Donald “Don” Brooker 94, passed away on July 22, 2023 at the SSM Hospice Home in Monroe surrounded by his family.  He was born on December 1, 1928 in Sterling, Illinois to Clarence and Augusta (Schmidt) Brooker. He grew up in the Nora, Ill. area and worked hard as a young man.  At the age of 14 he hauled milk from farms to the factory lifting heavy cans.   Later he was a cheese maker at Staub Cheese in Waddams Grove, IL until he joined the US Navy in 1953. He served on the USS Midway for 2 ½ years.  He was on a seven-month Mediterranean Cruise followed by a six-month world cruise.  In 1956 he was stationed on the USS Norfolk.  In January of 1957 he was discharged as 2nd class petty officer.  On April 25, 2015 he was part of the Korean Honor Flight going to Washington DC accompanied by his daughter, Debra Bidlingmaier.  He was very proud to be a Veteran.  

On September 25, 1953 he married the love of his life, Darlene Burmeister at the Nora Community Church by Rev. Roy Berg.  After his discharge they farmed and later purchased the Harry Burmeister home farm until semi-retiring in 1978. At that time, they built their new home in South Wayne.  Don still continued working the land along with mechanical work on the machinery plus helping his son wherever he was needed on the farm.  Don and Darlene spent their winters in Fountain View Park, North Ft. Myers, Florida for 31 winters.  In 2016 they moved into a condo in Monroe, WI.

Don was a member of the Monroe United Methodist Church. He served on the Warren Fair, Blackhawk School and South Wayne Village Boards and was a volunteer with the South Wayne Fire Department.  He also filled several offices with the South Wayne and Gratiot Methodist Churches and was on the board of directors with the Gratiot State Bank.  He was a life member of the Gratiot VFW and Warren Masonic Lodge being a Past Master and Past Worthy Patron of the Warren Eastern Star.  He also was a member of the Monroe Moose Lodge and former member of the Freeport Consistory and Rockford Tebala Shrine.

Don loved to bowl, golf, play cards and go to the Dog Track.  He also enjoyed his winters in Florida spending time with great friends.  He especially loved quality moments with his wife and family throughout the years. They were always fortunate to take yearly vacations while on the farm visiting 51 states and taking some cruises.  He was an avid fan of the Blackhawk Warriors, Monroe Cheesemakers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. In 2017 after moving to Monroe he acquired many friends and enjoyed coffee times with the guys.

His greatest asset was his family.  He always shared his love and great pride for everyone. He loved watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren during their activities. Grandpa gave the best hugs.  Family always came first.  He always told his wife that she was his best friend and every single day she received a kiss and a “I love You” from him.  He truly gave it all to create a wonderful life for our entire family.  

Don is survived by his wife, Darlene; three children: Debra (Tom) Bidlingmaier, Browntown, Dean, Warren, IL. and Dana (Chuck) Montgomery, Monroe; eight grandchildren, Cory (Kerrie) Bidlingmaier, Chad (Ashley) Bidlingmaier, Carli (Jose) Cabrera, Courtney (Kevin) Grossen, Brett (Mandy) Brooker, Lindsay (Joel) Wilhelmson, McKenzie (Justin) Lowe and Bryce Montgomery; thirteen great-grandchildren: Trent, Braylon, Harper & Henley Bidlingmaier, Adalie Grossen, Kaylee, Zoey, Josie & Zachary Brooker, Corbin & Maverick Wilhelmson, David and Robert Oliver; a sister, Marilyn Ruthe; brother and sisters-in-law, Pete (Delores) Burmeister and Shell Burmeister along with a special friend, Gene Wilson and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, father & mother-in-law, Harry and Leona Burmeister; brothers, Clarence, Kenneth, Russell, Ralph; sisters, Betty, Audrey and Maxine; and brother-in-law, Charles Burmeister.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at the Monroe United Methodist Church, Monroe, Wisconsin with Pastor Jeffrey Meyer officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until the time of service.  Burial and military rites will be held at the Gratiot Methodist Cemetery.  Memorials can be given to Monroe United Methodist Church and the Gratiot VFW.

Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.