Sharon Kay Brinkman, 70, of Rochester, Minnesota, peacefully passed away on June 19th, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Sharon was born on June 4, 1956, in Austin, Minnesota, to Orville and Donna (DeVriendt) Stoelk. She grew up in Austin and graduated from Austin High School in 1974. After high school, Sharon earned her secretarial certificate from Austin Vo-Tech.

In 1979, Sharon met the love of her life, Leon Brinkman, and they were united in marriage on October 11, 1980, at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Waltham, Minnesota. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and faith, sharing more than 45 years of memories.

Sharon worked as an Administrative Assistant for Thorkelson Services from 1980 until her retirement in 2018. She and Leon welcomed two children, a son, Joseph, and a daughter, Julie. As a family, they enjoyed many camping trips, including a memorable visit to Mount Rushmore and countless weekends spent camping at the family farm.

Sharon will be remembered for her quiet strength, kind heart, and unwavering devotion to her family. Throughout the challenges she faced, she met life with determination, grace, and resilience. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments, and creating lasting memories together.

Sharon enjoyed bowling, creating beautiful crochet projects, and relaxing with a good book. She was also an avid baseball fan who loved cheering on the Minnesota Twins. On Sundays, you could almost always find Sharon watching NASCAR races and rooting for her favorite drivers. She was a faithful member of Ascension Lutheran Church and found comfort and strength in her faith throughout her life.

Sharon is survived by her loving husband, Leon Brinkman; her son, Joseph (Kristin) Brinkman; her daughter, Julie (Crow) Smitherman; her mother, Donna Stoelk; and her five grandchildren: Wyatt, Sydney, Jesse, Lucile, and Beau.

Sharon was preceded in death by her father, Orville Stoelk; her maternal and paternal grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Life for Sharon will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 6th, 2026, at Ascension Lutheran Church, 2207 11th Ave. SE in Rochester, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

In keeping with Sharon's wishes, guests are encouraged to dress casually, as she always appreciated a good pair of jeans.

Sharon's love, kindness, and steadfast spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Sharon's family extends a heartfelt thank you to Seasons Hospice and Adara Home Health for all their compassion and the care that was given to Sharon.

Arrangements entrusted to Macken Funeral Home www.mackenfuneralhom.com