Michael Braegelmann died Aug. 2, 2024, of multiple cancers, with his wife, Zona Pinto, and family by his side.
Michael was born in Melrose, Minnesota, to C.M. “Mike” and Ruth Braegelmann.
Michael was a graduate of Melrose High School and of Alexandria Technical College with a degree in accounting. He also earned an associate degree in banking at Pima Community College.
After graduation from college, Michael served in the U.S. Army from 1970-73 as a Chinese linguist/intelligence analyst in the PYSOPS GRP, 15th Psychological Warfare Detachment in Okinawa, Japan. His duties included analyzing Chinese Communist propaganda for the DIA, CIA and The Joint Chiefs of Staff as well as Army and Naval Intelligence. He was fluent in Mandarin Chinese.
Michael moved to Tucson, Arizona, when he was discharged from the Army in 1973 and began his career with State Farm Insurance as a claims adjuster. Three years later he opened his own State Farm Agency. He enjoyed his clients and maintained many friendships with them throughout the years. He mentored many new agents, assisting them in learning the insurance business and helping them to become successful agents. He qualified for many awards during his career. He earned the trust of his clients and the respect of his peers. Michael retired in 2014 after 42 years with State Farm Insurance.
Michael enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, trapshooting and traveling around the world. Golfing was always fun but challenging. Much to his surprise, he did have a hole-in-one at the golf course at Torreon. He and Zona shot trap competitively and won the Arizona Husband and Wife State Competition title, as well as placing in world competitions.
His many hunting and sightseeing trips took him and Zona to many places in the USA and around the world. Africa was his favorite.
Michael belonged to many hunting and fishing organizations. Safari Club International was his favorite. He served on their board for many years and was president of the Arizona chapter for two years. He was honored as member of the year in 1994. He was a life member of the NRA, SCI, Boone & Crockett Club and the Amateur Trap Shooting Association. He served on the board of the Tucson Trap & Skeet Club for 30 years, 27 years as treasurer.
Michael and Zona, along with his dad and brothers, built a remote cabin on West Twin Lake in Alaska. They spent many enjoyable days out in the wilderness of Alaska.
Michael is survived by his wife and best friend, Zona; and five younger brothers, Patrick (Sandy), Russell (Linda), Roger (Roberta), Jeff (Becky) and Jerry and one older sister, JoAnn (Gary). He especially enjoyed the times he spent with his many nieces and nephews.
Michael enjoyed good wines, good friends and the memory of a good cigar. He lived a full and admirable life and loved his country.
In lieu of memorials, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.
A Memorial Service was held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Tucson Aug. 17.
An internment ceremony with an honor guard will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Melrose. The internment ceremony is open to the public.
