Agnes A. Brinker

Agnes A. Brinker, 91, of Washington, passed away on April 26, 2026, surrounded by her family. Agnes, daughter of William Unnerstall and wife Elizabeth nee Buhr was born on November 10, 1934, and was raised in Washington. She received her education from St. Francis Borgia Grade and High School. Agnes had a love for sports, playing volleyball and softball all four years.  She also enjoyed being a coach for softball for young girls.

Agnes worked part time at St Johns Mercy Hospital after school and full time at Fan Photo after graduation.   On April 8, 1953, she was united in marriage to Leonard Brinker at the St. Francis Borgia Church. A family was started and then Leonard was drafted into the Army in June 1953.  While he was gone, Agnes lived with her parents until he returned.  They then bought a farm west of Washington.  She kept the books for her husband’s business, “Leonard’s Appliance”.  She was a stay-at-home mom raising their nine children.  The couple started a large strawberry patch on the farm with the help of their children. People would place orders or pick their own.

Agnes loved to sew, do crafts, crochet and bake.  She made her children’s clothes, stuffed animals and made ornaments every year for her children and grandchildren.  Agnes was especially known for her famous sweet potato bread.  Just recently introducing her chocolate sweet potato bread to her family and friends.  When she went to the doctor, she would take a loaf along to thank them for all they do.  For seventy years, Leonard had a huge garden that Agnes canned enough for her family.  The kids and grandkids loved her dill pickles. 

Mrs. Brinker was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard Brinker; son, Thomas Brinker; brothers, Maurice Unnerstall and wife Janice, Norbert Unnerstall and wife Leola, Leo Unnerstall, and Bernice and Esther Unnerstall and great-grandsons, Kyle Elbert and Calvin Brinker, brother and sister-in-laws Leander Brinker and wife Hilda, Virgil Brinker and wife Katherine, Sylvester Brinker and wife Georgia, Orville Brinker and wife Irene, Odilo Brinker and wife Florence, and Henry Brinker; sisters, Lidwina Schlitt and husband Joe, Eleanor Schlitt and husband Ed, Sister Odilo SSND, Margaret Schade and husband Gilbert, and Olga Kreinkamp and husband Ray,

Among her survivors are her sons, Jerry Brinker and wife Peggy, Tony Brinker and wife Tammy, Ray Brinker and wife Mary, and Matt Brinker and wife Debbie; daughters, Pat Long and husband Tom, Debbi Roetheli and husband Dave, Mardie Jasper and husband Mark, and Lucy Gildehaus and husband Mitch; sister-in-laws, Theola Unnerstall and Grace Brinker; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A visitation will be held on April 30, 2026, from 3-8 p.m, with a rosary at 2:30 at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at St. Francis Borgia Church. Interment will be held at the St. Francis Borgia Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Friends of Kids with Cancer, vEDS-Ehlers Danlos Society, or the Children’s Heart Foundation as these conditions have affected her great-grandchildren.

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