Donald R. “Don” Brunner, age 83 of Shawano, passed away on Saturday morning, October 9, 2021 at The Cottages in Shawano following a battle with kidney disease.
Don was born August 22, 1938 in Leopolis to the late Ivan and Kate (Schoenburger) Brunner. He attended school in Marion, graduating with the Class of 1956. On February 22, 1957, Don was united in marriage to Carole Ann Hylander. Together they made their home in Leopolis. Carole preceded him in death in 2010. Don began his sales career working for Cher-Make Sausage, and worked for many years at International Multifoods. He ended his sales career with Grolier, retiring in 2000.
Don was the consummate salesman. His wife always said he could sell ice cubes to Eskimos. Don is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Leopolis where, in his younger years, he sang in the church choir and also directed the choir. Don and Carole retired to their home on Kentuck Lake in Eagle River where Don enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed playing cribbage, watching the Brewers, and telling a good story.
Survivors include his children, Lori (Tim) Brandenburg of Appleton, Scott (Mary) Brunner of Shawano, and Andy Brunner of Rhinelander; his grandchildren, Erin (Randy) Leitermann of Kenosha, Ryan Brandenburg of Suring, Brittany (Tyler) Pensis of Shawano, and Nick (Lila) Brunner of Hillsboro, OR; and his sister, Kathy Beyer of Green Bay. Don was blessed with six great-grandchildren, with another baby on the way. He was preceded in death by his brother, John; his sister, Joan; brothers-in-law, Mike Brunner and John Beyer; and his sister-in-law, Judy Hohn and brother-in-law, Duane Hohn.
A Funeral Mass for Donald will be celebrated on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 12:00 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Leopolis. Fr. Hanz Borbor will be the Celebrant. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and continue until the time of Mass. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers and plants, a memorial fund has been established in Don’s name to benefit the St. Mary’s Parish in Leopolis.