Donald E. Brinkman; Retired Teacher

Donald E. Brinkman, a longtime Sylmar resident who taught school in Granada Hills for 18 years, has died in Northridge. He was 68.

Brinkman died Monday of cancer, his wife, Helen Brinkman, said.

He was born and raised in La Crosse, Wis., and played basketball and tennis during high school. Brinkman served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1941 to 1945, achieving the rank of corporal. He also served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1954 to 1956, achieving the rank of seaman first class.

Three years later, he graduated from Mankato State University in Mankato, Minn., with a bachelor’s degree in social science. He taught high school history for one year in Reno before moving to California, where he settled in Sylmar.

From 1960 to 1968, Brinkman taught history and geography at George K. Porter Junior High School in Granada Hills. He transferred to Granada Hills High School where he taught social studies classes until his retirement in 1978. He also belonged to the Elks Lodge No. 1539 in San Fernando.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years; sons, Russell D. Brinkman and Kerry E. Brinkman of the La Crosse area; and a sister, Ruth M. Jenson of Waukesha, Wis.

A funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Chapel of the Oaks at Eternal Valley Mortuary, 23287 N. Sierra Highway in Newhall, which is handling the arrangements. Burial will follow at Eternal Valley Memorial Park.

Donations may be made in Brinkman’s name to the American Cancer Society, San Fernando Valley unit.