Darlene Gafke Brinkman

Darlene G. Brinkman passed away on November 10, 2012 at her home surrounded by her loved ones. Darlene was born August 8, 1941, to Henry Gafke and Millie (Ondrasek) Gafke in Bryan, Texas.

Darlene went to school in Deanville and graduated from Caldwell High School in 1961. She then attended Durhams Business School in Austin and worked for a Retail Credit Company in Austin.

On a trip back home to visit family, Darlene attended a dance in Deanville where she met Franklin Brinkman. After a short courtship they were married on April 24, 1965, at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Frenstat, Texas. In February of 1966, they were blessed with a son; Larry Dean Brinkman, whom they were very proud of.

Darlene was a member of St. Mary's Altar Society where she held the office of secretary. She was also a member of the Burleson County Czech Heritage Society and the Caldwell SPJST Lodge # 186. Darlene loved to bake cookies for the grandchildren and to make cakes, pies, and candies at Christmas.

Darlene is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Larry & Yolanda Brinkman of Caldwell; sisters-in-law, Emily & Jimmy Nix, Debbie & J. W. Schulz, Sr., Barbara & Milton Skrabanek; brothers-in-law, Kenneth & Sherry Brinkman, David Brinkman; grandchildren, Joshua Brinkman, Christian Brinkman, Kyle Brinkman, Marina Brinkman, and one great grandchild on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Franklin of 42 years, and one brother-in-law, James Brinkman.

A Funeral Mass is set for 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Caldwell. Father Brion Zarsky will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Church Cemetery. A visitation will be held from at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell, with a Rosary being read at 7:00 p.m.

The family requests that memorials be given to St. Mary's Altar Society Scholarship Fund, St. Mary's Women's Club Scholarship Fund, the Czech Geneology and Museum of Temple, Texas, the American Cancer Society, or to Hospice Brazos Valley, Bryan, Texas.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Strickland Funeral Home of Caldwell.

(Strickland Funeral Home, Caldwell)

Last Update Wednesday, 18-Sep-2024 18:13:23 MDT

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