John P. Brinkmann

John P. Brinkmann “Hickory” died Friday, March 22, 2024, in Dubuque, Iowa.  He was born in Lancaster, Wisconsin, on July 10,1941, the third child of Noah and Barbara (Flueck) Brinkmann.  He attended St. Charles grade school, graduated from Cassville High School in 1959 and attended UW-Platteville. He was employed by Wisconsin Barge Line, as a deckhand, and ultimately became a boat pilot.  At the time, he was one of the youngest pilots operating on the Mississippi, Illinois and Ohio Rivers. John entered the United States Army in 1963, stationed in Waco, Texas, until he was deployed as a Military Policeman in Vietnam. Upon his discharge from active duty, he attended technical college in the Quad Cities while working for a farm machine equipment company.  After leaving Iowa, he returned to Cassville and established a reputation as a skilled carpenter and handyman. He provided assistance to many families and friends on various projects. One of the projects he helped with was the construction and maintenance of a group hunting “cabin” in the Danbury area which was enjoyed by many of John’s longtime friends.

In John’s retirement, he continued to provide his expertise to family and friends.  Many days were spent at the farm partaking in hunting, gardening, caring for the cattle and many cats.  Most of the time was spent entertaining his young nieces, nephews or children of friends. Rides on the Kawasaki were always available to tour the property. In addition to the farm, many hours were spent on the Mississippi River and “The Island”.   He was always around to volunteer his services to anyone who needed assistance and worked with several Cassville organizations with construction projects, putting up tents and grilling for various events.

John was a member of the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, VFW Post No. 7080, American Legion Post No. 352, and the Honor Guard.

John is survived by his five siblings. Ann Saam, Gretchen (Allen) Doebert, Barbara (Jack) Brenegan, Mary (Darrell) Parker, and Thomas Brinkmann. Nieces and Nephews, David (Jodi) Saam, Diane Saam, Susan (Jim) Reichenbach, Lauri (Stephen) Hauser, John Brenegan, Paul (Amanda) Brenegan in addition to great nieces, nephews and many cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Ken Saam and lifelong friend, Joanne Krantz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Cassville.  Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of services.  Inurnment with military honors will follow at St. Charles Cemetery, Cassville.  In lieu of flowers, please consider gifts to St. Charles Catholic Church, VFW Post No. 7080, American Legion Post No. 352, Cassville Fire Department/Rescue Squad, or the charity of your choice.  Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Cassville is assisting the family.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all who assisted in John’s care. This includes everyone who provided food and transportation for his dialysis and other appointments. Further thanks to all who visited him while he was at home, in the hospital and at Stonehill Rehab. Very special thanks to the doctors, nurses, social workers, and staff at Tri-State Dialysis, Mercy Medical Center, Medical Associates, Stonehill Rehab Center and Hospice of Dubuque. Thank you for taking such good care of our brother, John.