Diana Angela Brink
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Sunday, July 1, 1951
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Age:
72 years old
Diana Angela Brink
Diana Angela Brink, 72, of Rochester, MN passed away Saturday, August 26, 2023, peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Diana was born July 1, 1951, in Osage, Iowa to Sylvan and Angela (Schneider) Winkels. The family eventually moved to Rochester. Diana graduated from John Marshall High School in 1969. On June 18, 1971, she married Richard Alvan Whitcomb of Rochester, MN and later divorced in 1973. On March 27, 1976, she remarried William Dale Brink, formerly of Chatfield, MN.
Diana was a devoted Christian and attended Rochester Baptist Church for many years. She found friendship and support to do the Lord’s work while inspiring and encouraging others. Diana was truly a wonderful person whose impact will be forever felt by all of those she touched. She was kind and selfless; her passing has left an unfillable gap in the hearts of loved ones. She was a beautiful person and she meant so much to so many. Diana did many things throughout her lifetime, and one of her greatest accomplishments was raising her four children by herself. She had so much love for them and instilled hope, hard work, and determination in them. She was so very proud of her children.
Diana worked at Shakey’s Pizza and Hy-Vee in the bakery, but her favorite job was delivering the Post Bulletin. Her route focused on the downtown Rochester area and rain or shine she made sure the local businesses received their paper. She met so many people while doing this. Meeting and talking with people was one of her favorite things to do.
Diana is survived by her children Brian (Greta) Whitcomb, Ave (Patrick) Cunningham, William (Amber) Brink, Katherine (Paul) Fuller; brothers Joseph, James, and Raymond Winkels; grandchildren Jordan Whitcomb, Daniel Allen and Mavis, Dale, Ella, and Lane Brink; four great-grandchildren; and so many friends and loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her parents Sylvan and Angela Winkels; infant son Richard Whitcomb; brother Andrew Winkels; husbands Richard Whitcomb and William Brink; and her best friends Carole Mansfield, Donna Radtke, and Orma Tenti.
Her loved ones would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Mayo Clinic for going above and beyond in their care of Diana over the years. We would like to recognize Mayo Clinic Hospice for their care and support, and Dr. Thomas Witzig in Hematology, whose work with Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia gave Diana additional years with her family and friends.
Diana loved parties and celebrations because each one represented a milestone and provided an opportunity to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. Please come and celebrate Diana’s life with us as we gather together on Saturday, September 2, 2023. Visitation will start at 11:00 AM with funeral services at 12:00 p.m. and a reception to follow in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Diana Angela Brink has received the following condolences.
Our sincere condolences to the Winkels and Brink Families. Our Prayers and Thoughts are with you and your Families.
Love and Prayers,
Mark Fritsch, Dave Fritsch, Darlene Firtsch Holmes
I never met your mom, but I can tell how wonderful she must have been just by knowing you both. We reflect the best parts of our parents thanks to the loving way they raised us. Take comfort in your memories as you grieve.
Mary
Deepest sympathy to Diane’s children and her brothers. So sorry to hear of her passing. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Cousin Mary
Will miss her cheerful attitude. I am sure she is looking down from heaven on all her loving children.
Kathy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. She was an incredible woman and will be sincerely missed. Thinking of you all in this time and sending hugs and prayers.
Dear Families,
We were so touched by Diana's life. She was a pillar of grace, kindness, generosity and positivity. We will miss her sorely at Rochester Baptist Church. She always attended our Christmas candlelight service and our special service days. Our winter SOUP fellowship was one of her favorites. She even donated special serving BOWLS for those who needed extra assistance eating soup. She remembered EVERYONE'S birthday and then even INVITED ALL OF US to her fabulous front yard BIRTHDAY PARTY, every summer! The very week she went into the hospital she called me with a care plan idea for another one of our parishioners experiencing a hard time. Her life was ALL about OTHERS! Her tongue held the law of kindness, she had an outstretched arm for those in need and she was clothed always with STRENGTH AND HONOUR. The Bible says, "favor is deceitful and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, SHALL be PRAISED!" SO hats off to you Diana. Thank you for being a great example to us all at Rochester Baptist Church. You are safe in the Lord's presence with the pain behind you! Proverbs 31:29 says, "Many daughters have done virtuously, but THOU, Diana, excellest them ALL!" Thank you for living for OTHERS!
Love to you all... The Noonans and Rochester Baptist Church