Brinkman, Kenneth C. Beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. Formerly of So. St. Paul. Age 77. Passed away September 18, 2019. Preceded in death by parents Fred and Rosette Brinkman, parents-in-law Bob and Adeline Kretschmer, sister Sheila (Sam) Putnam and sister-in-law Donna Kretschmer. Survived by wife of 52 years, Peg (nee Kretschmer), children Elizabeth (Larry) Gunderson and Paul (Laura) Brinkman, granddaughters Clare and Anna Gunderson and Rachel, Rebekah and Sarah Brinkman, brother Robert (Marlene) Brinkman, sisters-in-law Joyce (George) Merino and Emily Kretschmer, brother-in-law Tom (Sue) Kretschmer, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation Friday, September 27, 9-11 a.m. and Memorial Service 11 a.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church, 1400 So. Robert St., West St. Paul. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Augustana Lutheran Church or donor’s choice.

Ken was baptized and confirmed at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Denver. His Master’s in Social Work from University of Denver laid foundation for four decades as a social worker in Denver and Dakota County (MN). Ken often entertained his children and grandchildren with stories of positions held prior to his social work career, including working at a Denver movie theater, bakery and post office, driving an ice cream wagon and teaching in California.

He was an adventurer at heart, climbing Colorado’s mountains, camping, running, swimming, hiking and traveling, most recently winter escapes with Peg to Scottsdale, AZ. He loved his sailboat and was an avid reader. Ken was a devoted man of God and church member, attending Bible studies throughout his life. He especially loved serving as a lay reader, his role in the Befriender ministry and volunteering at his local Fare For All food program.

After retirement, Ken served on So. St. Paul’s Senior Center Board of Directors. He also swam and socialized at So. St. Paul’s community pool. Ken collected friends wherever he went and was always up for conversation, current events a favorite topic. His love of classic movies was shared by hosting movie showings at his Community Center and more recently at the lodge of his Timber Hills community.

Ken and Peg met at a church in Denver and married in 1967. They had their children there and moved to So. St. Paul in 1976. He was a loving, kind and patient father, involved in Beth and Paul’s sports and musical activities. He also delighted in his five granddaughters and attended as many concerts, games and activities as he could. His granddaughters especially enjoyed his sense of humor. Ken could make anyone smile.

Besides his devotion to immediate family, Ken was infinitely kind to extended family, friends and strangers alike. He had an eternally grateful spirit, never failing to show respect for others and thanking people for doing even the simplest things. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.