Arend Brinks - Rochester

ROCHESTER — Arend Brinks, 76 of Rochester, died Thursday evening, May 13, 2010, following a short illness, at Rochester Methodist Hospital.

Arend was born August 22, 1933, in Deventer, the Netherlands. On May 2, 1957, he married Gertie Molenaar in the Netherlands. In 1957 they came to the United States and resided in Rochester. Gertie passed away August 8, 1992. Arend later married Helen Miner-Brinks on April 26, 1997, in Rochester.

Arend had a 40-year career with Rochester Orthopedic Appliances and was manager for 10 of those years. Helen was a Registered Nurse, retiring in 2005.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Bert (Mary) Brinks, of North Mankato, Minn., and Jerry (Jo) Brinks, of Holmen, Wis.; two step-daughters, Ann (Gerry) Smith, of Rockford, Ill., and Laura (Roger) Repetto, of Concord, Calif.; five grandchildren, Jason, Deanna, Andy, Sam and Ben Brinks; four step-grandchildren, Chloe and Philip Smith, and Olivia and Julian Repetto; one brother-in-law, Gerrit (Jean) Molenaar; two sisters-in-law, Johanna (Marty) Kling and Heidi Brinks; and his nieces and nephews.

Arend was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Arend had been active in the Boy Scouts for many years, and he was one of the first coaches in the Rochester Youth Soccer Association. He loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events and musical performances.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 17, at Evangel United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jeff Utecht officiating. There will be a private family burial at a later date.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 16, at Macken Funeral Home, and one hour before the service on Monday at the church.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.