Janet Belle Brinker

1936 - 2021

Janet Belle Brinker
Hersey, MI
February 8, 1936 - November 26, 2021
Janet Belle Brinker, age 85, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2021.
She was born on February 8th, 1936 to Malcolm and Margaret (Teesdale) McKay of Hersey. She was born at her parent's home east of Hersey in the middle of a blizzard. The storm was so severe that they were unable to go to the hospital and the doctor was barely able to get to their house. Janet was a lifelong resident of Hersey. In 1953 she was crowned the Queen of the Osceola County Farm Bureau pageant. Janet graduated from the Hersey High School in 1954 where she was the class treasurer as well as Salutatorian. She married Charles Edward Brinker, who was also from Hersey. They settled in town and raised their four sons. Janet's interests included needle work, gardening, antiquing, and her family. Her needle work ranged from sweaters and mittens to needlepoint wall hangings. She would often have a garden full of herbs that to the untrained eye looked like weeds. Later in life her interests turned to antiquing. She would spend many free days at Allegan, Trufant, or Burley Park looking for an old treasure to rescue. Janet's greatest source of pride and pleasure was her family. Holidays and family gatherings were always made special by the incredible spread of food and desserts that Janet would make for the family. She made gathering special by all of her efforts.
She will be missed and remembered by those who survive her, who include: Christopher (Dawn) Brinker of Holland, Aaron (Marie) Brinker of Hersey, Cameron (Dolores) Brinker of Gobles, and Matthew (Dawn) Brinker of Hersey; her 10 grandchildren: Heath (Jenni) Brinker, Maegen (Casey) Houseman, Brittany Daizon, Elise (AJ) VanKampen, Malcolm (Katie) Brinker, Jake (Kara) Brinker, Austin Brinker, Sumner Brinker (Lauren Werkema), Sterling Brinker, and Crystal Brinker; and her 19 great grandchildren: Brigham, Webster, Zlata, Madalyn, Cay, Makenzie, Averi Belle, Emmett, Landon, Kelila, Nayeli, Cecilia, Hattie Belle, Charles, Gabriella, Ani, Malcolm II, Peighton, and Hadleigh. She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles "Chuck" Brinker, parents Malcolm and Margaret McKay, and in-laws Edward and Eva Brinker.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Hersey United Methodist Church. Family visitation will take place at 9:00am with public visitation one hour prior to the services. A light lunch and dessert will be served at the church following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made in her name to the Osceola County Humane Society.