Donald David Brieschke

Donald David “Don” Brieschke, 69, of Sylvania, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 8th at home after a year and a half struggle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family after a warm evening filled with love and memories.

Born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1956, in Blissfield, Michigan to Fred and Loraine Brieschke, Don lived a life marked by strength, kindness, and an unwavering devotion to his family and community. A 1974 graduate of Blissfield High School, Don later married the love of his life, Bonnie, in 1979. Together, they built a beautiful life and home in Sylvania, raising three sons—Blake, Kyle, and Cody—and creating a place where friends and family always felt welcome.

Don and Bonnie started Brieschke’s Bakery from the ground up. A place that created many friendships and became a beloved staple in downtown Sylvania. Their partnership in business was a testament to their love and tireless work ethic. Side by side, they touched countless lives with their warmth and generosity.

Don was a man of many passions. He was a skilled bow hunter and enjoyed early evenings and mornings in the woods. He also loved trap shooting and was a great shot. Don found peace in gardening, and his backyard arrangements were a sight to behold—an extension of his care and creativity.

Despite breaking his neck in a skydiving accident in his twenties—an injury that should have left him unable to walk—Don defied the odds. He not only walked again but lived life to the fullest, a living testament to resilience and determination.

Above all else, Don was a family man. He was the husband who would do anything. He was the dad who never missed a practice, the one who would wrestle on the floor with his boys, and who filled every space he entered with warmth, laughter, and understanding. His sense of fun was contagious, and he had a way of making everyone feel welcome and seen. Even in the face of cancer, Don chose to focus on the blessings in his life, always finding light in the darkest moments and gratitude for the life he had lived.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Bonnie Brieschke; his sons Blake Brieschke, Kyle (Rita) Brieschke, and Cody (Natalie) Brieschke; three cherished grandchildren Milo, Willow, and Malia; his mother, Loraine Brieschke; and his siblings Karen Wexler, Tom Brieschke, and Gary Brieschke. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Brieschke, and his sister Janet Brieschke.

The family warmly welcomes friends to join them in remembering a truly remarkable man at Reeb Funeral Home in Sylvania, Ohio, on Wednesday, May 14th, from 3:00 PM – 7:00PM. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 15th, at 10:00 AM at St Joseph’s Church in Sylvania, Ohio.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their compassionate care. Contributions in Don’s memory may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or St. Joseph’s of Sylvania.

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