Randall (Randy) Ray Brinkmeier , 77, of Freeport, Illinois, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on November 1, 2025. He was born on October 20, 1948 to Donald and Marietta (Hoffman) Brinkmeier in Freeport. Randy attended Pearl City grade school and was a graduate of Freeport High School in 1969.

He began working at Kelly-Springfield Tire Company in 1968, retiring in 2004. In the 70's, while also employed at Kelly-Springfield, he owned and operated a Texaco gas station in Freeport. He was a hard worker his entire life.

Randy loved cars, and his primary hobbies reflected that passion -- building street rods, attending car shows, and cruising with friends. His favorite project was his current one, a 1939 Chevy coupe, for which he fabricated his own parts. He was also an avid collector of vintage gas station memorabilia, including signs, pumps, and oil cans.

Playful and lighthearted, Randy enjoyed card games, especially euchre; sharing laughter with family and friends; and getting into shenanigans now and then. He also loved to dance and had a helpful spirit, willing to help anyone who needed assistance. Randy was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Freeport.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Rita (Peterson) Brinkmeier; numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law; and a large extended family. He is preceded in death by his father, Donald; his mother, Marietta; brothers Jim Brinkmeier and Daryl Brinkmeier; and mother-in-law and father-in-law John and Vera Peterson.

Services are planned for Saturday, November 8th at Hermann Funeral Home, 407 South Main Street in Pearl City. Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 11:00 am with the funeral to immediately follow. Burial will be at Ebenezer-Salem United Church of Christ, 5421 South Stone Church Road, Pearl City, IL.