Albert “Al” George Brinkmann of Cook Station, Missouri was born on Thursday, Sept. 26, 1957 in St. Louis, Missouri to Albert George Brinkmann Sr. and Ruth Eileen Brinkmann and passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at the age of 68 years, 6 months and 5 days.
He was raised in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from St. John’s High School. He continued his education at UMSL and Northeast Missouri State University.
Al first worked at Marquette Tool and Die as a maintenance supervisor. He also worked at St. Louis Crane Rental.
He was first married to Rebecca Sue Stephan. He later married Cynthia “Cindy” Renee Crawford. He then married Donna Marie Willis on May 21, 2011 in Thayer, Missouri.
Weekends spent at the farm became cherished family traditions, and in 1995, Al made it their permanent home in Cook Station.
He was a member of Operator’s Union Local #513 and the NRA. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and nature.
In his later years, Al worked as a handyman and as a bus driver for Green’s Canoe Rental and Bird’s Nest Lodge. He had a gift for fixing things.
He was raised in the Catholic faith and later found attended non-denominational churches, including Rivers of Life, Canaan Community Church, and Thayer Church.
In 2001, he was given a profound second chance at life through a liver transplant—something he never took for granted.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Brinkmann, Sr. and Ruth Eileen Brinkmann; and son, Mark Palmer.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Brinkmann of Cook Station, Missouri; children, Al Brinkmann III of Cook Station, Missouri, Nick (Wendy) Brinkmann of Cuba, Missouri, Jacob Ball of Rolla, Missouri, Nikki (Brandon) Moore of Hobart, Indiana and Julie (Adam) Reeves of Fort Bragg, North Carolina; grandchildren, Keeley Brinkmann, Kamille Brinkmann, Dakota Brinkmann, Makala Brinkmann, Abi Palmer, Kinley Brinkmann, Klaire Brinkmann, Emmra Ball, Eleanora Ball, Maddy Moore, Hayley Reeves, Jackson Reeves, Trent Reeves, Eli Reeves, Brooklyn Reeves, Brody Reeves, Jorden Backes, Logan Burke and Jackalyn Backes; great grandchild, Rue Walker; special daughters-in-law, Jessie (Brandon) Sturdivant of St. James, Missouri and Kim (Kevin) Sanders of Cuba, Missouri; sisters, Carol (Kent) Mechem of St. Louis, Missouri, Mary (Gary) Boyer of Barnhart, Missouri and Ann (Dan) Schwartz of Barnhart, Missouri; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sherrie (Dale) Markham of Granger, Indiana, Kaye (Gary) Smith of Gallatin, Tennessee and Todd (Cheryl) Willis of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee; mother-in-law, Irene (Jack) Willis of Gallatin, Tennessee; special friends, Kelly Siekerman of Steelville, Missouri and Dan Buerke of St. Louis, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Visitation held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
Service held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Pastor David Hatcher officiating.
Following Al's wishes, the family chose cremation as his final disposition.
Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
