Donald J. Brandner Jr.

Donald Joseph Brandner Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away after a courageous six-month battle with lymphoma. He was 72.

Don was born to Donald Sr. and Mary (Vennemeyer) Brandner and grew up in Silverton, Ohio, where his adventurous spirit and boundless curiosity took root early. He is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Donna Brandner; his children Kevin (Beth), Keith (Lauren), and Emily; and his cherished grandchildren Audrey, Jake, Tommy, Kate, and Nick. He is also survived by his siblings Diane Toebbe, Jack (Sally) Brandner, Nancy (Jim) Frey, and Jimmy (Cathy) Brandner as well as many nieces and nephews.

Don’s life was defined by his love for his family, his insatiable appetite for adventure, and his remarkable ability to build and fix anything. He began his career as a machinist before founding Brandner Construction and Remodeling, where he poured his heart into every project—from building his own family homes to tackling large-scale commercial work. Don’s greatest satisfaction came not from accolades, but from the challenge of creating something new and the joy of helping others.

A man of many talents and interests, Don's life was marked by his love of the outdoors. He was always eager to try something new—whether sailing catamarans, piloting small aircraft, caving, rappelling, camping, hiking, kayaking, skiing, mountain biking, pickleball or even singing karaoke. Don was known for his practical skills, his humility, and his unwavering belief in the innate goodness of people, regularly providing people second chances in his personal and professional life.

Don’s legacy lives on in the countless memories he created with family and friends—always inviting others along for the adventure, always putting others before himself, and always finding joy in the present moment. He was most proud of his children and grandchildren, whose accomplishments meant more to him than any of his own.

Visitation will be held from 9–11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at St. Saviour Church (4136 Myrtle Ave), followed by Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment at Saint Mary Cemetery (701 E Ross Ave) will be for family and close friends. A reception will follow the Mass.

Don’s life was a testament to living fully, loving deeply, and always embracing the next challenge. He did not preach his values but he demonstrated them clearly through his actions. Don will be dearly missed and forever remembered for the happiness he brought to all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Don’s memory by donating to a cause that reminds you of him. Two organizations close to his heart are:

• Great Saltpetre Cave Preserve: Great Saltpetre Cave Preserve website
• Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance (CORA): coratrails.org

Or, please consider a donation to any charity or fund that reflects how you remember Don