In Memory Of
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Robert Allen Brinker
Seneca, Kansas
04/08/1943 - 03/04/2025
Robert A. “Bob” Brinker, 81, of Seneca, lost his courageous battle against cancer on March 4, 2025 at his home in Seneca with his wife by his side.
Bob was born on April 8, 1943, to Elmer and Luella Hammes Brinker in the heart of Seneca, Kansas. He attended Sts. Peter and Paul Grade and High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1961. Bob’s journey into adulthood led him to Capital City Barber College in Topeka, Kansas, where he honed his skills as a barber. He spent his early professional years working in Overland Park, for Wayne’s Barber Shop and then at Overland Park Barber Shop. At these establishments is where he first became known for his kind demeanor and dedication to his customers.
On January 26, 1963, Bob married Marilyn Woltkamp at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, a love that endured for over 60 years. Together, they raised three sons and built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared memories.
In 1969, Bob returned to Seneca, where he joined his father at Brinker Furniture and Appliance. When the store closed in 1983, he partnered with his brother, Steve, to open Brinker Home Furnishings, a business that became a cornerstone of the local community for nearly three decades until its closing in 2012. Bob was also a dedicated member of the Seneca community, serving on the City Council for a decade from 1973 to 1983. Bob’s life was one that was rooted in family, community, and a love for his work.
Bob had a deep appreciation for baseball, which was reflected in his support and involvement with his three sons—Mark, Darren, and Jason. He cherished every moment spent coaching his boys, from Little League all the way through Legion Baseball. Throughout his life, Bob’s love for gardening brought him joy and peace.
Beyond his family and career, Bob was a man of deep faith and devotion. He was a proud member of Sts. Peter & Paul Parish, where he was a member of the St. Joseph Society. His faith was reflected in his role as a communion minister, lay minister, and usher, positions he held with reverence for many years.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Luella Brinker; an infant brother, Daniel; and his brother, Marvin.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn; three sons: Mark (Stephanie) of Leawood, Darren (Tina) of Shawnee, and Jason of Bloomington, Illinois; as well as three grandsons: Luke, Nathan, and Jack, and five granddaughters: Haylee, Hannah, Natalie, Madeline, and Gabrielle and a great granddaughter Daniela. He is also survived by his brothers, Steve (Bonnie) of Seneca and Larry (Ginger) of Topeka; and his sisters, Nancy Frehe and Myra (Jim) Runnebaum, both of Seneca; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
A rosary will be prayed on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 7 P.M. at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 A.M. on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.
Memorials can be given in Bob’s memory to Sts. Peter and Paul School and/or NVCH in Seneca, sent in care of the family.
A rosary will be prayed on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 7 P.M. at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 A.M. on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.
A rosary will be prayed on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 7 P.M. at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 A.M. on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.
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Condolences
Marilyn,
So sorry to hear your wonderful husband has passed. He was a great individual. May God welcome him with open arms into his Heavenly Kingdom.
Larry & June Bennett
Marilyn and family:
So sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed visiting with Bob when I came home to my Mother’s, Dorthy Huninghake. You were both great neighbors to Mom.
Keep the memories.
Connie (Huninghake) Woodard
Mark, I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing.
My heart aches for you as you grieve his loss. Please know that I am praying fervently for you and your family. With all sincerity, Shaun Wilson Williams
Marilyn and family,
So sorry for the loss of a great guy. I always thought a little of you and Bob and know he will be missed by all. I think of you back on our high school days and the fun all of us had together. It is hard to lose a Spouse and a Father, remember the good times and when you look back you will smile of hiss memory. God bless you all!
Marilyn and family
I am so sorry for your loss. My greatest memories of Bob were the many football and basketball practices and games we shared, especially the state tournament game in Emporia. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marilyn and family, I have always had great respect for Bob. He was a great and steady person who lived his faith. My condolences to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. Now you have so many memories
Marilyn, Mark, Darren, and Jason, my deepest condolences to you and your extended family. my heart goes out to you. my dad was really close friends with Bob , and Steve.
Marilyn, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Now he can rest in peace without pain.
I’m sure you have great memories after so many years together.
Mark and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. May your memories of your amazing Dad get you through this difficult time.
Greg and Cheryl Dew
Marilyn, my heart truly breaks for you!! I saw, felt and witnessed the love you and Bob have for each other!! I will always remember my favorite couple sitting in the waiting room reading their books, novels together!! Absolutely true love!!
Our deepest sympathy to all of the family. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers. He will always ne with you in your hearts
Mark
So sorry to hear about your dad. I am sure that he was very proud of his son’s as well as his entire family. I know how hard it is to lose a family member, you will always have the great memories of him coaching you and being there for you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn, so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. He was one of the best people I have ever known. And you two, my favorite couple. My prayers are with you and your family.
Jim Buser, Class of ’61.