Gary L. Brinkmeier , age 77, of Pearl City, IL passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at his home. He was born in Freeport, IL on October 1, 1948 to the late Kenneth and Viola (Snapp) Brinkmeier. Gary married Sylvia Shaffer on January 16, 1970.

Gary graduated from Pearl City High School in 1966 and Highland Community College in 1968. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Gary was a member of the Freeport VFW and the American Legion for 56 years. He was also a member of the Owls Club and the Pearl City Methodist Church. He was very proud of taking the Quad Cities Honor Flight in November of 2022 with his daughter Lynnetta, his brother Steve, and his niece Jamie. After purchasing the business from his father, Gary owned and operated Brinkmeier Plumbing with his brother Steve for over 55 years. He enjoyed bowling, boating, fishing, and watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and grand dogs.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sylvia Brinkmeier of Pearl City; his son, Ryan (Shirley) Brinkmeier of Dekalb; his daughter, Lynnetta (Tim) Greenfield of Forreston; his grandchildren, Chase (Makenzie Fink) Greenfield, Hailey Greenfield, Kaitlin Brinkmeier and Dominick Brinkmeier; his brothers, Steve (Pam) Brinkmeier of Pearl City and Norm (Mary) Brinkmeier of Lanark; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws; and two brothers-in-law, Forest and Harry.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at Pearl City Methodist Church at 12:00 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Highland Cemetery in Pearl City. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Gary's name for the Quad Cities Honor Flight.