Ruth Emma Brinkman

Obituary

Ruth Emma Ida (Dittmer) Brinkman was born on June 21, 1919, in Glencoe, Minnesota.  She was the daughter of Herman and Bertha (Grewe) Dittmer.  Ruth was baptized as an infant on July 6, 1919, and later was confirmed in her faith as a youth on April 9, 1933, both by Rev. A. J. Dysterheft at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Helen Township, Glencoe, Minnesota. Her confirmation verse was Psalm 1:1-2.  Ruth received her education in Glencoe, graduating with the Glencoe High School Class of 1937.

On October 10, 1946, Ruth was united in marriage to Ernst Brinkman at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Helen Township, Glencoe, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Doug and Dale. Ruth and Ernst lived in the rural Glencoe area all their lives, sharing over 64 years of marriage until Ernst passed away on December 19, 2010. 

Ruth was a hard worker both as a farmer and a housewife. Ruth’s faith was a very important part of her life, and she was a lifelong member at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Helen Township, being involved in the Ladies Aid. She loved to garden, shop, visit with others and especially enjoyed having coffee with her friends.  Ruth worked hard, but always put her family first.  She truly cared for others and took time to show kindness and love to family and friends.  She adored her grandchildren and even in her failing health the great grandchildren brought a sparkle in her eyes.

Ruth passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2016, at the Glencoe Regional Health Services Long Term Care at the age of 97 years and 4 days.

Blessed be her memory.

Ruth is survived by her:
Sons, Doug Brinkman and his wife, Lynda, of Prior Lake, MN,
Dale Brinkman and his wife, Pat, of Glencoe, MN;
Grandchildren, Casey Brinkman and his wife, Maria, of Prior Lake, MN,
Derek Brinkman and his wife, Ann, of Prior Lake, MN,
Ryan Brinkman and his wife, Cassandra, of Rochester, MN,
Lindsay Lindall and her husband, Justin, of St. Paul, MN;
Step Grandchildren; Christine Bradley of Prior Lake, MN,
Mark Bradley and his wife, Lisa, of Prior Lake, MN,
Jamie Reiter and her husband, Jason, of Prior Lake, MN,
Anna Allen and her husband, Jason, of Prior Lake, MN;
18 Great Grandchildren;
Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Other relatives and many friends.

Ruth is preceded in death by her Parents, Herman and Bertha Dittmer; Husband, Ernst Brinkman.