Gene R. Brinkman
Sunday, March 12, 1944
Date of Death:
Sunday, August 18, 2024
Age:
80 years old
Visitation
Date: Thursday August 22, 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Ascension Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Funeral Service
Date: Thursday August 22, 2024
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Ascension Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery (Dexter Township) [ view map ]
Sunday, March 12, 1944
Date of Death:
Sunday, August 18, 2024
Age:
80 years old
Sunday, March 12, 1944
Date of Death:
Sunday, August 18, 2024
Age:
80 years old
Gene R. Brinkman
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gene Raymond Brinkman, born on March 12, 1944, to Loren and Lucile Brinkman. He passed away on August 18th at Cottagewood Senior Communities, leaving behind a legacy of love and service.
Gene married Joanne on September 13, 1969, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dexter Township. Together, they shared a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Gene was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, known for his warmth, generosity, and passion for life. He had a successful career as a mortgage lender, where he worked with a special team of coworkers who became like family to him. Gene was deeply committed to his community, serving as a charter member of the Morning Pride Lions Club, where he exemplified the spirit of service and leadership. His faith was an integral part of his life, and he served his church as treasurer, usher, and council member, contributing to the spiritual growth of his congregation.
Gene loved the simplicity and beauty of farm life, where he found joy in the outdoors and the rhythms of nature. He had a special fondness for the music of Johnny Cash, which often accompanied his moments of reflection and joy. One of the most cherished memories his family holds is of him singing “Smokey the Bear” at their beloved cabin, delighting his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and creating joyful moments that will be treasured forever.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at Cottagewood Senior Communities in Rochester, Minnesota for the compassion and care they provided during his time there.
Gene cherished the time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will last a lifetime. He is survived by his loving wife, Joanne Brinkman; daughter Hilary (Jeff) Reps of St. Charles; sons Matthew (Melissa) Brinkman of Fort Collins and Aaron (Jessica) Brinkman of Stewartville; grandchildren Jayden (Jodie) Long, Kahley Reps, Alayna Reps, Gavin Brinkman, Reagan Brinkman, Dawson Brinkman (Kaylee Maker), and Sierra Brinkman; great-grandchildren Kaycee and Riggins Long and a soon-to-be-born third great-grandchild. He is also survived by his siblings Robert (LaVonne) Brinkman, Duane (Glenda) Brinkman, Janet (Rick) Bowlds, Mary (Mark) Vogt, Lois (Kevin) Mandler, Leon (Sharon) Brinkman, sister-in-law Bonnie (Larry) Steene. Many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother Loren and Lucile Brinkman, sister and brother-in-law Elaine and Steven Lord, brother-in-law Larry Steene.
Condolences
The family of Gene R. Brinkman has received the following condolences.
My deepest sympathy to Joanne and family.
I had the pleasure to be Gene's hygienist for many years. We always took our first 5 minutes to catch up on our families. I can tell he loved and treasured his family by the way he talked about them. He adored his wife Joanne. His eyes would sparkle when her name would come up. They truly have something very special.
I definitely will miss our conversations.
Savay Behrens
So sorry to read of Gene passing.
Gene was my favorite lender wherever he was at.
He also attended many classes I offered in buying and selling home in the area.
God's speed for Gene.
JIM MINER, REALTOR
My sincere condolences to Gene’s family. What a wonderful human who always delivered a smile and friendly greeting. He was a positive man, very well respected by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him. My fond memories go back to the Marquette Bank days when we worked together.
Hold fast to your wonderful memories, he was definitely a treasure and will be missed.
My sincere sympathy to the family of Gene. I worked with Gene way back in the Marquette/First Federal Bank days. Gene was a great person and colleague. He was always willing to offer mentoring and had a great sense of humor. May he rest in peace!
I would just like to say that my Dad was a wonderful Father to me and my siblings.. He was a devoted husband that cared deeply for my Mom (Joanne). It was mom who never left his side during his immense battle against Alzheimers. I witnessed unconditional love that is very hard to come by these days! I thank my Brother and Sister for their efforts supporting my mom and dad while I moved out of state. I will forever be in debt! I am at a loss for words on how much he meant to us.. I find peace in music and songs that express feeling better than I can explain. Here is a lyric from The Avett Brothers “ No Hard Feelings”. I think my Dad would love it.. Rest Easy Dad.. I love you,
Matthew Gene Brinkman
And it finally lets me free
Where will I go?
Will the trade winds take me south through Georgia grain?
Or tropical rain?
Or snow from the heavens?
Or run into a savior true?
And shake hands laughing
And walk through the night, straight to the light
Holding the love I've known in my life
And no hard feelings”
Dear Aunt Jo, Hilary, Matt, Aaron and family,
We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of Uncle Gene. His kind heart and infectious laugh are already missed. May God give you the blessing of many wonderful memories and may you find comfort in knowing you are all loved. With our deepest sympathy, Jeff and Cindy Bray and family