Obituary of Carolyn Lois Brinkman – The Hawk Eye

Carolyn Lois Brinkman, 88, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of Danville, went to join her Lord on May 20, 2022. She was born September 19, 1933 in Bonaparte, Iowa, daughter of Ivan Hugh and Esther Gonterman Murphy. She is survived by her husband and best friend of 69 years, Charles and was predeceased by her sister, Aline Mae Bacon. Lois graduated from Bonaparte High School in 1951 and Gem City Business College in Quincy, IL, where she met her future husband, Charles Albert Brinkman of Kinderhook, IL. They married on November 27, 1952, exactly one year after their first date.

Four sons were born of this union: Douglas Lee of Ames; Matthew Duane (Patti) of Hoffman Estates; Darcy Lynn of Mt. Pleasant; and Ivan Charles (Debra) of Cedar Rapids. Further blessings came in the form of nine grandchildren: Karissa (Don) Foster; January (Luke) Benjamin; Brandon (Brynn) Brinkman; Brittney (Travis) Mensen; Rachel (Andre) Quam; Jacqueline Brinkman, Alaina Brinkman and Chaley and Tumebo Brinkman and eight great-grandchildren; Drew and Clay Foster; Kade and Carter Benjamin; Kasin, Harper, and Ian Mensen; Brexton Brinkman and several special nieces and nephews.

Lois worked as a secretary at the IAAP for several years, then stayed home to raise her sons doing part-time office work from home as well as babysitting. In the 1970s, as a site manager, she started “Meals for 60 and over in Danville”, worked as office manager in a plumbing-heating workshop and later in the DMC extension office. She also served as Grace UMC’s secretary before retiring so she could travel with her husband. She and her husband hosted a German exchange student for a year and also sponsored a child from Bolivia named Eva since she was 5 years old.

She taught Sunday School, the Good News Club, sang in the choir, was secretary of the Home Bible group, wrote for the church newsletter, as well as short stories and a humorous column “The Way I See It” for the DMC News and the New London Journal. She also did Home Town news on Mt. Pleasant’s KILJ radio station for 14 years. She has had two books published; Turn of the Century and Indiana Prairie Skirts – co-written with Bev Faaborg.

A 28-year cancer survivor, she was an ACS Reach to Recovery volunteer; had a Relay For Life team for 16 years; helped with their educational programs and spoke in public. She was featured on the “FACES OF HOPE” poster which traveled statewide offering hope to others. In 1999, she was the winner of the Courage Award; in 2001, she received the Teresa Lasser Prize; and in 2002 he received the Harold W. Morgan Award from the ACS. She has also worked with the Lion’s Club Kid’s Sight program to help save the sight of young children.

She loved to read, cook, flower, camp, swim, travel, play cards, do crafts and have tea with her grandchildren and loved her whole family very much. She loved the Lord and especially loved reading his Bible.

A celebration of Lois’ life will be held at Elliott Chapel in New London, IA on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Mr. John Tolander and Dr. Dan McClure officiating. The family will welcome friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Per his wishes, his body was cremated and interment will take place at Bonaparte Cemetery, Bonaparte, IA at a later date. Memorials have been created for the Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) of Southeast Iowa; American Cancer Society; and the Danville Library. Online condolences can be dropped off at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.