James “Donald” Brennan, age 89, passed away peacefully at home on Christmas Eve, with his wife, Joyce and his best furry pal, Emmi by his side.  Don was born on June 9, 1934 in Monroe as the son of Thomas and Katheryn Brennan.

Following high school, he was proud to serve in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany as a medic.  He then farmed for over 40 years south of Monroe, with his son, Carl.  Even after he retired, he loved going to the farm nearly every day to check on things. 

He and his wife Joyce enjoyed 31 years of marriage with their joined families.  Together, they had been blessed with six children, Mark (Peggy) Brennan, Carl (Chris) Brennan, Jolene (Ron) Fuchs, Adam (Deb) Berndt, Jodi (Dave) Sawdey, and Jen (Joe) Schilling.  They had seventeen grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Don is survived by his wife, Joyce, all of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, his sister, Helen Ruchti, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and two sisters. 

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Clare of Assisi Parish at St. Victor Church, Monroe.  Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery.  Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Condolences may be sent to the family at: Shriner111.com.  A Celebration on Don’s Life will be held at a later date. 

A very special thank you would like to be extended to the nurses and volunteers of SSM Health Monroe Hospice.