Donald Brinkman

Donald Henry Brinkman, 95 of Sleepy Eye, was called to heaven on January 30th, 2026, at the Mayo Hospital in Mankato with his family by his side. Don faithfully served God for nearly 96 years. He was a dedicated and faithful husband, father, grandparent, and great-grandparent.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 2:00pm-5:00pm, at Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye and will continue on Monday from 10:00am until the time of the service at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11:00am. Burial will take place at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Don was born June 28, 1930, in Erin Prairie, Wisconsin, to Harry and Kate (Dean) Brinkman. He was the oldest of the 4 children; he had two brothers and a little sister. Following high school graduation, Don continued his education at River Falls College in River Falls, WI. Shortly after graduating, he enlisted in the US Air Force, serving as a Staff Sergeant. Don married high school sweetheart, Donna Mae Dieltz, in Somerset, WI, on May 24, 1952. Their marriage remained a sacred bond for nearly 74 years. While stationed in Denver, CO, Don and Donna started their family with the birth of their first two sons, Daniel and David. Upon completion of his military service, Don worked to support the family while putting himself through Chiropractic School. Don graduated from Northwestern College of Chiropractic in 1958. Don and Donna chose to move to Sleepy Eye, MN to start their new life, and Don would then open his own practice, Sleepy Eye Chiropractic; a decision neither ever questioned. Dean, their third son, was born in Sleepy Eye in 1963.

In 1965, Don earned a pilot's license, and for several years, he co-owned a plane with Reverend Walker in Sleepy Eye. In 1970, Don traded in those wings so that he and Donna could build a family lake home near Paynesville, MN. They not only designed "the cottage" but also helped build it and put in countless hours of labor. The family cottage became a source of many family memories and long weekends. In 1988, after 30 years of providing quality chiropractic care to the community he loved, Don proudly handed the business over to Dr. Dean Brinkman and Dr. Matt Kirschstein, fully retiring in 1989. However, to this day, he is still known as "Doc Brinkman". 

Don was active in his church and community for many years. He was involved in the Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, the Eagles Club, Ross Park Board, and St. Mary's School board. Don was honored by Bishop Lucker for his service on the Diocesan Corporation Board and the Diocesan Pastoral Council. Don was also heavily involved with the Schoenstatt Sisters and their Mission on the Lake.

You couldn't say Don without saying Donna. During their marriage, the two traveled extensively throughout the US and Europe, meeting the Pope on two occasions. For many years, the two spent their winters as snowbirds in Mesa, AZ, and traveled with the Elderhostel group as lifelong learners. Some of Don's hobbies included woodworking, lapidary, lawn care, playing cards, and baseball.

Don is survived by his loving wife Donna, son, Daniel (Vicki) Brinkman of New Ulm; daughter-in-law, Sandy Brinkman of Sleepy Eye; grandchildren, Nicole Brinkman (Chad Gentz), Alexandra Brinkman (Brandon Bode), Deonna (Zach) White, and Carter Brinkman (Emma Carpenter); great-grandson, Liam Gentz; sister, Betty Harstad of New Richmond, WI; brother-in-law, Bucco Dieltz of New Richmond, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, David Brinkman and Dr. Dean Brinkman; father and mother-in-law, Harry and Grace Dieltz; brothers, Tom Brinkman and Jack Brinkman; brother-in-law, Earl Dieltz; and sisters-in-law, Kay Dieltz, Eileen Brinkman, and Lucille Brinkman.

Don's legacy will be proudly carried on by his family. May God rest his soul.