Helen L. Brinkoetter's Obituary
Decatur – Helen L. (Child) Brinkoetter, 97, of Decatur, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at Imboden Creek Living Center.
Helen was born September 30, 1918 in Omaha, Nebraska the daughter of Walter E. and Lillian (Burns) Child. Helen married Robert “Bob” Brinkoetter on February 14, 1942 at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Springfield Illinois. Helen and Bob, the love of her life, shared 29 beautiful years together prior to his death in 1971. Helen was a lifetime member of Ss. James and Patrick Catholic Church and St. Elizabeth Society.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Stephen and Lillian Child, husband Robert (Bob) Brinkoetter, sons, Jerry and Rich Brinkoetter, sister, Mercedes (Child) Holloway, brother, Stephen Child, Grandchildren, Matthew Brinkoetter and Kevin Reynolds, Great Grandchildren, Oliver Bruns and Jason Brinkoetter.
Surviving are her children, Joanne (Joe) Smith, Kansas City, MO., Robert “Bob” Brinkoetter, Springfield, IL., Margaret “Peggy” Phipps, Decatur, Il., John (Martha) Brinkoetter, Marco Island, FL., Ted (Barb) Brinkoetter, Decatur, IL., Susan Brinkoetter Bird, Decatur, IL., Helen is also survived by her niece, Christine (Holloway) Garrison of Flagstaff, AZ., 30 Grandchildren, 40 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild.
Visitation will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, February 29th 2016 at Holy Family Catholic Church followed by Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate her life at 12 PM Monday, February 29, 2016 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Very Rev. Joseph M. Molloy, V.F., celebrant. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Decatur. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Teresa Catholic High School, Ss. James and Patrick Catholic Church, Catholic Charities or donor of their choice.
Helen was a devoted wife and mother, and was extremely passionate about raising her children and making her house a home. She took great pride in cooking and baking for her family for many years. She opened her heart to everyone throughout her entire life including our exchange student Angelica from Chili. She dearly loved watching all of her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren grow and mature into faith filled and loving individuals. Helen’s legacy is her faith, her gentle kindness, love of her family and her pillar of strength. Later in life Helen graduated as an LPN and continued her passion for helping others. She enjoyed her years as a substitute teacher at St .James Catholic School as well as working as a secretary at Imboden Creek Living Center.
The family would like to thank in a special way the wonderful staff at Imboden Creek Gardens and Imboden Creek Living Center for taking such great care of their mother, Saint Helen. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Anthony T. McCormack and Dr. Quershi for their genuine caring and kindness.
The Brinkoetter family is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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