November 7, 1947 - July 5, 2025

Pat (King) Brinkman age 77 of Appleton, WI was suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us while peacefully asleep in her home on Saturday afternoon July 5th, to be reunited with her loving husband Larry whom she had deeply missed since his passing in 2021.

Pat "Patty" was born on November 7, 1947 in Yates City, IL to the late Patrick C. King and Maxine O. (Baughman) King. She met the love of her life, Lawrence "Larry" Brinkman on April 14, 1964. They were married on August 9, 1968 and enjoyed 57-½ years together.

Pat had a huge heart and lived her life as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who would do anything for her family. "Racing Grandma" could be found on Thursday nights at WIR loudly cheering on and congratulating all of her favorite drivers on Facebook while surrounded by her family. She could talk on the phone for hours sharing all of the memories made on her Carnival Cruise adventures and stories of the many special friends she made along the way. "Three Amigos" cruising will never be the same without her but we will continue to carry her spirit with us on our infamous journeys ahead. She always made sure to enjoy the "drink of the day" since the "Yellow Bird" started it all on her first cruise in 2000. She would look up all of the recipes and could tell you countless ways to make a margarita that would never be the same. She loved cooking/baking and could never find enough recipes to share. Some of her other favorite hobbies were crocheting and "hunting" for painted rocks or finding treasures at thrift shops with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always had her eyes peeled for a priceless trinket or that hidden rock and could spend an entire day "on the hunt". While at home she often could be found in her computer room playing "Pogo" games, always trying to get the next badge with someone by her side telling her the next word to whomp. Her home was always a place filled with love and laughter where everyone felt welcome. She loved us all to the moon and back.

Pat is survived by her four children; Tammy Fredericks, Tim (Luann) Brinkman, Tina (Jon) Eggeman, and Tanya (Todd) Viegut. Seven grandchildren; Bret Brinkman, Jenna Viegut, Christopher Brinkman, Jessica Viegut, Angela (Danny) Vandersteen, Alyssa (Brandon) Vandenheuvel, and Aaron Fredericks, as well as seventeen great-grandchildren. She is further survived by two sisters; Bev Hahn and Jean Olk, as well as numerous sisters/brothers-in-law's, niece's and nephew's. She was preceded in death by her husband Larry, brothers Everett "Bud" King and Mike King, and many sisters/brothers-in-law's.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the quick response of Pat's daughter who initiated CPR and the extended continued life saving measures taken by emergency responders, we know you all did your best. Also a special thank you to the Victim Crisis Response team (Julia and Alyssa), Deputy Coroner (Chris), and Officer Lehrer for staying with us throughout, your care and compassion will not be forgotten.

As per Pat's wishes there will not be a public visitation or funeral, just a private graveside service.