Dr. Brent Pymm Bruderer

Brent Pymm Bruderer, Ph.D., M.D.

Brent Pymm Bruderer, 77, passed away in Fargo, North Dakota, surrounded by family, love, and probably still holding onto hope that the Cubs might win another World Series.

Born February 6, 1948, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Brent lived a life of service, laughter, and a little bit of stubbornness. He proudly served on active duty in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after a career that spanned decades, continents, and countless memories his kids will never forget.

He earned the Meritorious Service Medal w/OLC, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, United Nations Medal, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Service Ribbon, Expert Field Medical Badge, and Overseas Service Ribbon.

Prior to medical school, Brent earned his Ph.D. and shared his knowledge and passion for medicine by teaching anatomy and physiology at the medical school. He graduated from the University of Missouri School of Medicine in 1982 with his M.D. and completed his surgery residency at Truman Medical Center, where he specialized in Level 1 trauma care. His dedication to both education and healing left a lasting impact on his students, colleagues, and the countless patients whose lives he touched.

As a General Surgeon, Brent saved lives in operating rooms from the U.S. to overseas assignments. His Army career took him and his family all over the world, including years spent raising kids in Germany and Washington, D.C.

He proudly served in Somalia, Africa, during the Gulf War, where he faced challenges few could imagine, but never lost his sense of duty, his sense of humor, or his love of medicine. He died from service-related cancer, a result of his dedication and sacrifice during his active duty career.

Brent was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving diligently in many callings throughout his life. His faith guided him, gave him strength through every deployment and move, and provided the foundation on which he built his service to others.

On June 25, 1982, Brent married Margaret Ingram, the love of his life and the only person patient enough to put up with his Corvette obsession, military expectations, and the endless games he insisted on watching, win or lose. Together, they built a life full of adventure, moves, and stories that their kids and grandkids will be retelling (and exaggerating) for years to come.

Brent had many passions: fast cars, slow baseball games, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs through thick and thin. But nothing brought him more joy than his grandchildren, who knew him both as someone who would never tell them “no” and as their greatest excuse to eat ice cream for breakfast.

He will be remembered for his service, his testimony, saving many lives as a trauma surgeon, telling his kids to “walk it off,” and his ability to give the look.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Gwendolyn Leitch; his father, Willard Bruderer; and his infant sister, Lisa Bruderer.
Brent leaves behind his wife, Margie, his children, grandchildren, and a legacy that reminds us to work hard, be honest, and never underestimate the healing power of a well-timed dad joke.

Flowers and plants may be sent to Boulger Funeral Home.