All Obituaries

Bernard Jay Brinks of Falmouth went to be with his Lord on the beautiful Sunday morning of April 14, 2024. He was 87.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Shirley whom he was married to for just shy of 65 years.
Bernard was known as a faithful member of Prosper CRC where he served on the council there many times over the years. He had a deep and admirable faith. He also served on the Clam Union Township board, the Falmouth County-Op board, was a member on the Farm Bureau, and was respected and loved by everyone in his community.
Bernie was a dairy farmer his whole life, and even at the end of his time on earth when his mind was failing him- he was farming.
He was the most proud of his family and was the absolute best husband, dad, grandpa, great grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. He was very involved and active with his family attending every sporting event, 4H show, play/musical, and anything else his kids and grandkids participated in. We spent so much time laughing together, and he would always end up crying from laughter.
Bernard loved many things but a few of those things include; slow pitch softball in his younger days, ping pong, golfing, hunting, Canada fishing trips, wood working, Tigers baseball, MSU basketball, bird watching, reading, mission trips to the Dominican Republic, mushroom hunting, ranger riding, local sporting events, coffee time at Duane’s, and eating ice cream at his favorite spot- Brinks Family Creamery- where he was known as “quality control”.
He is survived by his wife Shirley Brinks of Falmouth, children; Ron (Barb) Brinks of McBain and Kathy (Allan) Lucas of McBain. Grandchildren; Amberly (Manuel) Mejia, Kenda (Reuben) Rivera, Nick (Sarah) Brinks, Riley (Madelyn) Brinks, Lynae (Tyler) Gernaat, and Dylan (Elise) Lucas. Great grandchildren; Braelynn and Preslie Mejia, Hadley, Finley and Lakyn Rivera, Dawsyn and Mykenna Gernaat. Siblings; Ray (Gladys) Brinks of Grand Rapids, Joyce (Ed) Koster of Hudsonville, sisters in-law; Ruth Brinks of Falmouth and Lois Brinks of Montague, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Herman and Anna Brinks, daughter Dawn Brinks, brothers Don Brinks and Ken Brinks, and sister Dorothy.
These words feel like they come up short when talking about our favorite guy - but you get the picture. He was the best and he will be missed greatly by all of us including his dog, Brody.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday April 17th at the Prosper Christian Reformed Church in Falmouth with Rev. Dirk Koetje officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday April 16th at Prosper CRC from 4-7pm and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Burial will take place in the Vogel Center Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the service at the church.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Lake City Primary Care, Munson Hospital of Cadillac, Quiet Creek AFC, Hospice of Michigan, and Burkholder Family Funeral Home for the amazing care and services provided.
In lieu of flowers please memorial contributions can be made out to Prosper CRC. Thoughts and prayer can be expressed to the family by visiting the online obituary at burkholderfamilyfuneralhome.com