Donald R. Brunner

Donald R. “Don” Brunner, 83, of Shawano, passed away on Saturday morning, Oct. 9, 2021, at The Cottages in Shawano following a battle with kidney disease.

Don was born Aug. 22, 1938, in Leopolis to the late Ivan and Kate (Schoenburger) Brunner. He attended school in Marion, graduating with the Class of 1956. On Feb. 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 he 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 was 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, Oregon; 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, Duane Hohn and John Beyer; and his sister-in-law, Judy Hohn.

A funeral Mass for Donald will be celebrated on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, at noon at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Leopolis. The Rev. Hanz Borbor will be the celebrant. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. 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 St. Mary’s Parish in Leopolis.

Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.