Obituary for Randy Brinkert
Randy Brinkert (aka ‘Bert’, Pops) of Kalamazoo passed away quietly at home with his family by his side on April 19, 2023 at the age of 63 following a courageous battle with cancer. Randy was born August 13, 1959 in Kalamazoo, son of the late Ronald Brinkert and Jean (Nufer) Brinkert Robinson. On June 6, 1987 he married the former Elaine Ouding in Kalamazoo. Randy was employed for several years as a semi trailer mechanic for Ralph Moyle Inc. until his retirement in 2022. In 2007 in Lansing, Randy was named Maintenance Man of the Year by the MTA for his dedication to ensure that each trailer that came through his shop was up to the highest safety standards on the road. He and Elaine enjoyed spending time in Charlevoix looking for Petoskey stones, rooting for the Minnesota Vikings with their sons on Sunday, watching the races at Galesburg Speedway, and most of all going to the local car shows with his 1973 Nova (which he always made sure to mention had a factory sky roof).
He was a hard-working honest man who always put his family first but also made time to help anyone who needed it. He volunteered to work concessions at the Fire Dept tent at the Kindelberger Festival every year in Parchment.
In addition to his parents Randy was also preceded in death by his step-father Glen Robinson, nephews Trevor Gargus and Robert Laymon, his niece Lisa Gates, step-sister Ronna Brinkert, his sister-in-law Anna Brinkert, and brothers-in-law Tom McKenna and Jeff Kewley. Randy is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Elaine, his two sons and daughter-in-law of whom he was so proud, Kevin (Mikala) Brinkert of Oshtemo and Erik Brinkert of Parchment, and his beloved dog Tarkenton (Tark), who never left his side during his battle with cancer. Also, his sisters Carol (Bruse) Snyder, Debbie McKenna, Vickey Fales, Lori Brinkert, Kathy (Gary) Capp, Stephanie Smelova, Susan Robinson, and one brother, Brian Brinkert, whom he was able to spend all last summer with, working on their cars together which he enjoyed so much.
The family is being cared for by Grand Rapids Cremation Services. A memorial gathering is being planned for a later date.
He was a hard-working honest man who always put his family first but also made time to help anyone who needed it. He volunteered to work concessions at the Fire Dept tent at the Kindelberger Festival every year in Parchment.
In addition to his parents Randy was also preceded in death by his step-father Glen Robinson, nephews Trevor Gargus and Robert Laymon, his niece Lisa Gates, step-sister Ronna Brinkert, his sister-in-law Anna Brinkert, and brothers-in-law Tom McKenna and Jeff Kewley. Randy is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Elaine, his two sons and daughter-in-law of whom he was so proud, Kevin (Mikala) Brinkert of Oshtemo and Erik Brinkert of Parchment, and his beloved dog Tarkenton (Tark), who never left his side during his battle with cancer. Also, his sisters Carol (Bruse) Snyder, Debbie McKenna, Vickey Fales, Lori Brinkert, Kathy (Gary) Capp, Stephanie Smelova, Susan Robinson, and one brother, Brian Brinkert, whom he was able to spend all last summer with, working on their cars together which he enjoyed so much.
The family is being cared for by Grand Rapids Cremation Services. A memorial gathering is being planned for a later date.