Elmerna (Mern) Buegler, 82

Elmerna Louise Buegler

August 10, 1942 - February 20, 2025

Elmerna (Mern) Buegler, 82, of Baudette, MN, passed away on February 20, 2025, at the Sanford Hospice House in Fargo.

Mern was born in Spooner, Minnesota, and raised by her parents, Walter and Edna (McGuire) Buegler, in Williams, Minnesota. She attended the Williams School along with her six siblings and graduated in 1961. After graduation, Mern moved to Minneapolis, where she worked for five years.

Upon returning to Williams, Mern devoted herself to raising her two sons, David and Dennis. Though she never married, her strength shone through as she worked two jobs to provide for her family. Mern was an incredibly supportive mother, rarely missing her sons' sporting events. The only exception would be Tuesday night. It was her night, it was bowling night. Those who knew her will remember her infectious laughter and the joy she found in the sport.

Mern also cherished watching her grandchildren play various sporting events, always eager to cheer them on, especially at their baseball and softball games. Her pride swelled as she watched her son David coach his children, passing on that spirit of encouragement. Before her health declined, she loved traveling to support her great-granddaughters at sporting events. Mern's unwavering dedication and love for her family will always be remembered.

Mern dedicated over thirty years to Lake of the Woods County Social Services and waitressed at the Nite Hawk in Roosevelt, MN, where she enjoyed connecting with others. After retiring, she continued to engage with the community by selling pull tabs at the Legion, always encouraging people to believe they might have the winning tab.

She is survived by her son, David (Becky) Buegler, and her daughter-in-law, Debbie (Jason) Durgin, the widow of her late son, Dennis. Grandchildren: Justin (Lindsey) Buegler, Jessica (Timothy Beaulieu) Buegler, and Jennifer (Brady) Thomas. Great grandchildren: Aydah, Elizabeth, Halle, Estella, Evalynn, and Sophie. Sisters Jan Younkin, Lori Buegler, Connie Buegler, Luann Christian, Nyla (Dan) O'Connell, and brother Gerry (Monica) Buegler, and many nieces and nephews also survive her.

She was preceded in death by her son, Dennis Buegler.

A graveside service for Elmerna Buegler will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Pine Hill Cemetery in Williams, MN.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore." - Revelation 21:4