LORANE ?LARRY? ROBERT BRINKMAN, age 88, of Luverne, died Thursday, August 28, 2008, at his home in Luverne. He was born May 12, 1920, in Worthington, to Henry J. and Paulina (Bultman) Brinkman. He attended elementary school, completing eight grades, in what was then rural Dist. #98, Nobles County, near his family?s farm in rural Fulda. Larry attended Worthington High School, Worthington Community College, and the University of Minnesota, where he received his degree in Mortuary Science. He was first employed at Billman Mortuary, in Minneapolis, and moved from there to Flandreau, SD, where he entered into a partnership with his uncle, C.C. Eikenberry in the furniture business. In September of 1942, Larry joined the United States Navy, bringing about the dissolution of the partnership. After six months of training with the Navy, he was transferred to the Marine Corps. in Camp LeJuene, NC, where he was assigned to the Fleet Marine Force. Larry returned to America after having been transferred to the US Navy Amphibious Forces. He was honorably discharged on December 31, 1945. In January of 1946, Larry came to Luverne to take employment at Smith Furniture Store & Funeral Home. He married Neva Lucille Smith, daughter of Forrest & Nettie Smith, on April 4, 1948. The couple lived in Luverne. Larry became store manager and eventually the owner. The funeral home part of the business was sold to Chester Holm in February of 1956. The furniture business was sold to Mike Hesch in May of 1983, after which Larry retired. The church has always played a significant role in Larry?s life. He was baptized at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, in Worthington, and he attended summer religious school at the American Lutheran Church, also known as the Pfingsten Church, twelve miles southwest of Fulda, where he was also confirmed. After moving to Luverne, Larry became a member of St. John Lutheran Church, where he served in such various capacities as President of the church council, Elder, Trustee, Usher & served on the Centennial Observance Committee. Community service also played an important role in Larry?s life. He served many years as Director of the Luverne Chamber of Commerce. He served as President of the Luverne Industrial Corporation, and as Mayor & Alderman of Luverne. He was a twenty five year member & Past President of the Luverne Rotary Club. Larry is survived by his brother, Erwin (Phyllis) Brinkman, Fulda, MN; one sister,Elva (Allen) Lehnhoff, Ellensburg, WA and twelve nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Neva, in 2003.