Article Photos

MENASHA, Wis. - Robert R. Brinker passed away peacefully at home following a brief illness with his loving family at his side on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, at the age of 87. Robert Raymond was born on May 26, 1922, to Raymond and Lillian (Bernier) Brinker in Escanaba. After eighth grade, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps., Camp Morman Creek, Rapid River, from 1939 to 1941, working in forestry, which he enjoyed very much. He was a caddy for the Escanaba Country Club and enjoyed playing golf. He also enjoyed roller-skating and ice-skating when he was a young man. Bob enlisted in the Navel Service-Coast Guard in Green Bay, Wis., as a general seaman from 1942-1946, aboard the USS Annapolis out of San Francisco, Calif. He served in the American Theater of War, Asiatic-Pacific Theater of War, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of War and World War II Victory.

Bob worked for Clairmont Transfer Trucking Co. for 30 years and has been retired 27 years. He was a lifelong member of the VFW. He was also a proud member of the Teamsters local 328 in Escanaba.

During that time one of the proudest moments in his life was shaking the hand of James Hoffa.

Bob was married to Corinne Stiemert on Sept. 18, 1947, and they celebrated 62 years together. He resided most of his life in Escanaba, moving to Menasha five years ago to be close to his daughters. Family time was spent taking rides, going on picnics, seeing waterfalls, walking and enjoying the outdoors.

Bob is survived by his wife, Corinne; daughters: Diane (Wayne) DeGrand, Menasha, Sandra (Bruce L. Smith) Brinker, Waupan; grandchildren: Alexis (Weissert) Moericke (special friend, Rick), Mayville, Jennifer (Andy) Christianson, Appleton, Noel DeGrand, Menasha; great-grandchildren: Elaine and Myles Christianson, Alison and Heather Moericke; a brother, Bill (Iva) Brinker, San Pablo, Calif.; nephews: William Brinker and Carl Cabral; a cousin, Charles (Pat) Gafner, other relatives, and many friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Betty.

A memorial service for Bob will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, at First United Methodist Church in Escanaba. Interment will take place in Lakeview Cemetery in Escanaba.

The family would like to thank Gold Cross Ambulance, St. Elizabeth Emergency Department and fourth floor nurses and the Affinity Visiting Nurses Hospice services for the care given to our father. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved Grandpa Bob very much and will miss him dearly.

"Our suffering will end in glory" 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 "Heaven will be a place of rest" Rev. 14:13

The Fox Valley Veterans Funeral Care Provider Martens-Laemmrich Funeral Home, Menasha 920-722-8252. Light a candle in memory of Bob at: www.martens-laemmrichfuneralhome.com