- Date Of Birth: July 5, 1934
- Date Of Death: June 18, 2011
- State: Michigan
Phyllis Lydia (Kloha) Brinkman
July 5, 1934 – June 18, 2011
Brinkman, Phyllis Lydia of Freeland, Michigan passed away early Saturday morning June 18, 2011 in Bay City with her daughters at her side. The family of Phyllis Brinkman celebrates the life of their beloved mother, grandmother, and sister. They remember vividly the lessons she taught, the love she gave unconditionally, and her selfless spirit. After a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, they rejoice in the knowledge that now, in heaven, her smile returns to bring light through the darkness and her voice returns to give sound the song in her heart.
Even in the early stages of her illness, she accepted the trials to come with the grace and positive spirit which defined the rest of her life. Her concern and care remained on her family and not on herself, a hallmark of what she placed as most important throughout her life. She was never one to utter a negative word about others, which was one of her most endearing qualities – one that endured throughout her illness. Her kind soul and loving heart never left her, even as her physical capabilities did.
Phyllis was born to William and Lydia (Haag) Kloha on July 5, 1934 in Bay City, MI. Age 76 years. She married Richard G. Brinkman on October 29, 1954 in Angola, IN; He preceded her in death on June 9, 2004. Phyllis retired from Saginaw Valley State University where she enjoyed most of all interacting with the students and listening to their stories.
Her family and friends have fond memories of the times they shared and the many vivacious stories she told about her life including her early days on the farm with her parents and sisters, her time working at Brown Hoist with her best friend Janet Hoerauf, and all the many moments spent with her family and wonderful friends, especially Warren and Marilyn Wildey, at Silver Lake.
Phyllis is survived by her three loving daughters and their husbands: Shelby and Gary Kloha, Sandra and Bill Nellett, and Susan and Todd Bridgewater. Her six grandchildren Heather (and Kevin), Brad, Denise (and Sergio), Billy, Erin, and Grant and her father-in-law George Brinkman. She is also survived by her two sisters and their husbands: Joann and Thomas Anderson and Eunice and Roy Bauer, brother-in-law- and sister-in-law Terry and Marilyn Brinkman, sister-in-law Theresa Brinkman, and many nephews and nieces also survive her. She is reunited in heaven with her devoted husband, her parents, mother-in-law Eleanor Brinkman, and brother-in-law Robert Brinkman.
The family offers heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers who assisted Phyllis throughout her journey with Alzheimer’s at the Colonnades, Sheffield Bay, Country Square AFC, and Richardson’s AFC. A special thanks to Janet for her guidance and friendship.
