Larry J. Brinker

Larry J. Brinker, 83, of Topeka, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Prairie Wind Senior Living in Berryton, Kansas.

He was born December 8, 1941, in Seneca, Kansas, to Elmer B. Brinker and Luella J. (Hammes) Brinker. Larry graduated from Saints Peter and Paul High School and attended Washburn University.

Larry served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1962.

He married Virginia “Ginger” Marie Hurla on September 23, 1961, in Baileyville, Kansas. They have celebrated 64 years together. She survives of the home.

Larry was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church and a 3rd degree Knight of Columbus. He loved all sports and officiated basketball, baseball, and football games. He was also a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan and enjoyed playing slow-pitch softball for many years. He took great pride in maintaining his home and doing yardwork.

Larry worked for the United States Postal Service as a Postal Clerk.

Other survivors include his sons, Brian Brinker and wife Susan, Kevin Brinker and wife Carissa; grandchildren, Shaun Brinker, Shane Brinker, Austin Brinker, Shea Brinker, Devin Brinker, Zach Brinker, Jordan Brinker, and Cara Lassman; great grandchildren, Emma, Stormie, Easton, Olivia, and Arianna; siblings, Nancy Frehe, Steve Brinker, and Myra Runnebaum.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Bob Brinker, Danny Brinker, and Marvin Brinker.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 20, at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Topeka, Kansas, from 9:00am to 10:00am, with a rosary prayed at 10:00am, and a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am.

Memorial contributions should be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.