Burton F. “Burt” Brickner, age 86 of Ellsworth WI, died on Friday, November 13, 2020 at Ellsworth Health Services, surrounded by the love of his family. Burt was born on the family farm in Hartland Township on October 5, 1934 to parents Bernard and Anna (Pirkl) Brickner. Burt attended school in Ellsworth, and then Prescott, graduating from Prescott High School with the Class of 1952. Burt served in the United States Army from 1956 until 1959. Burt was united in marriage to Jean Donnelly on April 28, 1962 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Plum City. Their union in marriage would be blessed with four children, two generations of grandchildren, and over 58 years of love and devotion.

Burt worked for over 32 years with 3M Chemolite before retiring. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting and fishing, time at the cabin, planting food plots, driving his Kubota side-by-side, or giving tours of his 60 acres he was so proud of. Cabin neighbors of his at Camp Big Bags near Gordon, Wisconsin could count on a good visit from a good friend when Burt was around, and they will certainly miss the continuous supply of Ellsworth cheese curds that he brought north with him every time he went. Above all, Burt cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. Family and friends will miss all of his wonderful stories, as well as his candy treats and suckers.

Burt is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jean; children, Joe (Kristi) Brickner, Cheryl (Kevin) Odle, and Kim Enberg; grandchildren, Justin (Nicole) Diercks, Jessica (Chris) Grinde, Britney (Tony) Diermeier, Matthew Enberg, Annie (Justin) Leonard, Michael (Stacy Langer) Brickner, and Cody Enberg; great-grandchildren, Natasha and Zayvier Diercks, Oliver and Ravis Leonard, Camdyn Grinde, Jackson Diermeier, and Emmie Brickner and “Baby Girl” Brickner, who is due in March. He is further survived by sisters-in-law, Delores Brickner, Betty Brickner, Joan (Dennis) Wittenberg, and Kathleen Donnelly; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Burt was preceded in death by his son, Pat Brickner; his parents, Bernard and Anna; his sister, Irene (Earl) Amundson; his brothers, Clem (Ruby) Brickner, Leo Brickner, Raymond Brickner, and Clete Brickner; brothers-in-law, Cal (Margaret) Donnelly, Kenny (Virgie) Donnelly, and Bob Donnelly; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A public visitation for Burt Brickner will be held from 3:00-6:00pm on Monday, November 16, 2020 at the O’Connell-Benedict Funeral Home, 130 N. Grant Street in Ellsworth. A private family Mass will be held at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Ellsworth. Burt will be buried at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, with military honors provided by Ellsworth American Legion Post 204. His grandchildren will serve as his casket bearers. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth, WI. 715-273-4421