Junell Fred Brinkmann

April 16, 1935 – March 11, 2008

Junell Fred Brinkmann, 72, of Caldwell, died March 11, 2008 at his residence. The family will receive friends and relatives from 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday, March 13 at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell. The funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Friday, March 14 at St. John Lutheran Church in Deanville with Pastor Terry Bage officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Mr. Brinkmann was born April 16, 1935, in Deanville, Texas to Fred and Edna (Benn) Brinkmann. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Deanville, Texas. He was educated in Birdsong community schools and was a graduate of Caldwell High School.

On April 5, 1958, he married Joyce Ann Ripple. She preceded him in death April 10, 1998. On October 3, 2004, he married Carolyn Drgac Vavra.

Mr. Brinkmann was a lifetime member of St. John Lutheran Church of Deanville. He was also a member of the Burleson County Historical Society, Burleson County Czech Heritage Society, Birch Gun Club, SPJST Lodge 186 in Caldwell and the Teamsters Union. Mr. Brinkman was a former member of Caldwell, Cooks Point and Deanville Volunteer Fire Departments. He was employed as a truck driver with Nagel Manufacturing Company and was also a rancher.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Mr. Brinkmann was a light-hearted man of few words and was always available if needed. He loved the outdoors and could always be found at his farm feeding cows, fixing machinery or visiting with friends who stopped by.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Brinkmann of Caldwell; son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Katie Brinkmann of Brenham; daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa and Larry Blum of Caldwell and Dene and Lynn Burttschell of Wimberley; stepchildren, Craig Homeyer and wife, Rhonda and Carl Homeyer and wife, Sheila, all of Caldwell; grandchildren, Kary and Katterli Brinkmann, Marcus, Nathan and Meghan Blum, and Abigail Burttschell; stepgrandchildren, Chandler, Megan, Madison, Abigail, Ernie and Tess Homeyer; brothers and sisters-in-law, Leonard and Carol Brinkmann of Deanville, Lancier and Karen Brinkmann of Caldwell, Jean Valigura and husband, Ray, of College Station, Lorraine Ripple of Mississippi and Earlene Kiel and husband Gilbert of Columbus, Loretta Laffere and husband Marvin of Deanville, Janice Ripple of Claude and Lorene Bormann and husband, Al, of College Station; sister and brother-in-law, Marcie and B.L. Parker of Austin; stepmother, Lottie Drgac of Caldwell; godmother, Alma Mynar of Caldwell; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Edna Brinkmann; his first wife, Joyce Ann Brinkmann; and his brother, Vernon Brinkmann.

Pallbearers will be Keith Brinkmann, Kary Brinkmann, Larry Blum, Marcus Blum, Nathan Blum, Douglas Brinkmann, Lynn Burttschell and Ron League.

Honorary pallbearers will be Leonard Brinkmann, Lancier Brinkmann, B.L. Parker, Marvin Laffere, Ray Valigura, Gilbert Kiel, Craig Homeyer, Carl Homeyer and Al Bormann.

Memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church or Hospice Brazos Valley.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Strickland Funeral Home, 530 Hwy. 36 S, Caldwell, Texas. 979-567-1900. For more information, visit the website: www.stricklandfuneralhomes.com