Obituary of Caryl J. Bugge

When Robbinsdale Cooper opened in 1964, Caryl J. Bugge became the first female senior high school math teacher hired by Independent District 281. Thus began a career marked by organizational and leadership skills, devotion to students, and all aspects of school life. In addition to classroom teaching and serving as Co-Chair of the math department, she amassed an outstanding résumé. Accomplishments include competitive speech and softball coaching, theater box office manager, Homecoming Queen Coordinator, yearbook business manager, and costumer and seamstress for musical theater productions. Caryl graduated from the U of M Minneapolis in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Math, first teaching at Folwell Junior High School. In 1988, she was one of eight educators awarded the Minnesota Chamber Outstanding Teacher in Minnesota.

After retirement in 1993, Caryl returned to her hometown of Thief River Falls and accomplished the restoration of the family home. She was director and curator of the Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village, also serving as a board member of the Pennington County Historical Society. A TRF Chamber Convention and Tourist Bureau member, she wrote the book: “Thief River Falls and Pennington County.” Caryl served as a volunteer for nursing programs at Northland Community and Technical College, where she wrote a text on mathematics for nurses. She was awarded Woman of Honor by AAUW, Community Service Award by Delta Gamma, and Friend of Education from the TRF Education Association.

Caryl loved to attend opera, dance, theater, film, and concerts. She treasured coins, hunting guns, dishes, and tools and delighted in watching tennis and cheering for the Vikings. She was an artistic photographer and an extraordinary baker. Recipients of her wares affectionately called her "The Biscotti Woman" for her inventive varieties.

Born March 11, 1937, Caryl was preceded in death by brother Jerome, mother Sadie, and father Wilhelm, survived by friends, colleagues, and grateful students. She passed away on August 21, 2021, at St. Therese in New Hope. Blessings to Shelby, RN and Georgia RN (hospice nurse) for their loving care.

A Celebration of Life will be held at French Regional Park Visitors Center on Wednesday, September 1, from 2 to 4 pm with a short program at 2:30 pm. Donations in Caryl's memory can be made to Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village in Thief River Falls or the Minnesota Dance Theater. A memorial will also be held at her beloved United Methodist Church in Thief River Falls on September 3 at 1 pm.