Brunker, Donald Francis

Donald Francis Brunker, age 89, of Ridgeway, passed away at home on Thursday, November 28, 2024.

Don was born in Dodgeville on July 12, 1935 to Jerome and Anastasia (Powers) Brunker.  He graduated from Ridgeway High School in 1953 and served his country in Germany from 1953-1955 in the U.S. Army.  He married Joan Walsh on October 15, 1957, and together they had six children.  After marriage they took over the family farm.  Don retired from farming and began working at the House on the Rock where he worked for 10 years. During his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, fishing, and gardening. Don was an active member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Dodgeville VFW. He was a proud veteran and was excited to travel to Washington D.C. on the Badger Honor Flight with his brother Jerry.

Don is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joan, his children:  Colleen (Jeff) Borcherding, William Brunker, Jean (James) Steffes, Patrick Brunker and Mary (Thomas) Fink; his grandchildren:  Nathan (Danielle) Borcherding, Amber (T.J.) Wiess, Jason (Brittany) Steffes, Jenna (Derek) Vinje, Jeryn (Nate) Learned, Zander and Kegun Brunker, Costin and Nolan (Elise) Fink; seven great grandchildren.  Also surviving him are his brothers, Tom (Ann) Brunker and Jerry Brunker, as well as his brother-in law Peter Walsh and many nieces, nephews, and friends.  

Don was preceded in death by his son Brian, his parents, his brother Harold (Shirley) Brunker, his sister Carol (Eugene) Gilbertson, his brothers-in-law Bernard (Marion) Walsh and Frank (Joanne) Walsh and his sisters-in-law Bernadine (Ray) Schaaf and Kaye Walsh.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at ST. BRIDGET’S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Ridgeway. Burial will be held in St. Bridget’s Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites accorded by the Dodgeville Area Veterans. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. on Tuesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials can be made to the Hodan Community Services, 941 Fountain Street, Mineral Point, WI  53565.

Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers 

Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com