Brett C. Dornack

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, May 20, 1965
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Age:
59 years old

Visitation

Date: Monday January 20, 2025
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Funeral Service

Date: Monday January 20, 2025
Time: 11:00 am

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Burial

Location: Oakwood Cemetery

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, May 20, 1965
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Age:
59 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, May 20, 1965
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Age:
59 years old

Brett C. Dornack

Brett Dornack, born May 20, 1965, in Grand Forks, ND to Duane and Judith (Walter) Dornack, passed away unexpectedly, January 9, 2025,  leaving a legacy of love, laughter, and dedication to family. He was 59 years old.

Brett was a 1983 graduate of Byron High School, where he first began to lay the foundation for a lifelong career in the trades. After high school, he joined Local #6, where he worked tirelessly to earn his journeyman’s card. Over the years, Brett built an impressive career as a plumber, welder, and pipefitter, ultimately working as a welding inspector, where he was given the nickname “The Hit Man”. His work ethic, talent, and attention to detail made him well-respected by his peers. Brett was known for his excellent communication skills and his ability to tell stories that would captivate any audience. A natural entertainer, he had a sense of humor that could light up any room.

Brett was also known as the “traveling flame thrower,” often traveling in his toy hauler with his three motorcycles, particularly his favorite—his 2002 Harley Davidson Fatboy. These adventures were a reflection of his love for life, adventure, and freedom. He loved spending time with his family, especially watching Terminator movies with his grandson, Gabe. His daughters, Brittany and Madison, were his pride and joy, and he always put family first. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and making memorable fishing trips to Canada. Brett married the love of his life, Debra, on September 6, 1997, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester. Their bond remained unbreakable until her passing on July 24, 2013. Together, they built a beautiful family that will continue to carry his memory forward.

Brett is survived by his daughters, Brittany Dornack (Garrett Osland), Madison Dornack, Katie, and Brad; his cherished grandson, Gabriel; five other grandchildren; his grandpuppies Gus and Bru; his mother, Judy Walter; father, Duane (Mari-Kay) Dornack; siblings, Holly (Sulo) Kyyra, Shari (Al) Alm, Curt (Julie) Walter, Tami, Ryan; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Debra; his infant sister, Wendy Dornack; and brothers, Charles and Craig Walter.

A funeral service to celebrate Brett’s life will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, Rochester. Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Rochester.

Brett’s  family invites you to share a special memory or condolence at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.

Brett will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His warmth, humor, and devotion to those he loved will never be forgotten.

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Condolences

The family of Brett C. Dornack has received the following condolences.

So sorry to hear about Brett's death. Brett and I were stepbrothers and spent our early years hunting, fishing, water skiing, and ice skating along the Mississippi River. He had a zest for adventure and was always willing to join me on dangerous and poorly planned activities that usually resulted in narrowly escaping serious injury.  We kept in touch over the years and he always told me about the deep appreciation he had for his children.

It was an honor to have met him, even for a short time. Sending our heartfelt sympathy to everyone who loved him.

My condolences to the family, he was a great man that will be missed by all that ever had the pleasure of meeting him. 

Sorry to hear of Brett’s passing. He was a good man to work around. 
My condolences to his family. 

I met Brett on the Microsoft Data Center job outside Racine, Wisconsin in the fall of 2024.  Out of the gate, Brett fit in with everyone.  Great personality, willing to share testimony of his life experiences...basically an open book.  Every day he brought a smile to work and a positive attitude to match that smile.  I will miss Brett getting on football squares and him winning.  Brett is one of the good guys that left us too early.  We will meet again when it's my time to be recalled.  Fraternally your brother in piping...Dan Drzyzga...Pipefitters Local 597.

I am so sorry to learn of Brett's passing, and I pray for peace and solace for his friends and family. He will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him. As we grieve our loss,  let us also celebrate  his joyful reunion with his wife and family who preceded him into paradise. 

I had the privilege of working with Brett on the Iatan powerhouse project in Weston Mo. I am a fellow Pipefitter , Brett was a great guy to work with, great sense of humor, and fun to be around. Sorry for your loss, My thoughts and prayers are with the family.


                 Tony J Baker.  ( T-bone )

I am so very sorry to hear of Brett’s passing. My heart breaks for his family, friends and coworkers who loved him dearly. I pray that you all find peace and comfort in those around you and in all the wonderful memories of this wonderful man. 
With deepest sympathy,
Debbie

We mourn the loss of our cousin Brett, but also to remember the joy and love he brought into our lives. His kindness, humor, and the way he made each moment feel special will forever remain in our hearts. While we feel the ache of his absence, we hold onto the memories that will continue to light our way. Brett will always be with us in spirit, and his legacy of love and laughter will never fade.