Thorvald Brink Obituary

Thorvald "Tom" W. Brink

Aug 31, 1936 - Jul 21, 2022

Sandusky

Thorvald "Tom" W. Brink, 85, of Sandusky, died Thursday afternoon, July 21, 2022, at Providence Care Center following a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease.

He was born Aug. 31, 1936, in Menominee, Michigan, the son of Axel and Elizabeth (Beyer) Brink. He was a graduate of Menominee High School and earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering. He also took post-graduate classes through University of Toledo. Tom was employed by several aerospace companies over his career and retired from NASA in 1998.

He was an active member of St. Stephen United Church of Christ, serving as Council Member and Past President. He enjoyed being able to help at the annual Sauerkraut Supper, rummage sale, and he traveled with the youth group. He was also a member of the church choir and Firelands Chorus. He helped establish Kinship House. He was a member of Sandusky Yacht Club and also loved to sail. He enjoyed many summers at Briarcrest Swim Club with his family. Following retirement, he transported cars for Victory Honda, consulted for Sierra Lobo, and was a member of NARFE. Traveling with Ruth was also a joy for him, along with working on his cars, bowling, and playing golf.

Tom is survived by his wife, Ruth (Falconer) Brink, whom he married Aug. 30, 1958, in Milwaukee; son, David (Cindy) Brink of Sandusky; three daughters, Lisa (Bryan) Petersen of Berlin Heights, Stephanie (Mark) Balduff of Castalia, and Kristen (Eric) Winkel of Sandusky. He loved spending time with his grandchildren over the years, including Ryan Brink, Andrew Balduff, Joshua Beekman, Emily Fry, Abigail Will, Tyler Beekman, Rachel Cruz, Dylan Winkel, Joseph Petersen, Gabe Balduff, Ethan Winkel, and Gracie Balduff. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Hunter, Carter, Logan, Russell, Aspen, Kane, Cormac, Louie, Georgia, William and Mae; sister, Karen (John) Auwers of Grand Rapids, Michigan; sisters-in-law, Shirley Brink of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Edith Brink of Carpentersville, Illinois; brother-in-law, William (Gene) Olafsen of Irving, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Richard and Robert Brink.

Friends may call 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 29, 2022, at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky. Friends may also visit Saturday, July 30, 2022, from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen United Church of Christ, 905 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky. The Reverend Jerald Fenske will officiate. Inurnment will take place at St. Stephen UCC Columbarium at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to contribute to Tom's memory may do so to the General Fund at St. Stephen UCC, 905 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky, Ohio, 44870.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.