Walter Curtiss Brinkman

Walter Curtiss Brinkman, 96, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025 at Carefree Living in Cook, MN.

Walter was born on January 1, 1929 in Eveleth to Christian and Hilda (Melbo) Brinkman. He attended school in Iowa before moving to Littlefork, MN, where he worked at the papermill. He married Dona Snodie in 1948, and they had three children together: Linda, Walter Jr., and Becky. After moving to Minneapolis, Walter settled in for a forty-year career at Tool & Die. Dona passed away suddenly in 1970. Walter married Roberta Robertson in 1971.

In 1992 Walter returned to the Iron Range after his retirement, making his home in Aurora. He ran his own trucking business from 2003 to 2008. In 2003 Walter married Bethine “Betty” Olson. The couple moved to Virginia in 2009 and enjoyed many happy years together.

Walter was a member of the Sons of the American Legion in Aurora. A creative, active man, he passed his time in hunting, fishing, and golf – the latter two well into his 90s! He loved to work with his hands: carving wood, building model cars, and intricate colored pencil books. Everyone agreed Walter was a sweetheart, and that sweetness extended to his teeth: his favorite treat was a chocolate-covered custard Bismarck. Walter cared deeply about his family, and will be sorely missed.

Walter is survived by his wife Betty; daughter Becky (Gilbert) Diadoo of Burnsville; stepdaughter Jeanne (Greg) Carlson of Virginia; grandchildren Cindy Madsen, Steve (Jennifer) Diadoo, Jill Charrier, Trina (Mike) Saice, Alisha (Eric) Webster; ten great-grandchildren; and sister Hilda Bermeister.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife Dona; second wife Roberta; children Linda and Walter Jr.; stepchild Ken; grandchild Summer; and sisters Dorothy, Genevieve, and Shirley.

A Celebration of Life will be held at noon on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the American Legion in Aurora. Arrangements are with Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home of Aurora.