Ralph L. “Sparky” Brinkman

OTTOVILLE – Ralph L. “Sparky” Brinkman, 90, of Ottoville, passed away at 12:44 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at The Meadows of Kalida. He was born April 4, 1936, in Ottoville to the late Sylvester and Philomena (Mueller) Brinkman. On May 11, 1957, he married Doris Schwinnen, in St. John’s Catholic Church, Delphos. She survives in Ottoville having just celebrated 69 years together.

Other survivors include four children: Bonnie (Larry) Miller of Ottoville, Jay Brinkman Midwest City, OK, Mary Kay (Tony) Schroeder of Ottoville, and Kelly (Glen) Wurth of Kalida; 13 grandchildren; Nathan (Stefanie) Miller, Natalie (Ben) Weinstein, Chad Brinkman, Kim (Eric) Moore, Mandi (Mike) Clement, Morgan (Blake) Gerdeman, Austin (Ally) Schroeder, Luke (Emily) Brinkman, Scott Brinkman, Troy Brinkman, Alexis (Neil) Gerding, Paige (Michael) Dunn, Abby (Cole Horstman) Wurth; 17 great-grandchildren: Kailey, Kylin and Kelsey Miller, Livia and Naomi Weinstein, Noah and Hannah Moore, Grey and Kai Clement, Clay and Drew Gerdeman, Josie and Andie Schroeder, Eleanor and Henry Brinkman, James and Peter Gerding; daughter-in-law: Tracy (Dean) Alcorn of Waynesfield; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Brinkman of Glandorf.

He is preceded in death by a son, Robert Brinkman; and siblings: John Brinkman, Irene (Al) Schroeder and Mary Ann (Jim) Stechschulte.

Ralph was very busy being employed at J.L.Wannemachers, Dana Corp. (retired 1996), founded Brinkman Trucking, worked farm trade shows all over the U.S. for S.I. Distributing, Inc., and lifelong farmer of his family farm. Ralph was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville where he was involved in the Men’s Choir, funeral choir, usher, parish council, and decorating committee. He was very community minded as a member of the Lion’s Club (helped clear brush on the land for the current park), Home and School Association (served as president), mentor for Big Brothers, drummer for the Brass Notes Band (charter member), Hospice volunteer, and a social member of the Ottoville VFW (chaired various fund raisers for veterans). Ralph also served on the board of directors of the Ottoville Telephone Company for 50 years (president many years). Sparky enjoyed being outdoors whether it be working in his fields or tending to his garden. He adored animals and especially dogs where he had many loyal ones throughout his life. He had a passion for restoring farm equipment and attending farm machinery collector shows, as well was a car enthusiast. He was a fan of the Cleveland Indians and Ottoville Big Green basketball. Ralph enjoyed golfing and camping. He and Doris loved to travel (all states but 2) and visit with family and friends.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville with Very Reverend George Mahas officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville. A visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m., Wednesday and from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Church, St. Jude’s, Deb’s Dogs or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com