Debra Diane Rogers Brinkmeyer

Debra Diane Rogers Brinkmeyer

Bradenton, FL

Diane Brinkmeyer of Bradenton, FL, died January 27, 2025. She was born January 22, 1956 in Corona, CA to Rudy and Helen Rogers. She grew up mostly in the state of Iowa and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1974 where she was a 4.0 student and the University of Iowa in 1978 graduating with a triple major in Journalism, Spanish, and French. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. On June 19, 1978 she married Dirk Brinkmeyer and they honeymooned in Hawaii which became their vacation of choice.

Diane worked for Iowa Pork Producers, the State of Iowa Department of Public Safety, and Travel Associates as a writer/publicist. She eventually decided that the best choice for her family was to transition into a role as a homemaker. They lived in the Des Moines area for nearly 38 years.

Suffering from Fibromyalgia, Diane and Dirk moved to Florida where Diane could better manage her pain. Dirk worked for six more years before they retired in January of 2018. In retirement, they enjoyed visiting Hawaii on numerous occasions, being annual pass holders at Walt Disney World, traveling in their RV, having season tickets to the Iowa Hawkeye football games, visiting their children, and especially visiting their two granddaughters.

Diane was a Presbyterian elder and a member of Peace Presbyterian Church in Lakewood Ranch, FL for the past 12 years where she edited the quarterly newsletter. She was a dedicated crafter who expertly made numerous items for her family and friends. In addition, Diane collected elephants and accumulated over 300 during her lifetime. Diane was also especially fond of fettuccine, eggs Benedict, pecan pie, and Dole Whips.

Diane is survived by her husband and two sons, Grant (Kelsey) of Eden Prairie, MN and Clifton (Ashley) of Iowa City, IA. She is also survived by two wonderful granddaughters, Aurora and Noa.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents. Diane is also survived by her sister, Carol (Greg) of Yukon, OK and her brother, Keith (Susan) of Waterloo, IA as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life was held March 1, 2025 at Peace Presbyterian Church, Lakewood Ranch, FL.