Paul Brinkman

Paul George Brinkman, 87, formerly of LaGrange, Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, and Oak Park, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025, at home at The Breakers at Edgewater Beach in Chicago.

Born in Chicago and raised in LaGrange, Paul graduated from Lyons Township High School and earned his BS from North Central College in Naperville. In1959, one week after his graduation, Paul married his first and only love, Gayle. They were married for 65 years and had four children.

Paul’s first career was at Jewel Food Stores during which he obtained his M.B.A. from Roosevelt University. In 1971, Paul went to work at Chicago State University as a Business Manager, then Director of Purchasing, then Vice President of Administration, and for a time he served as Acting President. While at Chicago State University he earned his C.P.A. In 1984 he became Vice President of Business Operations at Joliet Junior College and retired from there in 1994.

Paul was an extraordinary man who lived a life of love, integrity, and honesty. He was hard-working and humble. He was a very ethical person and a humanitarian. In the mid-1960s, together with Gayle, he co-chaired the LaGrange Interracial Fellowship, where they focused on open housing in the suburbs. During this time, they were honored to have met Martin Luther King, Jr. They also decided to become foster parents and over the next eight years they provided safe harbor to eleven foster children. In 1967 they moved to the Austin neighborhood on the west side of Chicago to work against racially discriminatory practices common in a changing neighborhood, including housing, education, and city services. In retirement, Paul was a volunteer with The Chicago Food Depository for 10 years and then volunteered as a tax preparer at the Center for Economic Development. Paul had a great sense of humor and loved pulling pranks on his kids, who loved it and adopted his ways. Starting in his pre-teen years until late in life Paul was a dedicated and excellent golfer, and played often with his brothers, nephew, and golfing buddies. He golfed whenever and wherever he could, both in the Chicago area, and on vacation. Another passion was playing the piano. He enjoyed playing Gershwin, Cole Porter, Frankie Carle and ragtime. Paul was also a nature and outdoor lover, who enjoyed gardening, swimming, snorkeling, bird watching, canoeing, and hiking. Gayle and Paul were both avid travelers and took many trips, both in the United States and internationally. They enjoyed each other’s company throughout their lives together. Paul loved all his family.

We miss him terribly and feel so fortunate to have had him in our lives. Loving spouse (“Paulie”) of 65 years to Gayle Ann Brinkman (nee Beintema). Devoted father of twin sons Scott and Russell (Darlene Gramigna) Brinkman and daughters Paula (Malcolm Lowe) Brinkman Lowe and Andrea “Annie” (Michael “Tony” Aimone) Brinkman. Proud grandfather of Amanda Escobar Gramigna, Alex Brinkman Gramigna, Isabella and Bruno Aimone, and Frances and Angus Brinkman Lowe and great-grandfather of Daniel Antonio Casillas. Dear brother of Gary and Terry Brinkman. Caring uncle of Steve, Diana, Linda, Dawn, Jamie, Tara, Alyssa, John C., Laura, John P., Rebekah, Sarah, and Mandy and great-uncle to many precious great niblings.

Preceded in death by brother Robert Brinkman, brother-in-law John Beintema, parents Frank William Brinkman and Mildred Caroline Brinkman (nee Helling), and nephew Aaron Brinkman. Adored companion for over forty years to his pet parrot "Booby".

There will be a private gathering and celebration of Paul’s life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Care For Real (https://careforreal.org) or Planned Parenthood (https://www.plannedparenthood.org). Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-370-2959 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.