Don Bruggeman - Associate Broker

Don founded Oak Realty in 1974, purchasing Daryl Gunnarson Realty after working there for two years. He re-named the business for its location on Annandale’s charmed main street, Oak Avenue. Originally from Oklee, MN, Don worked for the Great Northern Railroad in Hibbing until 1960, and as an Insurance Investigator in Minneapolis until 1971. He and his wife Marilyn left the stresses of city life behind in 1971 and moved to Annandale with their 4 children to a home on Pleasant Lake where they resided for 25 years before moving into town. Sunsets across Pleasant Lake are still one of his favorite parts of living here.

Don helped build Oak Realty’s identity in its early years, operating the company until 2000, when he turned it over to his son Steve. He says he is proud to have started the business, and enjoys watching it continue to grow under Steve’s leadership. The camaraderie of a good team working together, he says, is the best part about working here. Outside of the office, he enjoys trading cars, caring for his lawn and garden, and spending time with his children and 8 grandchildren who fortunately all live nearby. He and Marilyn also like to travel and winter in the South.

Don was a Lions Club member for 10 years, and a member of the Pleasant Lake Association and Commercial Club, each for 20 years. His favorite time of year is the fall, with its beautiful colors, and says everyone should be so lucky to live in Annandale and enjoy the weeklong events of the 4th of July.