Geneva Brink

1918-2023

Posted

Geneva Brink, 104, of Hermann, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at her home with family by her side.

Geneva was born on Dec. 8, 1918, to Charles and Clara (Schneider) Meyer at a farm near Bay. Geneva attended the Weidemann School.

She was united in marriage to Arno Brink, Aug. 10, 1938, and they lived in the Bay area where they farmed and Arno taught school. In 1948, they moved to a farm on the Old Iron Road that had been settled by Geneva’s great-grandparents, Friedrich and Catherine (Buddemeyer) Kemper. When they retired in 1989, they “moved to town” and lived in Hermann for the rest of their lives.

Geneva was a farm wife and made a home for her family. She was a talented seamstress and created clothing, curtains, and quilts for her family and friends.

Geneva was active at St. Paul UCC in Hermann where she participated in the Women’s Fellowship, quilted, and sang alto in the choir. Over the years she also contributed her time and talents to many community organizations, including Frene Valley 4-H Club, Historic Hermann, the Maifest and Gasconade County Historical Society. One of her favorite volunteer jobs was being the on-call seamstress at the Showboat Theatre where she sat in the front row for every performance with her sewing kit in hand, ready for any clothing emergencies. She was also the “chaperone” of the bell choir at St. Paul, where she was known as “Bell Choir Momma.”

During her retirement, Geneva enjoyed travel to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and from coast to coast in the United States, visiting all states but four. Some of her adventures included ziplining in her 80s and 90s and a hot air balloon ride to celebrate her 100th birthday.

She was preceded in death by husband, Arno; parents, Charles and Clara; sister and brother-in-law, Bernadine and Jim Humason; and by many other friends and relatives.

Geneva is survived by daughter, Mary Kunstmann; son-in-law, Ken Kunstmann; grandchildren, Allan (Michele) Kunstmann and Julie (Michael) Aguirre; great-grandson Trey Aguirre; nieces and nephews, Elda (Jack) Myers, John (Jo) Humason, Tammy (Joe) Becker, Richard (Linda) Humason and Rob (Patty) Humason; and cousin, Don Figler.

A memorial service and lunch will be held at St. Paul UCC on Saturday, April 15, at 11 a.m. Those attending are invited to wear or bring a garment that Geneva made for them. Memorials may be to St. Paul Cemetery Association of Bay or Hermann St. Paul UCC Music. Arrangements were under the direction of Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, Hermann.