Charles Albert Brinkman, 92, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of Danville, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 26, 2026. He was born on Oct 4, 1933, in Kinderhook, Illinois, to Everett A. ’Bud’ and Caroline Helen Brinkman. He was preceded in death by his siblings John Brinkman of Glen Ellen, Ill. & Dorothy Norris of Princeston, W.V.
Charles graduated from Kinderhook High School & Gem City Business College in Quincy, Ill. There, he met the love of his life, Carolyn Lois Murphy, who has been waiting for him to join her in eternal life since May 20, 2022. They married on Nov. 27, 1952, exactly one year from their first date. They resided in New London for four years before moving to the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant area, located in Middletown, where he worked in the accounting department for over 38 years. He served as treasurer for the Middletown School Board until moving to Danville. He operated his own Tax and Accounting Business for 50 plus years. Always one to keep busy, after retiring in 1991 from the ammunition plant, he continued to occupy his time with various other jobs such as Burlington School District, Westland Mall, Danville Bank, and Dodds Insurance for a short time, he finished out his working days as a janitor with the Danville School District for 8 years as well as delivering for Tri Oaks.
He dedicated many years of his life to sharing his faith as a Deacon, church treasurer, and taking part in starting Faith Baptist Church. He was also a long time board member and treasurer of the Home Bible Study Conference.
He enjoyed serving the community by being a member of the Danville City Council, Danville’s area representative for the Salvation Army for 15 years, along with volunteering for the American Cancer Society. He also held various positions with the Lions Club, one of those being a trained volunteer in the Lions’ “Kids’ Sight” program, helping save kids' eyesight. Along with his strong desire to help others, he was a 5+ gallon blood donor and eye organ donor. He and his wife, Lois, opened their home and hearts to a German Foreign exchange student, Marcus, for a year, while he was attending college in the States. In his spare time, he liked to go fishing, mushrooming, gardening, camping, traveling, playing board games, and cards. He especially enjoyed his children & grandchildren. He loved to get on the floor to play with them and teach them to fish. You would often find him leisurely riding his bike around town when the weather permitted, or riding on his stationary bike until the age of 91. He found comfort in spending time with the Lord, reading his Bible, and indulging in good food like catfish, KFC, warm apple pie and a bowl of ice cream before bed.
He is survived by his four sons: Douglas Lee of Ames; Matthew Duane (Patti) of Hoffman Estates; Darcy Lynn (Tina) of Mount Pleasant; and Ivan Charles (Debra) of Cedar Rapids. Also survived by eleven grandchildren: Jacqueline (Dustin) Tomas; Alaina Brinkman; Karissa (Don) Foster; January (Luke) Benjamin; Brandon (Brynn) Brinkman; Brittney (Travis) Mensen; Rachel (Andrew) Quam; Bailey and Jessi Andrew; Chaley and Tumebo Brinkman. Ten great-grandchildren: Drew (Jamie) and Klay Foster; Kade and Carter Benjamin; Kasin, Harper, and Ian Mensen; Brexton Brinkman; Noah and Eleanor Quam; one great-great granddaughter, Colbie Foster, and several special nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Charles’s life will be held at Elliott Chapel in New London, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11 a.m., with Mr. John Tolander Officiating.
The family will greet friends from 9:30 until the time of the service. There will be a light luncheon to follow, located at the Danville Community Building in Danville.
According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and inurnment will be in Bonaparte Cemetery, Bonaparte, IA at a later date. Memorials have been established for the Danville Lions Club, and Danville Community Schools.