Obituaries

ROBERT GARNET BRILINSKI

July 20, 1939 – Sept. 17, 2024

Robert Garnet Brilinski, age 85, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024.

Robert was born July 20, 1939, in Alpena, to the late Russell Robert and Dolores Onilee (Cameron) Brilinski. He graduated from Alpena High School in 1957. Robert worked at Don's Food Market and A&P Grocery Store before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1960. He served in the United States Air Force and was stationed at 4756 Air Base Group, Tyndall AFB, Florida (ADC), where he assisted in processing personnel during "William Tell 1962", "The Cuban Missile Crisis." This was in addition to his current duties. He was also stationed at 12 Combat Support Group, Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, Vietnam (PACAF) from 4 Oct 1965 to 4 Oct 1966. He was also stationed at 437 Air Base Group, Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Robert was also stationed at 379 Combat Support Group, Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan. On June 19, 1976, he married Lila Mae Thompson. She preceded him in death on May 4, 2019. Robert worked at Thunder Bay Manufacturing as a truck driver, retiring in 2001.

Robert was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. He enjoyed walking his dog, camping, traveling by car, spending winters in Davenport, Fla., and taking cruises. Especially, the Hawaii cruise where he and his wife, Lila, went to see the USS Arizona memorial and went to a luau.

Surviving are his three children, Donna Brilinski, Julie (Anthony) Lee; son, Nelson Brilinski; stepdaughter, Linda (Nick) Wagner; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; four siblings, Joan (Curt) Eagle, Carol (Ron) Pohl, David (Joyce) Brilinski, Sheri (Ralph) Prena; sister-in-law, Shelby Badder Brilinski Schultz; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Also survived by Lucy Jane Stevens Brilinski Lott, mother of two of his children, Donna Brilinski and Julie Brilinski Lee.

Mr. Brilinski was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Brilinski.

Memorial visitation will be held Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church from 10 a.m. until the memorial service at noon with the Rev. James Erickson officiating. Military honors will be accorded him by Alpena V.F.W. Post 2496. Cremation arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.

Inurnment: Evergreen Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Huron Humane Society, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Alpena Senior Citizens Center.