Donald D. Brashi
June 20, 1946 - May 15, 2026
Obituary
SUN PRAIRIE - Donald “Don” Dean Brashi, age 79 of Sun Prairie, Wis., went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 15, 2026, due to chronic heart failure. He was born in Madison, Wis., to Dominic and Delores Brashi.
Don graduated from Oregon High School in 1964. He worked at Oscar Mayer until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966. Upon discharge, he returned and retired from Oscar Mayer after 30 years. He then worked for TDS and Care, Wisconsin retiring in 2012.
Don met the love of his life, Lana Wolter, on a blind date on New Year’s Day in 1965 and they married on December 10, 1966. Don and Lana couldn’t wait to start a family of their own and their three children, daughters, Kaia and Gina, and son, Anthony, meant the world to them. They thoroughly enjoyed watching their children’s sporting events and didn’t miss a game.
Don loved the Lord, had a strong faith and was an active member of Door Creek Church.
Don enjoyed jigsaw and Sudoku puzzles, golfing, fishing, officiating basketball games and was a WIAA basketball official for over 30 years. He loved the theatre and traveled extensively, enjoying many cruises and trips abroad with his wife, Lana. He especially enjoyed his trip to the Holy Land. He thoroughly enjoyed playing cards and games and loved game nights with his family. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching many sporting events.
Don was a kind and humble man and will be remembered by his quirky sense of humor.
Don is survived by his wife, Lana of 59 years of marriage; daughter, Kaia (John) Rortvedt, son, Anthony and daughter, Gina Small; grandchildren, Zachary Brashi, Vincent Small and Lela Brashi; step-grandchildren, Evan (Heather) Rortvedt and Marc (Amber) Rortvedt; step-great-grandchildren, Avery, River and Sylvie Rortvedt; sister, Vicki McDonald; as well as many nieces and nephews and close family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Nicky; brother-in-law, Allen McDonald; and son-in-law, David Small.
A memorial service will be held at DOOR CREEK CHURCH, Sprecher Road Campus, 6602 Dominion Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. There will be a luncheon served following the service.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420