Gordon W. Brinkman

I Knew Thee

Through the walk of life, what a comforting message God gave each and every one of us. He is with you through every moment of life; you just have to reach out your hand and walk with him on this glorious journey. Family and friends can find assurance and peace that Gordon Brinkman walked this walk. We may not know every detail of his journey, every reason or choice, but we do know he leaned on the Lord. He did not walk alone.

Gordon Brinkman was a loving Son, Brother, Husband, Father of five, Uncle, Grandfather of eight, Stepfather and Great- grandfather of five. His life was filled with tremendous blessings, love, joy and laughter.

He had dreams as a young man and would not leave this life without fulfilling them. He traveled with his wife and infant child across Europe, as his career took him overseas. He served our country in a demanding capacity, but had priceless time to reconnect with distant family, take a boat to an island in Sweden, walk through the tulips of Holland, ski the Alps of France and Italy and drive through the fog in Germany.

The places he has seen and the things he experienced, few will truly know. What close family and friends do know, is that he wholeheartedly cherished his loved ones. His children will have never ending fond memories of being carried off in the darkness of the night, to wake up bright and early in the middle of an adventure. Driving to destinations like Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Canada, Mexico and not coming home with that pet burro that was dearly requested. Sitting on our father’s lap driving past semi-trucks, facing fear with faith.

His grandchildren may not remember how he absolutely adored them and cradled them like a pea in a pod. Things they will remember, would be his sense of wanderlust. Many grandchildren were fortunate to accompany him to places like Belize, Honduras, Tulum, Costa Maya, South Dakota, Peru and Alaska. His second home was Florida, where he took the grandchildren to Disney World splashing on the mountain, running through the city sprinkler park, swimming in the pool and ocean, golfing with the gators, chilling at spring training, boating in the intercoastal, kayaking at Lido key, watching the spectacular sunset at the Jetty and getting much needed ice cream after a long day of activities.

With a life well lived, he endured heartbreaking grief, tears and times of sorrow. But suffering holds a message of healing and comfort. A promise … he is with you … seek him.

Through his hardships, Gordon continued to reach his hand out to others and give freely. What a gift to family and friends. He would support others in need. Expressions of love filled his life. He saw the world through kindness. We can all hope to live such a blessed life.

Rest in Peace

For all who would like to celebrate Gordon’s Life well lived, a Celebration of Life begins at 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 19th, 2025 at the Morton Arboretum Sycamore Room, 4100 Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you give kindly to a charity of your choice or a person in need.