Ralph Temme Brinkman

September 16, 1935 – January 30, 2022

Ralph Temme Brinkman of St. Louis, Missouri passed away on January 30, 2022 at the age of 86.

Ralph was born in St. Louis, Missouri on September 16, 1935, to Bernard and Irene (Temme) Brinkman. He attended St. Gabriel’s Grade School and Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from St. Louis University and was subsequently licensed as a Certified Public Accountant.

Ralph served as an Airman First Class in the Missouri Air National Guard and was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis in 1961-62. He had many fond memories of his travels in Europe during that time.

Ralph’s career in accounting started at a brokerage firm and concluded at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In retirement, he enjoyed applying brokerage lessons learned, which kept him very sharp.

Ralph was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, and he passed on this enthusiasm to his sons and grandchildren. He also enjoyed attending Rams football and Billiken basketball games and playing golf and cards with friends and family. Ralph was a selfless, generous man and a devoted father and grandfather, and he was loved by many.

Ralph is survived by his sons, Edward (Carol) and William (Marie), and his four grandchildren, Jenna, Rachel, Sydney, and Beckett. He is also survived by his sister, Joan (Paul) Kutz, brother, Don, nieces, Kathleen (Michael) Rock and Christine (Bryan) Rausch, nephews John (Anna) Kutz and Timothy (Catherine) Kutz, and former spouse Anita Volas Brinkman. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Ryan.

Per Ralph’s wishes, a private cemetery service is planned for family members. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date when COVID-19 rates decrease, and it is safe to gather.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to:

BJC Foundation: https://www.foundationbarnesjewish.org/How-to-Give

or

School Sisters of Notre Dame: https://ssnd.org/partner-us/gift/