Richard Brink

Richard Brink: Richard was surrounded by his family when he passed away Saturday evening at Crystal Heights Nursing Home in Oskaloosa at the age of 89 years, 8 months and 22 days. His family includes his sons and their wives: Kenneth and Lavonne Brink of Oskaloosa; Michael and Lori Brink of Fremont and Keith and Marcia Brink of Fremont; nine grandchildren: Laura (Larry) Robertson, Kendall Brink, Dustin (Ashley) Brink and their two children: Rileigh and Tessa; Ryan and Jeremy Brink; Kelsey (Kyle) Weber; Adam (Holly) Brink and their son, Garisin; and Lyndsay and Joshua Brink ; four step-grandchildren: Heather Robertson and her daughter, Anastasia; Shawn (Amber) Robertson and their son, Axl and Kelsey and Ashly Robertson; sisters: Elsie Kelderman of Oskaloosa and Henrietta Veldhuizen of Pella; and sisters-in-law: Fairy Patterson of Oskaloosa and Velma Padgett of Eddyville. Richard William Brink, son of Marion and Henrietta Van Weelden Brink, was born December 22, 1918 in Oskaloosa. As a youngster he attended rural schools in Mahaska County. He was drafted into the U.S. Army June 1, 1942 and served as an Automotive Mechanic in the 47th Infantry. He served in the Algerian-French Morocco, Tunisian, Sicilian, Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns and invasions. He was awarded a Silver Battle Star, three Bronze Stars, five Overseas Bars, a Bronze Star Medal and many other accolades and honors. He was discharged September 2, 1945. Upon his return to Oskaloosa he attended school under the G.I. Bill for Veterans for farming and agricultural studies. He was united in marriage with Virginia Grace Padgett, December 17, 1948, in Oskaloosa. They made their home on a farm north of Fremont. He and Virginia raised their family there and worked the farm until 1990 when they moved into Oskaloosa. At that time, his sons took over the farm and Richard continued to help with farming until ill health prevented his trips to the farm. Richard was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church. His family, his farm and raising cattle were his joys. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia on May 11, 2001; an infant daughter, Marie; three sisters: Angeline Van Mersbergen, Alice Van Engelenhoven, and Dorothy Kuiken and one brother, Marion Brink. PDF Printable Version

Richard Brink

December 22, 1918 - September 13, 2008