Photo courtesy of Hermann Funeral Home - Stockton
Oct 1, 1948 - Dec 17, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss and being late in finding out of Gary's passing.
Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Beth Ann Brinkmeier Goldsmith
January 04, 2026 | Winslow, IL | Friend
My most sincere and caring thoughts to all on the passing of Gary. I have so many fond fun memories of growing up next door to the Brinkmeier family! And will most certainly miss that radiant smile when seeing Gary and Sylvia over the years.
Vonnie Toelke
December 23, 2025 | Dakota, IL | Friend
Mary, Steve, Peg Riley, Gary and Debbie.
December 22, 2025
Norm, Mary, Steve and the entire Brinkmeier family,
You have our deepest sympathy on the passing of Gary. We have great memories of him when we lived in Pearl City. Gretchen was near the area a few years ago and drove thru the town and the place she stopped was Brinkmeier Plumbing, and who met her with a smile but Gary. They talked about memories that they had, especially when Gary drove Gretchen in the Pearl City homecoming parade. Then just a couple years ago we were in Pearl City with...
Mary (Riley) Peterson
December 22, 2025 | Union Grove, WI
Here is story about Gary you might not know. In the early 2000s Gary came into my Barrington place with Jim Raders and Jeff Kuhlmeyer so we could attend a Cubs game. We drove into Chicago and parked downtown. I led the group to the underground to take the El to Wrigley. I don’t think any of us had much experience getting bounced around on the El with a bunch of Cub fans. After the game we took the El back downtown to pick up my car. Before we headed home we went to my son’s apartment on the...
Bill Koertner
December 22, 2025 | Jensen Beach, FL | Friend
My condolences to the family. I've never met Gary personally, but have worked with Ryan for a number of years. I can tell by the values instilled in Ryan that he was raised by a wonderful man. May God continue to bless and comfort this family.
Tim Hope
December 22, 2025 | North Aurora, IL | Friend
My deepest condolences to family of Gary. Reading Gary’s bio I’ve discovered such a vibrant active community participant that will be sorely missed. Sorry for your loss.
Maureen Foley and CA family and friends.
Maureen Foley
December 20, 2025 | Costa Mesa, CA | Family
Sylvia and family. I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Gary and I served together in Vietnam. We also took an R&R together to Japan. I am so glad that we were able to reconnect this year if only by phone. I was planning to visit him sometime this year, but my health has gone South and has prevented that from happening. I will miss you my brother.
Sp5 Rocky (Roger) Noll
December 20, 2025 | Fort Wayne, IN | Military
What a great guy to be in high school with and what a fantastic neighbor. I don't think that Gary ever had a bad day!
Bob & Cindy Ditzler
December 18, 2025 | Pearl City, IL
Gary L. Brinkmeier, age 77, of Pearl City, IL passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at his home. He was born in Freeport, IL on October 1, 1948 to the late Kenneth and Viola (Snapp) Brinkmeier. Gary married Sylvia Shaffer on January 16, 1970.
Gary graduated from Pearl City High School in 1966 and Highland Community College in 1968. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Gary was a member of the Freeport VFW and the American Legion for 56 years. He was also a member of the Owls Club and the Pearl City Methodist Church. He was very proud of taking the Quad Cities Honor Flight in November of 2022 with his daughter Lynnetta, his brother Steve, and his niece Jamie. After purchasing the business from his father, Gary owned and operated Brinkmeier Plumbing with his brother Steve for over 55 years. He enjoyed bowling, boating, fishing, and watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and grand dogs.
Gary is survived by his wife, Sylvia Brinkmeier of Pearl City; his son, Ryan (Shirley) Brinkmeier of Dekalb; his daughter, Lynnetta (Tim) Greenfield of Forreston; his grandchildren, Chase (Makenzie Fink) Greenfield, Hailey Greenfield, Kaitlin Brinkmeier and Dominick Brinkmeier; his brothers, Steve (Pam) Brinkmeier of Pearl City and Norm (Mary) Brinkmeier of Lanark; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws; and two brothers-in-law, Forest and Harry.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at Pearl City Methodist Church at 12:00 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Highland Cemetery in Pearl City. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Gary’s name for the Quad Cities Honor Flight.
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