Archie Maynard Brugger

Archie Brugger

Manti, UT

Col. RTD Archie Maynard Brugger, MD, passed away Monday, February 2, 2015 in Gunnison, UT, at the age of 88.

Archie was born in Venice, UT, November 14, 1926, to George and Carrie Myrl Buchanan Brugger. His father raised sheep, as well as being a very successful farmer. As a result of this, Archie learned to work very hard and always valued his farm heritage. This work ethic remained with him throughout his life. He graduated from Richfield High School as Valedictorian of his class.

Upon graduation from high school he was drafted in the Army just at the end of WWII and was part of the Army of occupation, stationed in Frankfurt, Germany.

In the summer of 1948 he met Carolyn Nielson, and they were married September 13, 1948 in the Manti Temple. Carolyn passed away November 28, 2000. He married Doreen Barbara Kurr, April 26, 2001 in the Manti Temple.

Following his discharge, he enrolled at the Utah State Agricultural College as a pre-med major. The next step was the University of Utah Medical School. His internship was at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He was also trained to be a thoracic surgeon at Walter Reed Hospital.

Among his assignments with the army were three years in Frankfurt, Germany, a year at Fitzsimmons Hospital in Denver, and then to Korea, where he had the opportunity to be involved in the repatriation of the Pueble crew from North Korean custody. He was sent back to Germany for three years as the surgical consultant for the armed forces in Europe.

Throughout his distinguished career he was always a faithful and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as Branch President in Frankfurt and later Service-man’s Coordinator for the armed forces in Europe. While in Korea he was a counselor to two successive mission presidents. He served as a Stake President in San Antonio, TX and again as counselor in the San Antonio Mission Presidency. He was active in the Boy Scout leadership and as a teacher in Church organizations. He served for several years as Patriarch for the Manti Utah Stake.

Throughout his life the Temple was always a major focal point. He served as an ordinance worker in the Manti Temple for almost twenty-three years and was President, along with his wife, Doreen, from 2003 to 2006. He lived the type of exemplary life so that he was always in tune with the Lord and could have His constant guidance. His most endearing characteristic was that he always lifted people and made them feel good about themselves.

Archie is survived by his wife, Doreen; children, Rebecca Lou (Clyde) Bailey, Marianne (Frank) Dittmar and Robert (Dena) Brugger. He is also survived by seventeen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 9, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the Manti Stake Center, 555 East Union. Viewings will be held at the Stake Center on Sunday, February 8, 2015 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Monday prior to services from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Manti City Cemetery with Military Rites by the Manti American Legion Post #31. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com