Kevin L. Brugger

A live stream of Kevin's Memorial Service and Military Honors can be seen in the box below this obituary beginning at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 11, 2026.

Kevin Brugger, age 71, of Neillsville, WI, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at House of the Dove - Hospice Home in Marshfield, WI.

Kevin was born on December 23, 1954, in Platteville, WI, the son of Arthur and Mary (Richards) Brugger. He was the 11th of 12 children. Kevin began his education at Maple Glen School, a one-room country school, where he attended for three years. He later attended O.E. Gray Elementary School and Platteville Middle School before graduating from Platteville High School in 1974.

In February of 1974, while still in high school, Kevin enlisted in the delayed entry program of the United States Army. Following graduation, he left for basic training at Fort Knox, KY, in June. He continued his military training at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, MD, where he trained as a fuel and electrical specialist and graduated with honors.

Kevin was then stationed at Fort Carson, CO, where he worked on military vehicles as a fourth-echelon mechanic. In February of 1976, he was sent to Wiesbaden, West Germany, as part of Brigade 76 during the transition of Wiesbaden Air Force Base. Kevin proudly served his country until his discharge from the Army in 1977.

Following his military service, Kevin moved to Neillsville, a community that would become his home for nearly 50 years. He worked at Nelson Muffler and M&E Development until the plant closed in 2005. From 2007 until 2015, Kevin worked in the maintenance department at Memorial Medical Center in Neillsville. Following that he went to the Clark County Forestry and Parks Department, mowing parks and working at Bruce Mound.

Kevin believed strongly in serving his community. He was a member of the Neillsville Fire Department for 22 years and served for 13 years as a reserve officer with the Clark County Sheriff's Department. He was a longtime member of the Neillsville Men's Club, serving on its board for 10 years, including time as treasurer. Kevin also enjoyed volunteering at the Neillsville Gun Club, where he mowed lawns, grilled brats and burgers, and did maintenance work during the summer months before he and Kathy travelled to Arizona for the winter months.

While in high school, Kevin worked at a local garage near his home, and in the summers traveled with the carnival, which is how he met his future wife, at the Neillsville A&W. Kevin married Kathryn (Oldham) on June 7, 1975, in Neillsville, and together they raised two children, Matthew and Melanie. Family was an important part of Kevin's life, and he was especially proud of his seven grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

An accomplished bowler, Kevin enjoyed many memorable games over the years and achieved the remarkable feat of bowling nine perfect 300 games. He also enjoyed camping in both Wisconsin and Arizona. Perhaps most fittingly, Kevin was known as "Mr. Fix-it" to his family and friends. With his mechanical ability and willingness to lend a hand, there was rarely something Kevin couldn't repair-or at least give his best effort trying.

Kevin's life was one of service-to his country, his community, his family and his friends. Whether serving in the Army, answering a call with the fire department, helping his community or simply fixing something for someone who needed a hand, Kevin was always willing to step up and help. He will be remembered for his many years of service, his talents, his friendship and, most importantly, his devotion to his family.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Kathryn; his children, Matthew (Denyse) and Melanie; seven grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Tom (Marilyn) Brugger, Kristine "Kris" Becker, Steven "Steve" Brugger and LeeAnn Stark; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Brugger and Mary Brugger; his brothers, John, Paul, David, James "Jim" and Mark Brugger; and his sisters, Mary Bendorf and Barbara Osborn, his in-laws, Walter "Bunny" and Barbara Oldham and a brother-in-law, Dennis Oldham.

A Memorial Service for Kevin will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville. Pastor Terry Marg will officiate. Military Honors will be performed by the Neillsville Veteran's Council. A reception will follow at the Neillsville American Legion. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Thursday at the Gesche Funeral Home. A livestream of Kevin's funeral services and be seen at www.geschefh.com.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Kevin's family with funeral arrangements.