Donald B. Bruening, 85, Kewaunee, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with his family by his side. Donald was born June 1, 1940, to the late Henry and Ann Marie (Thompson) Bruening. He graduated from Kewaunee High School in 1959.

Donald was a lifetime member of Holy Rosary Parish and the Knights of Columbus. He was one of the original members who established Muskrat City Sportsman's Club.

Throughout his life he worked on the family farm. He was employed at Kewaunee Engineering, Hamachek Machine, then later dedicated many years to Kewaunee County Highway Department, where he took on a variety of important roles. He served as a bridge inspector, snowplow driver, and helped maintain the county parks, leaving a lasting impact on the community he cared about. He retired as a foreman for the County.

Donald had many pastimes which he enjoyed. He was known in the area as "The Booyah Guy". He took pleasure in making Chicken Booyah and socializing with the many people he met. He also loved planting trees, hunting, and making maple syrup on the family farm. His other hobbies were painting cars, fishing, trout boils, and woodworking.

Donald is survived by his children, Lisa (Brian) Schmidt, Don Jr (Colleen) Bruening, Jeff Bruening (partner Vered); grandchildren Thomas (Heather) Schmidt, Eric (Meg) Schmidt, Elizabeth Bruening, Travis (Abby) Bruening, Kimberly (Shawn) Swanson, Anna (Tyler) Boor, Jocelyn Ledin-Bruening (fiancé Sean); great grandchildren Emma, Ireland, Charlotte, Clara, Seth, Ellie, Willa, Henry, Bryson, Vince, and Audrey; he is also survived by his sisters, Mariann (John) Shefchik, Lynn (Bob) Wochos; his aunt Joan Karl; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, Ronald; and by Darlene, the mother of his children.

Visitation will take place Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at Kinnard Funeral & Cremation Services, Kewaunee. Mass of Christian burial 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church with Fr. George Daniel officiating. Burial in the church cemetery.

Kinnard Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at KinnardFCS.com.

PLEASE DO NOT order trees from this site for Donald. If you would like to donate a tree, please purchase one and donate it directly to the family to plant on the home farm.

The family would like to extend a thank you to Mary Kay Messmann and the wonderful angels at Linden Manor in Kewaunee. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Unity Hospice and Kewaunee Rescue for their exceptional care, and Holy Rosary Parish.