Robert Eugene Brinkman

Robert Eugene Brinkman of Caro, age 93, passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Ascension St. Mary’s in Saginaw surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born May 1, 1930 in Denmark Twp., the son of the late Winford and Catherine (MacDougal) Brinkman. He graduated from Unionville High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army. Robert was stationed in Germany for two years during the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge in 1954. On February 10, 1951, he married the love of his life, the former Betty Jean Jacoby, at the Unionville Moravian Church. Robert was a self-employed farmer for many years and continued in the farming industry as a crop adjuster for over twenty years until his retirement at the age of eighty-nine. He attended church at Caro First Baptist and was a former member of the Unionville Moravian Church and was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #7 in Caro. Robert enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, boating, hunting, and snowmobiling. He was an avid bowler, enjoyed playing cards, and liked to watch football games; he was a die-hard fan of the Detroit Lions and Tigers. In addition to watching sports, he enjoyed playing basketball, volleyball, and softball. Robert loved to go camping with his family; sitting around the campfire telling stories was his absolute favorite pastime. Family meant the world to him, and he always made sure to put them first. Robert spent a lot of time watching the various sporting activities of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, you could always count on him being in the stands rooting for you. His love and devotion will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Robert leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of seventy-three years, Betty; children, Faith (Fred) Fahrner of Owendale, Robert J. (Debra) Brinkman of Pentwater, Richard (Kayeleen) Brinkman of Caro, and Berton (Mary) Brinkman of Cass City; grandchildren, Robert “Jamie” (Amy) Brinkman of Sterling Heights, Rebecca “Becky” Fahrner of Caro, Matthew Brinkman of Pentwater, Philip (Jean) Fahrner of Owendale, Ryan (Elizabeth) Brinkman of Gagetown, Joshua (Tracey) Brinkman of Howell, Elizabeth (Gabe) Zaunbrecher of Columbia, Tennessee, Joel (Lindsey) Brinkman of Decker, Nathan (Shauna) Brinkman of Cass City, Kimberly (Jeff) Costa of Eagleville, Tennessee, Jacob “Jake” (Alysia) Brinkman of Caro, Jennifer (Joshua) Hunter of Reese; step-grandchildren, Justin (Kayla) Laney of Phoenix, Arizona and Morgan (Leslie) Laney of Cincinnati, Ohio; twenty-one great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; brother, Jack D. Brinkman of Caro, formerly of Gagetown; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter, Anita Hunter; brothers, Loren Brinkman and Charles Brinkman; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Brinkman, Vera Brinkman, and Roberta Brinkman; niece, Debra Brinkman.

In keeping with Robert’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Caro First Baptist Church with Rev. Marc Herron officiating. The family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro and again at church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family, c/o Betty Brinkman, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, Michigan 48723.