GREAT FALLS TRIBUNE Tuesday, September 23, 2003

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Delfred M. Brinkman

BIGFORK -- Delfred M. Brinkman, 90, a former Chinook area resident and postal service employee, died of natural causes Wednesday at his Bigfork home.

His memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday at American Lutheran Church in Chinook. Bigfork Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Brinkman of Bigfork; a daughter, Betty Brinkman of Harrisburg, Pa.; sons Fred Brinkman of Billings and Bill Brinkman of Bigfork; sisters Doris Newfeldt and Lona Chapman, both of Chinook; seven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Clair Brinkman. Delfred M. Brinkman, 90, ended his time on earth on September 17, at his home in Bigfork, Mont.

He was born Nov. 28, 1912, at Leith, N.D., son of Fred and Emma Brinkman. When he was two years old, the family moved to Montana where they lived on the family homestead north of Chinook. He attended country schools taught by his mother. At Chinook High, he was class president twice and an outstanding athlete, a member of both track and basketball championship teams. Del was always proud to be a Chinook Sugarbeeter.

In high school, he met the love of his life, Dorothy Watkins, and they were married March 8, 1934. They reared their family in Chinook.

Del worked at the post office for 37 years and he bought back the family homestead, converting it into a successful ranch. A true horseman, he could work a team of nine or "cowboy up" on an ornery bronc.

Upon retirement in 1973, he and Dorothy moved to Bigfork. A favorite pastime they enjoyed was fishing for salmon on Flathead Lake and sharing the catch with family and friends. For many years they were "snowbirds," spending winters in Mesa, Ariz.

Memorials are suggested to the Bigfork Senior Citizen's Center, 639 Commerce St., Bigfork, MT 59911.

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BILLINGSS GAZETTE Tuesday, September 23, 2003

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Brinkman, Delfred M.

BIGFORK - Delfred M. Brinkman, 90, ended his time on earth on Sept. 17, 2003, at his home in Bigfork.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Clair Brinkman.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Brinkman of Bigfork; a daughter, Betty Brinkman of Harrisburg, Pa.; two sons, Fred of Billings and Bill of Bigfork; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Doris Newfeldt and Lona Chapman, both of Chinook.

He was born Nov. 28, 1912, at Leith, N.D., son of Fred and Emma Brinkman. When he was 2 years old, the family moved to Montana, where they lived on the family homestead, north of Chinook. He attended country schools taught by his mother. At Chinook High, he was class president twice and an outstanding athlete, a member of both track and basketball championship teams. Del was always proud to be a Chinook Sugarbeeter. In high school, he met the love of his life, Dorothy Watkins, and they were married March 8, 1934. They reared their family in Chinook. Del worked at the post office for 37 years, and he bought back the family homestead, converting it into a successful ranch. A true horseman, he could work a team of nine or "cowboy up" on an ornery bronc. Upon retirement in 1973, he and Dorothy moved to Bigfork. A favorite pastime they enjoyed was fishing for salmon on Flathead Lake and sharing the catch with family and friends. For many years, they were "snowbirds," spending winters in Mesa, Ariz.

A memorial service will be held at the American Lutheran Church in Chinook at 11 a.m. on Sept. 27.

Memorials are suggested to the Bigfork Senior Citizen?s Center, 639 Commerce St., Bigfork, MT 59911. Bigfork Funeral Home is caring for the family.

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