Donald Ray Bruna, 76, of East Peoria, formerly of Thayer, died at 6:20pm Friday, November 3, 2023, at Methodist Hospital in Peoria.

Born April 24, 1947, in Springfield, he was the son of Thomas and Bertha Micca Bruna. He married the former Norma Jean Watson July 26, 1975, in East Peoria; she preceded in death

August 17, 2013. A brother, Thomas Bruna Jr., and a nephew, Michael Bruna, are also predeceased. He married the former Linda Fusser September 21, 2019, and she survives.

A 1965 graduate of Virden Community High School and 1969 graduate of Eureka College, he entered a career of teaching for several years, then joined the East Peoria Police Department, from where he retired. A long football career in both high school and college, Mr. Bruna was an instrumental supporter and coach of East Peoria JFL football. He was a member of First English Lutheran Church in Peoria and was a volunteer at the local Food Pantry.

Also, surviving are step-children, Jason Kellenberger of Nacogdoches, Texas, Brent Kellenberger and Heather Kellenberger, both of Creve Coeur, Taffy (Chris) Cates and Terry (Keri) Dodson, both of East Peoria; six grandsons; six great-grandchildren; a nephew, Chris Bruna of Louisiana; and several cousins.

Visitation will be Friday, November 10, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service, 11:00 a.m., at the First English Lutheran Church in Peoria. Burial will be 1:30 p.m. at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.

Memorials are suggested to T.A.P.S. Animal Shelter or First English Lutheran Church.