Richard “Dick” R. Bruinooge, age 94, of Sheboygan, passed away on Saturday, May 28,2022, at Azura Memory Center. He was born October 4, 1927, in Sheboygan to the late Martin and Ida (Dirkse) Bruinooge.
He graduated from North High School with the class of 1945. Dick went on to graduate from Calvin College and Drake University, with his bachelors and master’s degree in education. He was united in marriage to Harriet Verlare on November 24, 1949, in Grand Rapids, MI. After earning his degrees, Dick and Harriet moved to Pella, Iowa where he was a high school teacher and coach. Later they returned to Sheboygan where Dick served as principal of SCH and worked for Robert W. Baird before taking a teaching position at Urban Junior High and later at North High School. He finished his career taking on the role of vice principal at NHS. Dick was involved for many years coaching and teaching tennis for NHS and the Sheboygan Rec Dept.
Dick was a member at Christ Community Church in Sheboygan. He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and to many countries overseas with his wife. Family was very important to him, he enjoyed camping trips and spending time with them. Dick was a lifelong tennis player winning many county tournaments. Dick and Harriet enjoyed many summer days sitting on the jetties reading. He loved greeting friends, neighbors and former students while biking around Sheboygan or along Broughton Drive.
Dick is survived by his children, Rick (Cher) Bruinooge, Nan (Brenden) Kelly and Nina (Paul) Hiebing; grandchildren, Christopher Browning, Aaron Bruinooge, Michael Bruinooge, Jason Voss, Jada Voss, Andrew Hiebing, Steven Hiebing; 15 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren, along with many other family and friends.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Harriet who passed away in 2019; his siblings, Red (Eunice) Bruinooge and Joanne (Delmar) TeStroete.
A private burial will take place at Wildwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to either Sheboygan County Meals on Wheels or Sharon S. Richardson Hospice in Dick’s name.
The family would like to thank all of the workers at Azura Memory Center and Sharon S. Richardson Hospice for all their care, compassion and support.
Please visit our website to share your stories and leave your condolences for the family at www.ballhornchapels.com.
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