Ronald Dean BRINKMAN

BRINKMAN, KRAMER, MEYER, BAACK

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/10/2010 at 11:38:14

Belmond Independent, Iowa
November 14, 2006

Ronald "Boots" Brinkman, 78, a lifelong resident of the Klemme area, died, November 10, 2006 at the Belmond Medical Center. Services were held at Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme with Rev. Donna Buckman officiating. Burial with military honors was in Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme.

Ronald Dean, the son of Martin John and Meta (Baack) Brinkman, was born March 19, 1928 in Klemme. He graduated from Klemme High School in 1946 where he was an avid athlete, excelling in both baseball and basketball. His teams participated in state tournaments. His love of baseball and softball kept him active in adult leagues up until his health prevented him from competing. "Boots" began his career in construction at age 16. His first construction shop was in his father's blacksmith shop, "Slim's" in Klemme. He want on to study all aspects of the building trades, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, drywall and masonry. He was proficient in nearly every part of the trade with his specialty being cabinetry.

He married Alice M. Meyer on December 16, 1950 at the Immanuel Reformed Church. They made their home in Klemme. Boots was employed as a resident carpenter for Northern Lumber from 1946-1951. In March 1951 he entered the United States Army. He served for a time in Germany during the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a corporal in 1953. He resumed his career as a builder, being employed at the Forest City Millworks and Great Plains Lumber, in addition to being self-employed. He built numerous homes and other projects around north Iowa. He was meticulous and never cut corners or used inferior materials. Boots enjoyed making handmade items for his family and friends. He also made things for church bazaars and auctions, along with one-of-a-kind furniture for his church, such as cabinets and kneelers. He was a member of Immanuel Reformed where he was baptized and confirmed. He served in various roles on the church consistory, including deacon. He loved music and was a member of the choir. Boots served for many years as a member of the Hancock County Election Review Board. He enjoyed conversing with friends over a cup of coffee at the Klemme Elevator and enjoyed the fellowship of friends at various card clubs. He loved dancing, and met his wife during a dance in school. He loved music, especially Patsy Cline and Jim Reeves.

His family will cherish memories of fishing journeys to Canada and camping excursions; the many gifts he made such as jewelry and key boxes, cradles, and tables. They remember him as a conservationist in his own way, always making sure resources were used in an efficient manner. They chuckle as they picture Boots with peppermint gum stuck behind his ear for future use, often forgetting that he put it there. He was always a gentleman, but also had his own stubborn side. He was a perfectionist and believed things needed to be done right.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers Leo and Merlin "Butch" Brinkman. Survivors include his wife; son Bruce (Jeanette) Brinkman of Carroll; daughter Renee (Ron) Kramer of Iowa City; son Perry Brinkman of Klemme; brothers Garland (Karna) Brinkman of Garner and Martin (Lois) Brinkman, Jr. of Sheffield; sister-in-law Ina Brinkman of Ventura; grandchildren Brian (Karman) Brinkman of Rochester, Nick (Amanda) Brinkman of St. Paul Park, Baron Brinkman of Emmetsburg, Abbey Kramer of West Des Moines, Chad Kramer of Cedar Rapids, and Levi and Bo Brinkman of Long Branch, MN; and great grandchildren Kally and Karly Brinkman of Rochester.