Erna Frieda Caroline Brinkmann was born on June 27, 1924, daughter of John and Emma (Hanke) Knolhoff of Hoffman, IL.  She was baptized into the Christian faith on July 13^th, 1924. She married Henry F. Brinkmann on May 5^th, 1946 in Hoffman, IL and their union was blessed with six children:  Betty (Ken) Liescheidt of Arnold, MO, Daniel (Darleen) Brinkmann of Hoyleton, David (Gail) Brinkmann of Albion, Lois (Harry) Nicol of Lake Bluff, Tim Brinkmann of New Minden, and Michele (Paul) Brown of Shiloh.

Erna treasured her family which included 20 grandchildren: Tim (Chrissy) Liescheidt, Alison (Dan) Hawkins, Kara (Ryan) Paul, Barb Brinkmann, Angie (Mike) Wells, Adrienne (Erik) Rolf, Stephanie (Brian) Pasero, Clint (Robin) Diedrich, Lanny (Jada) Diedrich, Dustin (Erin) Diedrich, Andrew Brinkmann, Thomas (Jaime) Brinkmann, Joel (Rebecca) Brinkmann, Kyle Brinkmann, Matt (Cortney) Nicol, Mark (Alexis) Nicol, Taylor, Jordan, and Christian Brown; and 37 great-grandchildren: Isaac & Abigail Liescheidt and Arlyn Baker, Noah, Annemarie, Elaina, Josiah, Lila, & Benjamin Hawkins, Lauren Darmody and Elise & Lily Paul, Hope Brinkmann, Mackenzie & Max Wells, Collin Rolf, Leslie & Kamryn Michael and Reid & Drew Pasero, Eli & Olivia Diedrich, Evan & Lucy Diedrich, and Will, Owen, & Evelyn Diedrich, Dylan & Lane Brinkmann, Gabriel, Samuel, & Charles Brinkmann, Elijah, David, & Finley Brinkmann, and Aspen & Chase Nicol.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law Helen Knolhoff.

Erna was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, her grandson, Jonathan Brinkmann, a daughter-in-law, Gloria Brinkmann, and her four brothers, William, Elmer (Anita), Wilbert, and Paul (Leona) Knolhoff.

Erna was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, New Minden, IL.  She was kind, nurturing, and tender-hearted.   She clung to her faith while serving others with a commitment to tradition, a playful wit, and delicious cakes.  While she will be dearly missed, her eternity was secured by the risen Savior and we look forward to our heavenly reunion. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Concordia Seminary – Jonathan D. Brinkmann Scholarship, Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School, or St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Friends may call from 5:00 – 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 8^th, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in New Minden and one hour prior to services at St. John’s Lutheran Church.  The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 9^th at St. John’s.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Styninger Funeral Home in Nashville is in charge of arrangements. 

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