Earl C. Brinkman

Earl C. Brinkman, age 91, passed away July 18,2024. He was born November 26, 1932, in Appleton, Wisconsin, to the late Lawrence and Myrtle (Krueger) Brinkman.
He attended UW-Madison receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgical Engineering and became a life-long Badger fan. Following graduation, he took a job with the Crane Company in Chicago. He was drafted during the Korean War and following college graduation served in the Army as part of an engineering team and as a radio operator in England. After discharge, he returned to work at the Crane Company where he met Dolores, the love of his life. They were married on October 3, 1959. Earl took a job with Neenah Foundry Company, and they moved to Appleton to start their family. He later retired from Neenah Foundry after 33 years.
Earl was a life-time member of St. John UCC serving in many capacities. Music was a passion he enjoyed throughout his life by singing in the church choir and other musical groups. He also volunteered over the years for numerous other causes and organizations including United for Reading Success, co-chairman for the EAA fly-in, the American Foundry Society and donated more than twelve gallons of blood. Earl also enjoyed grilling, travel, and photography. He was known for his sense of humor, kindness and concern for others.
He is survived by his 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; great-granddaughter Colette Steffen; brothers-in-law, Lester (Ingrid) Langeland, Eddie (Nancy) Langeland, and sister-in-law, Marianne Langeland. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Dolores, parents and brother-in-law, Donald Langeland.
A Funeral Service for Earl will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024 at Brettschneider Trettin Nickel Funeral Chapel, 606 N. Oneida Street, Appleton with Rev. Lynn Martin officiating. Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Appleton.
Earl received wonderful care in the last months from Allay Hospice and Clement Manor. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Allay Home & Hospice, Inc (Allayhh.com/donate)