Dale Brinkmann Obituary

Dale Charles Brinkmann, 86, of Germantown Hills, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 18, 2025, surrounded by his family at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

Dale was the kindest person, the most loyal husband and father, and a faithful servant of God. Dale was born in 1938 in Breese, IL to Herbert and Arlene (Johnson) Brinkmann. He married the love of his life, Vonita "Vonnie" Brucker on April 25, 1965 in Washington, IL and she survives.

Also surviving are his daughter, Julie (Dan) Hoeniges of Shirley; son, Steve (Laura) Brinkmann of Germantown Hills; four grandchildren, Chelsea (Matt) Ehrich, Kain (Sadie) Hoeniges, Andrew Brinkmann, and Connor Brinkmann; three great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Jake, and Avery; one sister, Carol (Robert) Day; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Robert.

Dale graduated from Carlyle High School in 1956. After finishing high school, he then continued his education through scholarships from the University of Illinois, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), obtaining a Master's Degree of Science in Engineering. He also served in the Air National Guard from 1962 – 1968. Following his education, Dale accepted a position at Caterpillar where he was a mechanical engineer, retiring in 2001 after 39 years. He was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Philharmonic Chorale. Dale was very active in his church family at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Peoria where he was a choir member for many years, worked in the food pantry, and served on the Evangelism Board.

Always the engineer, Dale could often be found fixing things in his home with a level of precision that was unequaled. His was a life rooted in purpose, grounded in faith and he was happiest when surrounded by his family. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his quiet strength.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 28, 2025 at Mt. Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Peoria with Pastor Barry Long officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 11:00 am, also on Monday at the church. Burial will follow at 2:00 pm at Glendale Cemetery in Washington, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 908 West Hanssler Place, Peoria, IL 61604 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637. To share a memory or to send a condolence to his family, please visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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