Jack Duane Brinkman

Jack Duane Brinkman of Cass City, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at Heritage Hill, surrounded by his family. Jack was born June 18, 1932 in Denmark Township, the son of the late Winford and Alberta (MacDougal) Brinkman. He graduated from Unionville High School, graduating with the class of 1950. It was in high school Jack met the love of his life, the former, Bonnie Lou Jacoby. They were married on September 27, 1952. Jack and Bonnie shared over sixty-nine years together and many cherished memories. Sadly, Bonnie passed away on December 24, 2021. Jack proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1953 until 1956, graduating second in his mechanics class. He grew up farming and continued in the farming industry as a crop adjuster, retiring at the age of eighty-six. Jack shared his love of farming and crop adjusting with his brother, Bob, and son, James. He was on the Owendale-Gagetown School Board for twenty-four years and a lifelong member of the Unionville Moravian Church. Jack enjoyed pitching on Blooper Ball teams for over fifteen years and was proud to be the only one to pitch a no-hitter. He loved to go deer hunting, fishing, and was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. Jack enjoyed the last year and a half at Heritage Hill, calling bingo, playing euchre and cornhole, and giving the activities’ director a run for his money. He had a very competitive spirit, but was always a good sport. Jack had a deep love for his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they truly lit up his life.

Jack leaves to cherish his memory his children & their spouses, James & Jeanne Brinkman and Kaye & Walt Swiastyn; grandchildren, Austin & Heather Brinkman, Anthony & Jamie Brinkman, Corbin & Allison Swiastyn, and Katie & Courtney Kemp; great-grandchildren, Kinsley, Kennedy, and Jackson Swiastyn, Kyle & Konner Kemp, Joe Brinkman, and Lexie Gleason; sister-in-law, Betty Brinkman; many nieces and nephews; and his special family at Heritage Hill. In addition to his wife and parents, Jack was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Deborah Kay Brinkman; and brothers, Robert Brinkman, Loren (Vera) Brinkman, and Charles (Roberta) Brinkman.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Unionville Moravian Church with Rev. Jeff Bonn officiating. Jack’s family will be present to receive visitors on Friday, May 17, 2024 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family, c/o James Brinkman, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, Michigan 48723.