Keith Joseph Bruemmer

Keith Joseph Bruemmer age 81 of Elgin, MN, loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and uncle was called home on Saturday, August 26, 2023. Keith was born to Edward and Blanche (Preston) Bruemmer on December 24, 1941. He grew up on the rural family farm outside of Elgin and graduated from Elgin High School in 1959.

Keith took up cabinetry, studying at Riverland Technical College in Austin MN, graduating in 1961. After graduation he worked for Rochester Cabinet Craft where he was part of the team that worked on the Sears store at Crossroads. He was very proud to work on such a big project so early in his career. He remained at Rochester Cabinet Craft until he joined the US Marine Corps in January of 1964.

Bootcamp was spent at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego CA. On December 23, 1964, while home on leave, Keith married the love of his life, Maxine Schneider at St. Michaels Lutheran Church in Waltham MN.  In January of 1965 Keith was stationed at Camp Pendleton CA, sent to Okinawa Japan, and in May went to Viet Nam. On September 13, 1965, he was shot and wounded by a sniper. He spent time in a hospital in Danang and there he was awarded the Purple Heart. In 1966 Keith was back stateside and he and Maxine moved from Elgin, MN to Coronado, CA where he completed his enlistment at the Amphibious Naval Base.

January of 1968 Keith joined his brother Roger, working at Bruemmer Woodworking in rural Elgin MN. The Bruemmer brothers became masters of their craft, building beautiful custom cabinets, furniture, and houses.  Both Roger and Keith were proud of the work they put in building Trinity Lutheran Church of Elgin in 1983. July 25, 1968, Lisa was born bringing joy beyond measure to Keith and Maxine.

Keith held blueprints for many of his projects in his head, including his families’ forever home which was started in 1973. Keith and Maxine started clearing an area on 11 acres of the family farm and used the trees that were cleared from the site to build the house tirelessly sanding and staining every piece by hand.

March 7, 1974, Faith was born and the joy in his life had doubled.

The Bruemmer’s moved into their forever home in 1975 after two years of clearing, building, and finishing.

Another bright light came into the Bruemmer home on May 28, 1981, Amber was born, completing their family.

Keith loved his daughters more than anything and shared his love of the outdoors, hunting, fishing, gardening, and animals with them. He said his girls are as different as morning, noon and night making his life more complete than he could have ever dreamed possible.

In the mid-1980’s Keith could tell that his three girls were tired of sharing one bedroom and the project to double the size of the family home began. Lisa, Faith, and even young Amber all helped building rafters, sanding staining and painting, building the upstairs of the house.  Keith was very proud that his wife and daughters were able to contribute to the building of their family home.

Keith worked for Bruemmer Woodworking until his retirement in 2004. He had many interests and hobbies. He loved dancing with his wife, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, gardening, bird watching and long walks in the woods looking for morel mushrooms, ginseng, and asparagus.  Keith also enjoyed cooking and grilling. He would plan great meals for the family get togethers and took great pride in his Thanksgiving turkey. In his later years he created beautiful works of art on his scroll saw and enjoyed going to his Marine Reunions where he was reunited with many of his brothers in arms including his battle buddy, and best friend, Paul DeAngelo Sr.

He will be deeply missed. He leaves with love, his wife of 59 years, Maxine. His three daughters Lisa (Tom) Ross of Elba, MN. Faith (Brian) Back, Amber (Dean) Ruth, grandsons Tallon and Jacob Copley, all of Elgin, MN. One Brother-in-Law Vernon Schneider, four sisters in law Eldora Barber, Marion Schneider, Darlene Schneider and Tammy Schneider. Many nieces and nephews, “bonus” grandchildren and great grandchildren, many family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Blanche Bruemmer, infant sister Marcella and brother Roger. Three sisters in law, Shirley Bruemmer, June Schneider, and Mae Schneider. Three brothers in law Lloyd Barber, Melford Schneider, and Art Schneider. His father-in-law and mother-in-law Arthur and Martha Schneider.

To live forever in the hearts of those who are left behind is not do die. Until we meet again, I will greet you with a smile and a hug and say, “Welcome Home”.

Funeral services are Thursday, August 31, 2023, 11:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elgin with Pastor Josh Mouldenhauer officiating. Burial, with Military graveside rites will follow at the Elgin Cemetery. The Visitation is Wednesday, 5-7 p.m. at Schad & Zabel Funeral Home in Plainview and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Schad & Zabel Funeral Home in Plainview is assisting with the arrangements.

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