Robert L. Brintnall

Robert (Bob) L. Brintnall, 90, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, IL. Bob was born June 29, 1922 in Marshalltown IA to Leon & Vera Brintnall. He graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and upon graduation, joined the Navy as an officer and served on the U.S.S Wilkes-Barre in the Pacific theatre during WWII. Returning to the Chicago area following the war, he married Helen Woerner on November 29, 1947. Before her death in 2010, they celebrated 62 years of marriage together. After moving to St. Joseph in 1957, Bob worked for Whirlpool Corporation for over 30 years as a sales executive. Bob enjoyed a long and active retirement, obtaining his pilot’s license and instrument rating at age 56. Flying his plane, “Tango” to visit friends and family was one of his greatest joys. At age 84, when he finally decided to hang up his wings, he was one of the oldest licensed pilots in the country. Bob was also a man of faith, who demonstrated his commitment to Catholic education in many ways. Bob was also a lifelong sports fan who could always be found cheering on his teams, the Chicago Cubs and Bears, the Northwestern Wildcats and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Last, but not least, Bob’s pride and joy was his family. He attended every graduation, and special event. (And there were many). He loved to play his favorite songs on the piano, including duets with each of his grandchildren. His legacy is large and he will be greatly missed. Bob is survived by his three children, Kathryn Brintnall of Hillsborogh, NJ, John (Marsha) Brintnall of Bloomington, MN, and Jim Brintnall of Wheaton, IL; seven grandchildren, Matthew Rudnyanszky, Kevin (Keng) Brintnall, Lisa (Steve) Cronk, Michelle (Brian) Chester, Melanie Brintnall, Kristin Brintnall and Kyle Brintnall; and four great grandchildren, Austin, Sarah, and ??? Cronk and Owen Brintnall. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 A.M. Saturday August 11, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church St., St. Joseph with Msgr. Eugene Sears officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. with prayers recited at 7:00 P.M. Friday, August 10, 2012 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions are preferred and may be made to Lake Michigan Catholic Schools. Those wishing to sign the family guestbook or to leave a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.