Thief River Falls – Dennis Brinkman, 92, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 in Oak Park, surrounded by his loving family.
Dennis Olender Brinkman was born on December 8, 1928 at a home between Trail and Fosston, to parents George Melvin and Inga Matilda (Tillie)(Paulson) Brinkman.
Dennis was baptized and confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church near Gully. He attended rural school through the eighth grade and got his GED later on.
After his brother Gordon entered the Navy, Dennis (the youngest) helped his dad on the family farm by Trail. Before he was drafted, Dennis went to work for Arnold Sogla Family Ranch and there he met the love of his life, Audrey Foldoe.
Dennis was drafted June 12, 1951 into the Army and served overseas for two years during the Korean War. He was transferred to USAR May 29, 1953 and was honorably discharged March 11, 1957. Dennis served with distinction on the front lines during the Korean Conflict with the Second Infantry Division “Second to None” and received various accommodations, citations, and awards including two bronze stars.
Dennis married Audrey Marie Foldoe on July 11, 1953 at Salem Lutheran Church near Oklee. To this union five children were born: Connie, Debra, Douglas, and Wesley near Plummer and Janet in Hillsboro, ND where Dennis was employed for two years on a farm.
Dennis, Audrey and Family moved to a little farm east of Plummer in 1960. While in Plummer, Dennis worked for Swande Kela’s Service Station, drove school bus and was a janitor for the Plummer School District.
In October 1967, the family moved east of Thief River Falls where he was employed for Northland Community College as superintendent of building and grounds. He retired from Northland in 1991.
The family moved several times in the Thief River Falls area and became members of several churches, the last being Calvary Lutheran in St. Hilaire.
Dennis so enjoyed deer hunting at the cabin with family and friends. In his younger years he was a heck of a ball player and could dance a waltz or two-step so smoothly. Dad loved to tell stories. He also enjoyed buying and fixing up older machinery (tractors especially).
Dennis and Audrey in later years enjoyed feeding and watching the birds, driving around looking at the crops, and just sitting in the backyard enjoying the weather.
Survivors include his children, Connie Brinkman of Fairbanks, AK, Debra (Jeffrey) Kangas of Osseo, MN, Janet Brinkman of Thief River Falls, Douglas (Kathy) Brinkman of Foley, Wesley (Dawn) Brinkman of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Shannon, Casey, Christopher, Kori, Derek, Jessica, Josh, Jason, Travis, Jacob; 12 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Audrey of 67 years; sister, Ila (Ernest) Achuletta and brother, Gordon (Lorraine) Brinkman; brother-in-law, Edwin Syverson and granddaughter, Jenny.
Always in our hearts with love and wonderful memories and stories.
A gathering time for family and friends will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday, December 18, 2020 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. A private family service will follow at 1 p.m. led by Rev. Frank Ehling. Burial will follow at Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Gully, MN. Please wear your mask and practice social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Calvary Lutheran Church in St. Hilaire, MN.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
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