Donald Frank Brennecke, of Antigo, died Sunday, November 22, 2015 at Eastview Medical and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 82 years. He was born on October 3, 1933 in Antigo a son of Frank and Ruth (Gilmer) Brennecke.

He was raised in the Antigo area, attending grade schools in Antigo and the rural Antigo area. He graduated from Antigo High School in 1951. During his school years he helped his step-father, August Laehn, Jr. on their farm and with the Laehn family coal business, often driving after school to Green Bay for coal. Donald’s great loves were driving truck, music, playing in the high school band, his family, friends, and his pets.

After high school Don moved to the Appleton area, where he continued to drive a semi until an accidental fall from a truck resulted in injuries that prevented him from driving a semi again. He was still able to drive and enjoyed traveling the country.

In 1957 he married Caroline (Rochteshal) Hidde from whom he was divorced. In 1993 he married Mary (Johanek) Incha who survives. They enjoyed traveling, music and family.

Survivors include his children, Steven Brennecke of Antigo, Susan (Brennecke) Fermanich of Park Falls and Darrell Brennecke of New London; Mary’s children, Steven (Eunice) Incha of Parrish, Mark (Laura) Incha of Antigo, and Paul (Cindy) Incha of Fort Atkinson; grandchildren, Kristin (Marshall) Schield, Dustin Coe, Morgan Grant, Matt Incha, John Incha, Jillian Incha, Carmen Incha, Elyse Incha, Ben Incha, Elli Incha and Sam Incha; and great grandchildren, Jacob, Colton and Olivia Schield. He is also survived by his sisters, Jean (Peter) Hazelquist of Rhinelander, Judy (Harlan) Dorn of Bryant, Janice Jankowski of Rolling, Joyce (John) Hitz of Antigo; a brother, Robert (Debbie) Laehn of Antigo; many nieces, nephews and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Brennecke, mother Ruth Laehn; step father, Augie Laehn Jr.; daughter, Diane Flunker and her son, Damon Coe; and brother-in-law, Eugene Jankowski.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with Reverend David Schmidt officiating. Entombment will take place in Queen of Peace Mausoleum. Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. all at the Bradley Funeral Home. A parish wake service will be held on Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Memorials in Don’s name may be directed to the Langlade County Humane Society, 2204 Clermont St. Antigo, WI 54409 or the REGI Raptor Education Group, PO Box 481 Antigo, WI 54409.