Bruce B. Brinkman

Obituary

Bruce Bernard Brinkman was born February 20, 1940, to Harold and Emma (Ranzau) Brinkman in Litchfield, Minnesota. He was baptized at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Plato and later confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gaylord. Bruce graduated from Gaylord High School in 1958. He attended the University of Minnesota for 1 year and then enlisted in the United States Navy.

Following his time in the Navy he was employed by several different metal fabrication companies before he started his own sheet metal fabrication business, Gaylord Metal Products.  He ran a successful business until 2010 when he retired.  Bruce also farmed, raised bees and produced honey as a hobby.

Bruce married Shirley Huebel on August 17, 1963, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood, Wisconsin. They resided in Deer Park, Wisconsin until September 1973. Following they moved to Gaylord, where they made their home.

Following retirement, Bruce enjoyed traveling the United States and wintering in Arizona with Shirley.  He enjoyed golf and working on projects in his shed. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Bruce had a witty personality and good sense of humor. He was always good for a one-liner.

Bruce and Shirley were blessed with 8 children, Sheila (Forrest) Bostelman, Linda (Andy) Kiecker, Cindy Brinkman, Bret (Julie) Brinkman, Denise (Chad) Lenz, Kirk Brinkman, Heidi (Darren) Paumen, Michael (Alyssa) Brinkman. 18 grandchildren, Zachary (Isabel) and Michael Bostelman, Seth Swenson, Andy and Kylie Kiecker, Mark Brinkman, Walker, Isabella and Brady Lenz, Alexis, Megan and Connor Brinkman, Olivia, Brandon, Claire and Lauren Paumen, Taylor and Evan Brinkman and 1 great grandchild, Dalton Heenan.

Bruce was preceded in death by daughter, Cindy Brinkman, his parents, Harold and Emma Brinkman, brother, Cyril Brinkman, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Arlene and Clarence Huebel, sister-in-law, Sharon Sagstetter and brother-in-law, John Wohler.