Donald "Breezy" W. Brzezinski

Donald W. “Breezy” Brzezinski

Donald W. “Breezy” Brzezinski, 71, of Ringle, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, March 20, 2025, following a brief battle with bone cancer.

Donald was born on March 27, 1953, in Wausau to the late Wallace J. and Esther R. (Ostrowski) Brzezinski of Ringle. He was the third of six children raised on the family dairy farm. This is where his great love of farming began. Donnie attended St. Florian’s grade school in Hatley, Holy Name Seminary in La Crosse, and graduated from D.C. Everest High School in 1971.

Shortly after high school, Donnie began working at American Can (which changed names many times throughout the years, including James River and Graphic Packaging). He was known by all here as “Breezy”. He retired from Graphic Packaging in 2015 with 42 years of dedicated service. In addition to working in town, Donnie also farmed his entire life – first with his parents and then taking over the farm with his wife, Lynn.

Donnie married the love of his life, Lynn (Wojciechowski) on September 8, 1979, at St. Florian’s Catholic Church in Hatley. Donnie and Lynn have two children, Lisa and Carrie. Never far from the farm, Donnie and Lynn took over the family dairy farm in 1990.

Donnie was a true outdoorsman; he enjoyed turkey and deer hunting and trapping with family and friends. In retirement, he even took a liking to ice fishing. Many great memories were made throughout the years with many trophy stories to tell. He also truly enjoyed the simple things in life, being at home with family, and any time spent outside, whether just doing chores, being on a tractor seat or just sitting under the trees on the swing with a cold Mt Dew.

During the last six years, Donnie faced health challenges that changed his life. During this time, he faced each day with courage and never complained but would often say “who would think a damn mosquito could do all of this”.

Donnie is survived by his loving wife Lynn; his children and grandchildren, Lisa (Brandon) Hoffmann and their children, Alicia and Billy, of Athens; and Carrie (the late Gary Vlietstra) Brzezinski of Ringle. He is further survived by his siblings: Bonita (Scott) Paulson of Norrie, Kenneth (Jane) of Schofield, and Susan (Frank) Altman of Madeline Island. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-laws, Gary (Cindy) Wojciechowski, Mary (Roger) Priebe, Dave (Cindy) Wojciechowski, Pat Wojciechowski and Bill (late Jackie) Wojciechowski and numerous other relatives and friends that were like family.

Donnie touched the lives of many, and all of those memories will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Donnie is preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Esther Brzezinski; brother, James; sister, Julianne Rivard; nephews, Jonathan Paulson and Kory Ambroziak; mother and father-in-law, Henry and Eileen Wojciechowski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Noon on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley. Fr. Jerome Patric will preside. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 at St. Florian’s Catholic Church. Burial will be in the parish cemetery following the service. A luncheon to follow will be in the church basement.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Compassus Hospice, especially RN Rosanne and Lauren, for all of their care, kindness and comforting guidance to both Donnie and our family, navigating this difficult time.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com