Carolyn Lois Brinkman, 88, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of Danville, went to be with her Lord on May 20, 2022. She was born on September 19, 1933 in Bonaparte, Iowa to Ivan Hugh and Esther Gonterman Murphy. She is survived by her husband and best friend of 69 years, Charles and was preceded in death 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 were married November 27, 1952, exactly one year from their first date.
Four sons were born to this union: Douglas Lee of Ames; Matthew Duane (Patti) of Hoffman Estates; Darcy Lynn of Mt. Pleasant; and Ivan Charles (Debra) of Cedar Rapids. More blessings came in the form of nine grandchildren: Karissa (Don) Foster; January (Luke) Benjamin; Brandon (Brynn) Brinkman; Brittney (Travis) Mensen; Rachel (Andrew) Quam; Jacqueline Brinkman, Alaina Brinkman and Chaley and Tumebo Brinkman and eight great grandchildren; Drew and Klay Foster; Kade and Carter Benjamin; Kasin, Harper and Ian Mensen; Brexton Brinkman and several special nephews and nieces.
Lois worked as a secretary at the IAAP for several years then stayed home to raise her sons doing part-time office jobs from home as well as babysitting. In the 70’s, as site manager, she began “Meals for 60 plus in Danville”, worked as office manager for a plumbing and heating shop and later at the DMC Extension Office. She also served as secretary for Grace UMC before retiring so she could travel with her husband. She and her husband hosted a German foreign exchange college student for a year and have also sponsored a Bolivian child named Eva since she was 5 years old.
She taught Sunday School, Good News Club, sang in the choir, was secretary for the Home Bible group, wrote for the church newsletter, as well as wrote news and a humor column “The Way I See It” for the DMC News and the New London Journal. She also did the Home Town news on KILJ Radio station of Mt. Pleasant for 14 years. She 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 did public speaking. She was on the “FACES OF HOPE” poster which traveled throughout the state offering hope to others. In 1999 she was the Courage Award winner; in 2001 she was given the Teresa Lasser Award; and in 2002 was the recipient of the Harold W. Morgan Award from ACS. She also worked with the Lion’s Club “Kid’s Sight” program helping save young children’s eye sight.
She enjoyed reading, baking, flowers, camping, swimming, traveling, playing cards, doing crafts and tea parties with her grandchildren and greatly loved all of her family. She loved the Lord and especially loved reading her Bible.
A Celebration of Lois’s life will be held at Elliott Chapel in New London, IA, Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 11:00 AM with Mr. John Tolander and Dr. Dan McClure officiating. The family will greet friends beginning at 9:30 until the time of the service. According to her wishes her body has been cremated and inurnment will be in Bonaparte Cemetery, Bonaparte, IA at a later date. Memorials have been established for Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) of Southeast Iowa; American Cancer Society; and the Danville Library. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.