Walter Brinkman

Walter August Brinkman born August 30, 1934 passed away July 30, 2015. Walter was born in Cuba, Ohio to Charles and Clara Brinkman, He married the love of his life, Virginia Schimmoller, on January 8th 1955 in Delphos, Ohio and moved shortly after to Yuma Arizona. Walt and Virginia started their family and had a total of eight children, four girls and four boys. Having only attended school until age 10 due to the necessity of working to help support his family, Walt earned his GED in 1955 in order to gain employment with Arizona Public Service Company. He graduated from Journeyman Lineman School in 1960 and as one of the top 5 outstanding Journeyman Linemen for the State of Arizona. He made a career of working for APS and attended night classes at Glendale Community College. Walter moved his family to Wickenburg in July of 1971 after being promoted to Sub Foreman. Walter continued to advance his career and retired as a Construction Supervisor for the company in 1990. After retirement Walter continued work as a Manager of the Country Club Mobile home park in Wickenburg and retired in 2001 as Managing Supervisor of four Mobile Parks. Walter was known for his desire to keep busy. He spent countless hours helping others and loved to help family members with construction projects. He was an accomplished craftsman and loved working with wood. Walter volunteered at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Wickenburg and could be seen cleaning the Church grounds, doing repairs, and even hanging off of a ladder trimming trees. He enjoyed anything that had to do with working outside and always had a nice yard to show for it. He enjoyed being a member of the Knights of Columbus and especially loved raising money for them by selling their annual raffle tickets. Walter was also a Life Member of the Wickenburg Elks Lodge. Walter was a loving family man and made a point of making sure that his family knew that they were loved. He enjoyed spending time at family functions, visiting his children and an occasional poker game with the family where he loved to win their change. He always had time to lend an ear to a friend or anyone in need and was more than willing to give helpful advice. Walter was preceded in death by his Parents Charles and Clara, daughters Amelia and Catherine, Brothers Melvin and Richard, Sisters Marcella, Florence, Magdelene and Viola. Walter is survived by his wife of 60 years Virginia, Sisters Agnes, Helen and Henrietta, Children: Rob, Daniel (Debbie), Cheryl, Chuck (Debby), Barbara, Andy (Melissa), and Richard (Jolene). Grandchildren: Ben, Brandy, DJ (Julia), Sawana (Eli), Chris (Jennifer), Kyle, Austin, Connor, Coral, Sarah, JaLeana (Stephen), Jori Lea, Preston (Nikki), Madison, and Tatum. Great Grandchildren: Tyler, Alicia, Conner, Jasmine, Gunner, James, Eli, Shealene, Joseph, Landon, Jayley Shay, and Stephen Jagger. In lieu of flowers you may also make a donation in Walter's honor to St. Anthony's Catholic Church, St. Vincent de Paul, or your favorite charity. A mass will be held on Saturday, August 8th at 10:00AM A Celebration of Life will be held that same day from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Wickenburg Community Center. Anyone wishing to bring a dish or help may contact Mary Lou at the Catholic Church (928) 684-2096.