Carol L. (Owen) Brueggeman

Carol L. (Owen) Brueggeman, beloved mom, grandmother, aunt, sister and special friend to so many, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at Stormont-Vail Hospital at the age of 70. The world will so miss her amazing light!

She was born the daughter of Thomas Eccelfield and Leota Watkins on December 22, 1949 in Iola, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Leota Owen of Dighton, Kansas.

Carol was a woman of free spirit, passionate about nature and animals. She had an exceptional voice and sang for funerals, weddings, many musical performing groups throughout her life, enjoying musical theatre as well as classical performances. Her talent is legendary among her peers! She loved dancing and all types of music with the Doobie Brothers and AC/DC being two of her favorite bands. Her musical talent was evident at an early age and performance started early. Her musical gifts were rivaled by her athleticism, as she loved and also achieved excellence in track and field events, qualifying for Pre-Olympic trials twice.

She was beyond beautiful both inside and out. She always taught to forgive and to go with the flow. She was always thinking of others, was a strong humanitarian and loved her family dearly. She loved to volunteer, especially reading to children and helping them grow in their reading skills, reaching them at their level, able to relate to them with special insight into who they may become. She had such hope for each child and excited about their potential!

Those who have been the fortunate recipients of Carol’s amazing smile and grace can be comforted by her unconditional love for all in the universe and her wish for abundant blessings for everyone. Her fiery spirit will be forever with us and passionately missed. While known for her fiery spirit, beauty and powerful personality, she had a gentle soul that was so tender and kind. Her love for animals and all aspects of nature was evident in the grateful way she lived, an appreciator of everyone’s natural gifts and with passion to help anyone in need. Her thoughtful and caring love for humanity directed her life and as a continual student of the universe, always sought to continue to educate herself on how to appreciate more, love more, learn more, be more to those whom she loved and those she encountered. She will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her two sons; Brian Brueggeman of Topeka and Steve Brueggeman of Topeka; one daughter, Brandi Brueggeman-Makda and husband Farhan of Topeka; grandson, Trey Brueggeman; three brothers, Mike Owen and wife Beth, Mark Owen and wife Ruby, Max Owen and wife Glenda; two sisters, Lynn Shindley, Lori Dohrmann and husband Dave, as well as a loving, extended family.

Cremation has taken place. Family services will be held at a later date. Carol’s final resting place will be in Scotland. Her heart and love for all things of Scotland, will bring her peace.

Memorial contributions can be made in Carol’s loving memory to the Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St., Topeka, KS 66604 and/or the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.