Brink, Joseph William 1919-1999

BRINK, RAU, REFLE

Posted By: Mary Cameron (email)
Date: 1/5/2006 at 14:38:25

Joseph William Brink was born August 23, 1919 in Littleport, Iowa to James and Josephine (Refle) Brink. He became a child of God through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism on November 17, 1919 at Hope Lutheran Church in Littleport. Pr. P.E. Stoltz presided. His godparents were Sarah Refle and William Refle. Joe affirmed the faith given him in Baptism in the Rite of Confirmation at St. Sebald Lutheran Church on October 11, 1936. Pr. Paul Eilers presided.
After graduating from the school in Volga in 1936, Joe farmed with his father and bought his first of many hereford cattle that same year. From 1943 to 1948 he was a Sperry Township Trustee.
On February 29, 1944 Joe was united in marriage to Wilma Rau at St. Sebald Lutheran Church. In 1948 Joe and Wilma moved to a farm near Garnavillo, and since 1950 they have made their home near Elkader. To this union were born four sons: John, who died in infancy; Jim, George and Jerry. Joe was involved in many organizations and was on the boards of the following: Farm Bureau, Clayton County Beef Producers, Clayton County Extension Council, Iowa Hereford Association, Northeast Iowa Hereford Association, St. Olaf Creamery and Clayton Communia Insurance. He was also a member of the Masons for more than 50 years.
In 1955, Joe and Wilma helped charter, organize and build Bethany Church where Joe was a council member for many years.
He was active with his sons in 4-H, serving many years as a leader. He enjoyed travelling to cattle shows and watching his children and grandchildren grow.
In 1975, Joe and Wilma's sons joined them in farming, forming Brink Farms, Inc. In later years, Joe continued to enjoy watching his hereford cattle, gardening, hunting, fishing, mushrooming, and making maple syrup.
Joe is survived by his wife, Wilma (Rau) Brink; their sons and grandchildren: Jim and wife Mary of Elkader, Heather, Shane, Tara, Corey, Ashley; George and wife, Beverly of Elkader, Alexa, Spencer, and Haley; and Jerry and wife Wanda of Elkader, and Preston.
He was preceded in death by a son, John, his parents and his sister, Ruth.
Joe's body will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery in Volga until the Day of Resurrection.

Joe died on February 2, 1999.

Obituary from funeral memorial folder.