Dolores J. Brinkman

Dolores J. Brinkman (nee Langeland), age 86 of Appleton, passed away December 28, 2021. She was born July 7, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Albert and Marguerite (Boersma) Langeland. While working at Crane Company in Chicago she met, and soon after, married the love of her life, Earl, on October 3, 1959. They moved to Appleton to raise their family.
Dolores had a generous heart and was always willing to help anyone in need. She was a long-time member and dedicated church volunteer at St. John UCC. She was part of the church choir, Women's Guild, and the church council, along with numerous other church activities through the years. She also volunteered extensively at her daughter's schools and was a twenty plus year volunteer with United for Reading Success. Dolores also enjoyed baking, gardening, researching family tree, and playing cards with her lady friends.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Earl, her daughters, Cynthia (James) Steffen, Janis (Edward) Ruffolo, Sandra Brinkman (Edward Krueger), grandchildren, Bradley Steffen (Elizabeth Stanley), Dana (Bastian) Ramms, Nathan (Faye) Ruffolo, Erin Ruffolo, and Maya Ruffolo, brothers, Lester (Ingrid) Langeland, Leslie (Nancy) Langeland, and sister-in-law, Marianne Langeland. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Donald Langeland.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Wisconsibs or to United for Reading Success.
The service for Dolores will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at St. John United Church of Christ, located at 1130 W. Marquette Street in Appleton. Rev. Lynn Martin will officiate and the burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.