Thomas L. Brinkman

KALIDA – Thomas L. Brinkman, 100, of Kalida, passed away at 10:07 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at his residence.  He was born March 6, 1923, in Ottawa to the late Harry and Mary Elizabeth "Mame" (Rose) Brinkman.  On November 16, 1946, he married Alice Pohl, who died on July 15, 2022.

Tom is survived by twelve children: Gus (Judy) Brinkman of Kalida, Fred (Sylvia, deceased) Brinkman of Lima, Sam (Lora) Brinkman of Abilene, TX., Greg (Kathy) Brinkman of Wheatfield, IN., Lauretta (Lester) Miller of Auburn, IN., Anthony "Tony" (deceased) (Sandy) Brinkman of Ottawa, Mike (Cindy) Brinkman of Arlington, Mary (Tim Brown) Brinkman of Pflugerville, TX., Rose (Ed) Long of Radnor, Len (Cathy) Brinkman of Wimberley, TX., Charlie (Sue) Brinkman of Elida, Joe (Kristi) Brinkman of Findlay, and Ron (Marianne) Brinkman of Ottawa; 49 grandchildren; 107 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; two siblings: Jim Brinkman of Napoleon and John Brinkman of Kalida; and a sister-in-law, Katie Hermiller of Kalida.

He is also preceded in death by eight siblings: Cornelius Brinkman, Alvira Dangler, August Brinkman, Paul Brinkman, Lucy Bellman, Philomina Lentz, Robert Brinkman, and Betty Kohlhorst.

Tom was a US WWII Army Veteran who served in the South Pacific.  He retired from ODOT where he worked as a mechanic. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Kalida. He enjoyed tinkering with anything mechanical. He also enjoyed playing euchre, volunteering as crossing guard for Kalida schools for 10 years and drawing bunnies on the arms of his grandkids. His passion was his beloved wife, kids, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 8, 2023 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Kalida with Father Nathan Bockrath officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites by the Ottawa VFW, American Legion, AMVETS and DAV.  A visitation will be held on Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m. with a scripture service beginning at 1:45 p.m. and a rosary service beginning at 7:30 p.m. at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township. There will be another visitation on Monday from 9 – 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/