Caden M Brunner

The service of Celebration will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 734 Holy Cross Way, Madison, Wisconsin, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, with the Rev. Mark Bartels presiding. Viewing will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service, with a luncheon following the service.

Caden Michael Brunner passed away unexpectedly on July 21, 2026, at the age of 21. Caden was doing what he loved to do, which was rock climbing. On the day of his death, he was rock climbing at Devil’s Lake State Park. Unfortunately, he lost his grip and fell.

Caden was born on June 1, 2005, in Madison, Wisconsin. He was baptized in 2005 and confirmed in 2018 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Madison, where he confessed his faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Caden leaves behind his father and mother, Michael and Heather Brunner; beloved siblings, Jayden, Trayden and Hayven; his maternal grandmother, Judith Dusenberry of Hesperia, California; and his paternal grandparents, Ronald and Donna Brunner from Cross Plains, Wisconsin; uncles, Gary Jr. (Sue) and Jonathan Engen; aunt, Michelle (Garth) Holcomb; and many cousins. Caden was preceded in death by his brother, Brayden; cousin, Nathan Engen; and maternal grandfather, Gary Engen Sr.

Caden graduated from Middleton High School in June 2024. He attended Madison Area Technical College for one year and was planning to attend the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. He played hockey with Middleton Youth Hockey from mites through U18.

Caden was fun loving and always up for an adventure with family and friends. He also had an extreme love and knowledge of music and would often drive around with his mom and friends listening and singing to his favorite songs. His mom joined him in attending numerous concerts, even as far as Las Vegas. He also enjoyed boating with his family on the various lakes in Wisconsin, and one of his highlights was going skydiving on his 21st birthday with his father.

Caden was a very kind and loving soul, always watching out for his three siblings. There will always be an empty chair at the table and an empty place in our hearts.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.