Dean Brinkmeyer

Dean A. Brinkmeyer, 80, of Topeka, died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at his home. Dean was born on March 27, 1928 in Udall, KS, the son of William F. and Verna C. Mead Brinkmeyer. He graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1946. After graduation, he joined the Army and spent one year in Japan. After spending 18 months in the Army, he attended Southwestern College in Winfield, KS where he graduated in 1952. While attending college, he worked part time at two aircraft companies in Wichita. After graduation from college, he was employed at the Winfield State Hospital in the vocational rehabilitation department before transferring to the Topeka Vocational Rehab in 1964. In 1968, he was called back to active duty where he spent 1969 at the Army EVAC Hospital in Da Nang, Vietnam. Shortly after returning from Vietnam, he went to work full time for the Kansas Army National Guard where he retired in 1990. Dean was a member of the Brittney Clubs of Kansas since 1962. After retirement, he volunteered at the Kansas National Guard Museum. Dean married Leona E. Larkin on September 14, 1952 in Greensburg, KS. She survives. Other survivors include one daughter, Denise Filkins (David) of Frederick, MD, two granddaughters, Elizabeth and Gwendolyn Filkins, one brother, William (Shirley) Brinkmeyer of Douglass, KS, one sister, MaryEtta Moore (D. Joe) of Greeley, CO, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Dean was preceded in death by one brother, Loren Jay and one sister, Lydia Shaw. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Burial will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Dean will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 7:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Kansas Army National Guard Museum Building Fund, 6700 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66619.