Donald Wayne "Don" Brunker, age 72, died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. He was born on May 13, 1953 to Joseph and Dolores (Lease) Brunker in Dodgeville, WI.

Don attended St. Joseph Catholic School through 8th grade and graduated from Sun Prairie High in 1971. He was currently employed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Don was a lifelong outdoorsman; he found his greatest joy in the quiet beauty of nature. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, always happiest with a rod in his hand at the trout stream or deep in the woods. His sanctuary could always be found at the McGraw family home, first shared by his late Aunt and Uncle, John, and Kathryn McGraw, and now by Jimmy and Jodi McGraw. Countless stories, laughter, and memories were born there, each one a treasured part of his life.

Don will be remembered for his deep appreciation for the simple things, his quiet persona, his love for his nieces and nephews, who all loved him deeply, his love for the outdoors, and the way he cherished family and tradition, especially that Irish goodbye.

Don is survived by his brothers John (Melissa) Brunker of Marshall, Joe (Gloria) Brunker of Wisconsin Dells, Bob (Karen) Brunker of Columbus, Kevin (Carrie) Brunker of Waterloo, Matt (Sarah) Brunker of Wisconsin Dells; sisters Mary Jo Oathout of Middleton, Sue (Mike) Soldner of Buffalo, MN, Martha (Tom) Fisher of Madison, Lisa (Don) Kind of Madison, Lori (Leo) Schweiss of Sauk City; many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, other relatives and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; Joseph and Delores; brother Jerry Brunker; sister Fran Brunker Lease; niece Beth Campbell Manbauman

A funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, November 15, 2025 with visitation from 10:00 A.M. to noon at Jensen Funeral and Cremation in Columbus. A celebration of life will follow at The Round Table; 1611 N. Bristol Street, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

We encourage you to share your online condolences with Don's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com