Lathea M Brinkman

Northview - North Mankato Mortuary
2060 Commerce Drive
North Mankato, Minnesota 56003
507-388-2288

Lathea Marie (Laase) Brinkman, 94, of rural North Mankato, died peacefully at her home on December 16, after an extended battle with Parkinson's.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 4 at 11:00 AM at St Paul's Lutheran Church in North Mankato. Visitation will be held at Northview North Mankato Mortuary on Friday, January 3 from 4 -7 PM and one hour prior to service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to donor's choice.

Lathea was born October 30, 1919 to Louis and Minnie (Waknitz) Laase in Alma City, Minnesota. At the age of two, her family moved to rural North Mankato, where she grew up on a farm along the Judson Bottom Road. She graduated from Mankato High School in 1938. In 1941 she moved to southern California with family and friends and in 1942 married Merle Brinkman. After waiting three years for Merle's return from service in the European theater of World War II, they moved back to the Brinkman family farm in rural North Mankato where they have remained.

Lathea worked for school district 77 for 12 years; was a member of the Nicollet County Extension Group, serving as president and treasurer; was a member of St Paul's Lutheran Church Ladies Aid and Ruth Circle; and a member of the Owl's club. Lathea enjoyed square dancing, fishing, traveling, card clubs and, above all else, her family and her faith.

She is survived by loving husband of 71 and a half years, Merle; children Barry of Vadnais Heights; Steven (Christine) of Eden Prairie; Ann Freier of Lake Crystal; Janet (Hubbard) Anderson (Ric) of Good Thunder; former daughter-in-law, Gwen Plaster of Maplewood; brother John (Huns) and wife Myrtle of Cambridge; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Lathea was preceded in death by her parents, sister Dolores and brother Dean.