Donald Brunner

Donald Gene Brunner was born on September 24, 1955, in Williston, North Dakota. He passed peacefully and painfree on April 29, 2026. He spent his early years in Bainville before moving to Missoula, Montana, at the age of six. He graduated from Hellgate High School in 1974.

Don was first married to Linda Ingalls, and together they welcomed two children, Sheri and Keith. In 1981, he moved to the Billings/Laurel, Montana area, where he continued a long career with Eddy's/Sweetheart Bakery, working there until 1992.

In 1986, he married Jerine Kerner, and together they had two children, Lindsey and Justin. In 1992, Don moved his family to Grand Junction, Colorado, where he worked at Earth Grains. In 1999, they returned to Billings, where he briefly worked again at Sweetheart Bakery before continuing his career at Mountain Harvest from 2001 to 2014. He later worked briefly at Franz Bakery and retired in 2016 at the age of 60.

Don loved spending time with his family above all else. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing poker, and going four-wheeling-especially with his sons and grandsons. One of his favorite places to eat was Taco John's in Shiloh Crossing, where he was so well known that he was proudly named "Employee of the Month," a title he truly enjoyed. The staff there were always kind to him and made sure he was well taken care of.

He was known as a man who never quit, who offered thoughtful advice in his quiet way, and who loved his family more than anything.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Marjorie and Elroy Brunner; his brothers, Daniel, Lyle, and Elroy Brunner; his sister, Shirley Murphy; and his granddaughter, Mikayla Brunner.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jerine Brunner; his children, Sheri Kelly (Randy), Keith (Jennifer), Lindsey, and Justin (Leanne); eight grandsons, Jude (Mariah), Kole (Paige), Jared, Bryce, Noah, Adam, Jaiden, and Cameron; and two great-granddaughters. He is also survived by his sisters, Lucy Styles (Ron) and Vicky Rye, along with many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at Dahl Funeral Chapel, 10 Yellowstone Avenue, Billings, Montana, on June 20 at 2:00 p.m. Please come help us celebrate Donnie's life and bring your favorite story to share.

Donnie will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.