Richard J. Brinkman, 78, Jasper

Richard J. Brinkman, 78, of Jasper, passed away at 7:28 a.m. on Tuesday December 10, 2019, at Memorial Hospital and Health Care Campus in Jasper. 

Rich was born in Ferdinand on March 5, 1941, to Leo Joseph and Anna Marie (Bencken) Brinkman. He married Ruth Ann (Neuman) Brinkman on September 7, 1963, at Trinity United Church of Christ in Jasper. 

He worked as an ironworker on various projects around the United States including the St. Louis Arch, the Rockport power plant, and surrounding Dubois County Schools. He obtained his pilot’s license and flew for personal enjoyment. Rich was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Jasper Outdoor Recreation, and Iron Workers Local Union 103. He raised horses and enjoyed horseback riding, flying planes, gardening, being outdoors and hunting.    

He is survived by his wife Ruth Brinkman of Jasper; three daughters, Christine Dodd (Daniel) of Jasper, Cynthia Denu of Jasper, and Catherine Fullington (John) of Velpen; two sons, Chad Brinkman of Jasper and Curt Brinkman of Jasper; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren with two on the way; one sister, Florence Hostetter (Gene) of Jasper; one brother, Jerome Brinkman (Frances) of Ferdinand.

Preceding him in death was one daughter-in-law, Bridget Brinkman.

Funeral services for Richard J. Brinkman will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2019, at Trinity United Church of Christ in Jasper with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Jasper. Pastor Jane Hillman will officiate. 

A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at the Becher-Kluesner North Chapel in Jasper and from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. service time at the church on Monday. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Church of Christ or to a favorite charity. 

Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.