Donna Jean Brinkman

DONNA JEAN BRINKMAN

Gilbert, Ariz.

Donna Jean Brinkman, 88, of Gilbert, Ariz., formerly of Southeast Iowa, passed away Thursday, June 4, 2020, in Gilbert. She was born May 5, 1932, in Marion, Iowa, to Lester O. and Alta Ansell Gonterman.

When she was two years old, the family moved to White Cloud, Kan., and at age 15, they moved to Hiawatha, Kan. She was a graduate of Robinson High School in Robinson, Kan.

On Aug. 31, 1950, Donna married Charles Raymond Brinkman in Hiawatha. They lived in Lyndon, Kan., while she attended college in Topeka, majoring in music. She was a beautiful pianist and enjoyed giving lessons to all ages after moving to Mesa, Ariz. She enjoyed doing crafts and following the flea markets. When the crafts became too heavy to tote around, she turned to being a clown.

In October 1979, her husband, Raymond, died suddenly while they were visiting her brother Jack and family.

Besides her husband and parents, Donna was preceded in death by her brothers, Jerald and Jack; two infant sisters and one infant brother; and a nephew, Phil Gonterman.

She is survived by many cousins including, Charles and Lois Brinkman of Danville, Marty and Roberta Gonterman of Bonaparte, and Darold and Barbara Schultz of Cedar Rapids.

According to her wishes, her body has been cremated and inurnment will be held at a later date at Bonaparte Cemetery. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.