Donald A. ‘Butch’ Brunelle

He was born on July 24, 1941 in Escanaba, son to Donald J. and Beatrice H. (Boyle) Brunelle. Don was raised in Escanaba and graduated from Holy Name High School, class of 1959.

He furthered his education at Northern Michigan University and then earned his bachelor’s degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee.

Don enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 1, 1961 and served until his honorable discharge on August 4, 1962.

On May 28, 1966, Don married the former Judy A. Boyle at St. Joseph Church in Escanaba. They had three children and were blessed with 58 years of marriage.

Don served as a postmaster for many Wisconsin and Michigan post offices over the years, retiring from the post office in Gladstone in 2003. Following retirement, Don served a variety of volunteer positions including an ombudsman for the State of Michigan for 10 years, served as a mediator and taught a diabetic class for UPCAP, and enjoyed assisting at the Sand Point Lighthouse and Delta County Historical Museum.

He was an active member of Escanaba Lions Club, Escanaba Rotary, Kiwanis Club, and Elks Lodge 354. Don was honored with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 acknowledging his national and community service and lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer service by President Barack Obama.

He was a devoted member of St. Anne’s Church and for several years helped on the picnic committee.

Don was a dedicated family man, and most recently loved being with his grandchildren and hearing their stories. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and hunting with friends and would challenge any opponent to cribbage or chess. He was known for his great sense of humor, timely comebacks, and hearty laugh. He has watched every cowboy movie but would never spoil the plot, and never missed a single Packer game. His presence will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Among survivors are his wife, Judy Brunelle of Escanaba; children, Michelle (Brian) Halling of Cloquet, Minn., Donald M. Brunelle of Vestavia Hills, AL, and Katie (Chris) Pickar of Duluth, Minn.; seven grandchildren, Justin, Brianna, and Emily Halling, Spencer and Alexis Brunelle, and Elliott and Otis Pickar; sister, Mary Kay (Terry) DeRouin; sister-in-law, Sandy Brunelle; many loving in-laws; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Abigail Michelle Halling; sisters, Sue (Cubby) Mayrand and Ann (Larry) Shanahan; and brother, Jim Brunelle.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to noon at St. Anne’s Church. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at noon with Rev. Fran DeGroot officiating. A meal will follow the church hall.

The committal service and military honors will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Don’s name are encouraged to be made to the charity of one’s choice. A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.