Darrell D. Brenner

Darrell D. Brenner, Jr., 98, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully, Friday morning, August 29, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born September 3, 1926 in Dixon, IL, the son of Darrel and Clara (Steder) Brenner. Darrell chose to enlist in the United States Navy prior to his senior year of high school during World War II. After his tour of duty ended in 1947, Darrell went back to his hometown and finished his senior year of high school in Dixon IL. After high school he went on to obtain his bachelor's degree in chemistry at Illinois College. Darrell married his sweetheart, Donna Dogwiler, on September 10, 1950 in Dixon, IL. He was an accomplished organic chemist, starting his career at Pittsburgh Plate Glass in Milwaukee WI and spending the majority of his career at Gordon Bartels in Rockford IL from 1957 until he retired in 1990. Darrell attended Alpine Lutheran Church in Rockford IL and was an active, participating member of the congregation. He enjoyed being outdoors and experiencing nature. He loved traveling the country with his family, first camping in a tent, then a pop-up camper, and eventually by motor home. He loved riding and maintaining the several motorcycles he owned over the years and enjoyed touring the country with his brother Pete and other good friends.

He is loved and missed by his wife, Donna, his oldest brother, Bob and his children, Rebecca Musser (Walt), Jill Brazones (John), and Bonnie Aliprandini (Eric) as well as his 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Nancy, and his brothers Bill and Pete.

A Celebration of Life service with military honors will be held on Friday, October 3rd at Alpine Lutheran Church, 5001 Forest View Ave., Rockford IL 61108, with visitation at 11:00 am and service at 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations made to Alpine Lutheran Church or Hospice Compassus.