Donald "Buzz" Brady

Donald L. “Buzz” Brady, 74, of Brookings, SD, passed away peacefully of natural causes at his home on July 6, 2026. A Celebration of Life was held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings, South Dakota.

Family and friends continued celebrating Don’s life at Jim’s Tap in downtown Brookings. They shared stories and honored a man who chose to live life with humor and the perfect amount of irreverence.

He was born on March 11, 1952, at St. Joseph Hospital in Mitchell, SD, to William L. Brady and Ida M. Fischer Brady, Donnie was youngest of 4 boys born in less than five years.

One of the original “Brady Bunch,” Don grew up on the family dairy farm with his three brothers and two sisters. Here, he first learned the value of hard work, resilience, and personal responsibility.

He attended Holy Family and Holy Spirit Catholic Grade Schools and graduated with the final class of Notre Dame Catholic High School in Mitchell in 1970. Don was proud to graduate from the same high school as his three older brothers.

In high school, he excelled in wrestling and football, earning the nickname Rocko due to possessing an uncharacteristic strength in the 135 lb. weight class.

On July 10, 1970, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged on August 17, 1973, as a Corporal. The discipline and commitment he gained as a Marine remained with him throughout his life.

After his military service, Don attended South Dakota State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Biological Sciences in 1979. While at SDSU, he served as Vice President of the Student Association, was a member of an award-winning dairy judging team, and proudly represented the university as the Jackrabbit mascot.
Don returned to Brookings in the early 1980s, where he lived for the rest of his life.

Known to friends as “Buzz,” Don lived life on his own terms. He was known for his sharp wit, loyalty, and generous spirit. He welcomed others without judgment and made people feel at ease.

Don was known for his self-taught trumpet performances, especially “Auld Lang Syne” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Jim’s Tap — a tradition that became part of Brookings lore.

Not to be outdone was Don’s love of trapping and hunting. Specializing in “wild game,” Don may or may not have been upfront about the exact species of the dishes he provided at potluck dinners.

Don’s garden was the envy of many, and his penchant for living “off the grid” while in the heart of town is the stuff of legends.

Buzz was widely known for traveling around Brookings on his bicycle. Seeing his bike outside a local business often meant friends would stop in to visit. It became a symbol of the many connections he made throughout the community.

Don was deeply loved by his siblings: William Brady of Rapid City, SD; Dennis Brady of South Charleston, WV; Richard (Jane) Brady of Rapid City, SD; Ann (Dwight) Scott of Mitchell, SD; and Mary Schaefer of Mitchell, SD.

Loved dearly by his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews: Chris (Jamie) Schaefer, Maggie and Christian; Katie Fox and Ali Adamczyk; Karen Brown and Blake Brown; Joe Brady; Kristen (Daren) Nattress, Trinity and Knox; Emily (Tim) Church, Finley and James; Samantha Schaefer, William and Lydia; Joe Fox, Noah, Ella and Nora; Kate (Brett) Filut, Brynn and Bennett; Kimberly Schaefer and Andrea; Andrew Scott; Jonathan Schaefer; and Christina Scott; aunt, Paulette Fischer; and many cousins and cherished by countless Brookings friends and acquaintances.

Don was preceded in death by his father, William L. Brady; his mother, Ida M. Fischer Brady; and his brother-in-law, Ronald Schaefer.

Don will be remembered for his authenticity. His legacy lives on in the stories, the laughter, and the lives he touched.