Donna J. Brenner, 96, of Geneseo, IL, formerly of Rockford IL, passed away peacefully, Thursday, October 29, 2026 at her home in Geneseo. She was born January 5, 1930, in Dixon, IL, the daughter of Alois and May (Petersen) Dogwiler. Donna married her sweetheart, Darrell Brenner, on September 10, 1950 in Dixon, IL.
Donna attended Alpine Lutheran Church, Rockford IL and was an active, participating member of the congregation. Donna was employed as a cafeteria cashier at Guilford High School from 1963-1991. She volunteered her time and talents endlessly in the community, her church, the Rockford school system and at a local radio station reading to the blind. She made lifelong friends with everyone she met. In her free time, she wrote poetry, short stories, played the piano, and wrote witty captions for “Creative Captions” in the Rockford Register Star. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren were her life, love and joy.
She is loved and missed by her children, Rebecca Musser (Walt) of Geneseo IL, Jill Brazones (John) of Roscoe IL, and Bonnie Aliprandini (Eric) of Belvidere IL, as well as her 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Darrell, after 75 years of marriage, as well as her parents, her sister Betty and brother Bob.
A visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m., Friday, November 13, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115 with a memorial service to begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment of Darrell’s and Donna’s ashes will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Hospice Compassus.
