Joseph Robert Brinker

Joseph Robert Brinker, age 77, of Fort Wayne, died Friday, July 26, 2019.  Mr. Brinker was born January 6, 1942 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Joseph T. and Helen M. (Pulver) Brinker.  He graduated from Hoagland High School in 1960 and entered into the United States Navy honorably serving his country from 1961-1965 on the USS Bushnell at Key West, Florida.  Upon his return from the service, he married Rita Marie Maldeney on September 23, 1967 at the St. Joseph Hessen Cassel Catholic Church, Fort Wayne.  He was employed for 37 years with Zollner Piston Corporation, Fort Wayne in the quality control department before retiring in 2001. Joe was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus #451, and Moose Lodge #1480.  He was an avid horticulturalist and member of the Indiana Nut Growers Association.  He enjoyed ushering at the Notre Dame Football games.  Joe loved being a grandpa to his six grandchildren.  He was a great story teller and card shark.  He loved fishing, gardening, grafting fruit trees and woodworking.  His parting will leave a void in the lives of those who loved him and he will be sadly missed.  

Survivors include:
Wife, Rita (Maldeney) Brinker of Fort Wayne.
Daughter, Joann Brinker-Mannelly and her husband, Joe Mannelly of Savage, Minnesota.
Daughter, Lillian and Michael Morris of Cicero, Indiana.
Daughter, Kimberly and Eric Knittle of Fort Wayne.
Six grandchildren: Edward Morris, Joseph Morris and Jack Morris all of Cicero; Autumn Knittle, Owen Knittle and Andie Knittle all of Fort Wayne.
Sister, Rose and Steve Pratt of Auburn.
Brother, Thomas and Marilyn Brinker of Huntertown.
Sister, Rita Brinker.
Brother, George and Linda Brinker of Roanoke.
Sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Brinker of Fort Wayne.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Brinker and sister-in-law, Helen Brinker.  

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 30, 2019 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Ceruti’s Summit Park, 6601 Innovation Blvd, Fort Wayne.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at 10:00 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1502 East Wallen Road, Fort Wayne with visitation one hour prior to the funeral mass.
Burial with military honors will take place at Marion National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to masses or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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