantua, Todd (Cheryl) Brugmann, Lori Jo (Joe) Duriak, both of Shalersville and Darren Brugmann of Ennis, Montana.  She is also survived by her dear sisters Rita Macaluso and Marcia Reed   Additionally, 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and her four-legged child Lulu also survive.  Calling hours will be held, Thursday, March 2, 2023, St. Joseph’s Church 11045 St. Joseph’s Blvd. Mantua, Ohio 44255 from 4:00PM - 7:00PM.  Mass of Christian burial will be held, Friday, March 3, 2023, 10:00AM, St. Joseph’s Church with Father Edward Stafford officiating assisted by Deacon Gerry Scopilliti (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH).  Final resting place will follow at the Brugmann Family Cemetery.   Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Alan, Todd, and Darren Brugmann, Rich Bretz, Joe Duriak, Chad Bailey, Jeff VanAuken and Terry Zalewski.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name are suggested to either St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or the Portage County Stakemakers 4-H Club at 7900 Giddings Rd. Rootstown, Ohio 44272.  Arrangements are by the Green Family Funeral Home & Crematory Service in Mantua where her video tribute, condolences and memories may be viewed at www.greenfamilyfuneralhome.com

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