Herbert Alonzo Brinkman, 93, of Roscommon passed away on Tuesday February 10, 2026 at home with his loving family by his side.
Herbert was born on May 19, 1932 in Akron, Michigan to William and Bertha (Rayl) Brinkman. He grew up in the Caro area where he graduated from Caro High School. Herbert then attended Central Michigan University and Michigan State University, receiving his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. While attending CMU, Herbert met a young lady by the name of Jean Ann Detzur. On December 19, 1953 Herbert and Jean were married in Detroit. Herbert worked as a Veterinarian in Dearborn and later bought his own practice in Gaylord. The couple moved from Dearborn Heights to Gaylord in 1978 and then retired to Higgins Lake in 1994. They purchased a lot on Higgins Lake in the early 1970's and Herb slowly built the home they would eventually retire in. The couple loved to Square Dance and they traveled the country to attend square dancing events. Along with building his home on Higgins Lake, Herbert enjoyed keeping busy fixing things, and he enjoyed spending time with his grand kids. They will always remember his peaceful, calm presence, and all the life lessons he shared with each one of them.
Surviving Dr. Brinkman are his three daughters, Linda Brinkman of CA, Deborah Tyler of Houghton Lake, and Susan Kay (Michael) Graham of Kingsley; son, Richard (Anne Marie) Brinkman of Missoula, MT; twelve grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; brother, Ray (Margaret Ann) Brinkman of Unionville. Herbert was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jean Ann Brinkman; son, Douglas; and four siblings, Donald, Dorothy, Charlotte, and Wayne.
Funeral Services for Herbert Alonzo Brinkman will be conducted at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 149 Robinson Lake Road, Roscommon, on Monday February 16, 2026, at 11:00am with Pastor Jim Dibbet officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service on Monday February 16, 2026 from 10:00am until the time of the service at 11:00am at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, with a luncheon to follow directly after the service. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Lyon Township, Higgins Lake at a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of Herbert are asked to be directed to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Dr. Herbert A. Brinkman, please visit our floral store.