Suzanne K. Brinkman

Suzanne Koehler Brinkman was born in Geneva NE on January 31, 1929 to Ben and Virginia Koehler and went to meet her Lord on March 8, 2024 at 95 years and 37 days. Suzanne, (Suzi, or Suz as she was known by some) grew up at 1032 H St in a house filled with music, laughter and love. Her father, Ben G Koehler, played the piano and encouraged singing and listening to music. Family social activity centered around the piano with both solo and group singing encouraged. Her love of music followed her throughout her life. Suzanne participated in all musical and drama activities offered at Geneva Public Schools and the Congregational Church. Music lessons, practicing the piano and singing were all part of daily life. After graduation from Geneva High School in 1947, Suzanne entered the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and joined the Delta Gamma sorority. Suzanne enrolled in UNL’s School of Music with a major in voice and a minor in piano. During her college years, she sang with the Westminster Presbyterian Church Choir and did solo work also. Her college credits include being featured in Coed Follies, female lead in the musical “Good News”, soloist with the UNL Band on Ivy Day, directing the social sorority chorus, and being a member of the Sigma Alpha Iota music sorority. The capstone of her college career was being elected to an Honorarium upon graduation. Suzanne married William K Brinkman on May 21, 1951 in this same Church. With the Korean war going on, Bill and Suzanne lived on Army bases near August GA and Franklin IN. Cynthia Lee was born while they stationed at Franklin in September 1952. Karl Koehler was born at Hebron NE in July 1954 followed by Barthold James, also born at Hebron, in November 1957. The family lived on a farm southeast of Shickley, about mile and half from town, SE ¼ 7-5-3. The family became members of the Shickley United Methodist Church. Suzanne took an active part in the Church Choir and started a Junior Choir. Over the years, Suzanne sang for countless weddings, funerals and civic events in the area. In the mid 70’s she was had a role in the Thayer County Theatre production of “Man of La Mancha”. Following her divorce in 1978, Suzanne lived and worked in Omaha NE as a Substance Abuse Counselor for 10 years with Methodist Health Systems. While in Omaha, she took advantage of living in the city and became an ardent concert and theatre fan. She held season tickets for the Omaha Symphony Chamber Orchestra, the Omaha Pop Series and Omaha Opera. She attended many Omaha Playhouse productions and enjoyed the visual arts at the Joslyn Art Gallery and local art shows. Suzanne transferred to Methodist Health Systems satellite clinic at Mary Lanning Hospital in 1988. While in Hastings she enjoyed the Hastings Symphony and Hastings Community Playhouse. In 1990 Suzanne retired and made a full circle by returning to Geneva, her hometown. She again became an active member of the Geneva United Church of Christ participating in the Church Choir and Bell Choir. She also was active member in many community organizations. A short list would be the Geneva Arts Council and the PEO Philanthropic organization. While back in Geneva, Suzanne enjoyed many trips with the GSB Ambassador Club, directed by her first cousin, Alice Tatro. She also enjoyed many extended stays with Cynthia, Steve and Matt in New Mexico. Preceding her in death were parents, Ben and Virginia Koehler, daughter Cynthia Brinkman Jackson and brother in law, Robert E Knoll. Surviving members of her family are her sister, Virginia Knoll, son Karl (Marge) Brinkman, son Bart (Mary) Brinkman, son in law Steve Jackson, grandson Matt Jackson, grandson Adam (Kara) Brinkman, grandson Andrew (Katee), granddaughter Arielle Brinkman-Ford (Layne Ford) and granddaughter Anna. Surviving great grandchildren are Cora and Oren (Adam), Piper and Stella (Andrew), Ophelia and Ivy (Arielle). She is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service for Suzanne will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Geneva, Nebraska with Kim Dunker presiding. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Farmer & Son Funeral Home in Geneva, Nebraska. Private Family Graveside Services will be held prior to the Memorial Service at the Geneva Public Cemetery in Geneva, Nebraska. Memorials are to be directed to the First Congregational United Church of Christ. Farmer & Son Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.

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Suzanne K. Brinkman

January 31, 1929 - March 8, 2024