Eugene J. Brinkman passed away early Sunday morning at the age of 95.  Eugene was a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed.  He attended Trinity Lutheran School and Thornton Fractional High School. Eugene enlisted as a paratrooper in the United States Army on March 22, 1943.  He trained in Arkansas and North Carolina, and then he was sent overseas to Italy where he was wounded on May 1, 1944. After his recovery, he participated in the invasion of southern France. On August 22, 1944, he was seriously wounded and was hospitalized for five months in Naples, Italy. Eugene was awarded the purple heart decoration with three stars.  Later, he was promoted to corporal and remained in Europe until 1946. He worked in the army motor pool driving trucks and dispatching vehicles.

Upon his return to Lansing, Illinois, Eugene worked for the Simmons Mattress Company in Munster. Indiana. He enjoyed his breakfasts at Golden Crown and liked to hang out at the VFW. He remained in the Lansing area and lived in his original homestead up until five years ago.

Eugene is preceded in death by his brother, Robert Brinkman(Beryl), his sister Patricia Schramm(Thomas) and nephew Michael Schramm. He is survived by his nephew Brad Brinkman(Karen), great nieces and nephews Belinda Georgeff(Chris), Kelli, Kevin, Sarah, and Brett; his nephew Brent Brinkman(Karen), great niece and nephew Jeff and Jeanie Smith(Scott); his nephew Dan Schramm(Kim), great nieces Danielle and Emily; his niece Barbara Clark(Paul), great niece and nephews Robert Sturk(Robyn), Daniel Sturk, and Kristy Tallent (Wesley); his niece Lori Cartmill(Steve), great nieces and nephews Cory Cartmill(Briana) Joelle Martenson(Chris); and his niece Beverly Schweitzer(Jeff) and great niece and nephew Brandon and Alyssa. Eugene will have a private burial at Oak Glen Cemetery on Saturday, November 2, 2019.