Kenneth D. Brugger

Kenneth DeArle Brugger, age 72, of Hudson, Mich., died Tuesday evening, May 5, 2026, at Beacon Kalamazoo Hospital. He was born Christmas Day 1953, in Tecumseh, the son of the late DeArle and Helen (King) Brugger. Ken was a 1972 graduate of Clinton High School.

On July 20, 1974, Ken married the love of his life, the former Patricia Sue Clark, at Tecumseh Friends Church. Together, they raised a son and daughter and were blessed with 51 years of devoted companionship.

Ken had a lifelong passion for farming, and in addition to operating his own farm, he worked at several local dairy farms as well. He was involved in 4-H when his kids were young and served as superintendent of the goat barn in addition to sitting on the small animal board. He was proud of his 2-cylinder John Deere tractors that he collected with his sons and his classic cars that he enjoyed working on over the years. He loved trivia and enjoyed watching Westerns and cartoons with his grandchildren, his true pride and joy. He is remembered for his loving and gentle ways and his fun-loving personality, always ready with a joke.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Patti, is a son, Joseph (Dawn) Brugger of Hudson; daughter, Elisabeth “Betsy” (Adam) Gust of Clayton; three siblings, Lois Sayler of Adrian, Carolyn (Rob) Mills of Deerfield, and Dennis (Janet) Brugger of Adrian; brother-in-law Ken Clark of California; eight grandchildren, Silas Brugger, Adrianna Brugger, Ezra Gust (Piper Slovinski), Sarah Gust, Levi Gust, Naomi Gust, Aaron Gust and David Gust; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in his death by his stepmother, Lucille Green-Brugger; sisters, Joyce Willett and Madeline Thompson; and parents-in-law, Bill and June Clark.

The family received friends for visitation at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. A funeral service for Kenneth took place on Wednesday, May 13, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Larry Betz officiating. Burial followed in Lenawee Hills Memorial Park in Adrian.

Memorial contributions can be given to the family to aid with final expenses. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at marryfh.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.