John Frank “Jack” Brinkhaus was born March 8, 1941 in Shakopee, Minn. He was the second of six children born to Clarence and Caroline (Harden) Brinkhaus. Jack peacefully entered eternal life on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.
Jack and Judy Cleveland were married June 16, 1962 and enjoyed 63 years of marriage. Their four children were raised in Minnetonka, Minn. After the children were grown, Jack and Judy moved to Lake O’Dowd in Shakopee and enjoy 25 years living on the lake before moving into Shakopee.
Jack was a very kind and gentle man. He grew up in Chaska, Minn., attended Guardian Angels High School, and he enjoyed his friends and time in school. Jack began his career at Honeywell, and then he finished his career at the City of Orono, first as foreman of Public Works, and finally 20-plus years as Superintendent of Public Works.
Jack also enjoyed volunteering with Scott County, driving people to doctors appointments. He loved the Lord and served as an usher at mass for many years. After retirement in 2003, Jack and Judy enjoyed traveling. They visited many places, several winters in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., several countries in Europe, many areas in Mexico, and in Asia, including Bali, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. They also enjoyed several cruises.
Jack is survived by his wife, Judy; children, Kimberly (Robert) Jensen, Michael (Dee), Chris (Shelly), and David (Trisha); eight grandchildren, Andrew, Melinda, Kevin, Kellie, Abby, Amanda, Morgan, and Jack; six great grandchildren, Harper, Austyn, Michael, Clayton, Rose and Navy; brother, Tom (Sharon); sisters, Carol Fahey, and Mary Brinkhaus; sister-in-law, Margaret Brinkhaus; brother-in-law, Ken (Linda) Cleveland; special extended family, Alison, Gary, Jason, Trevor, Jordan, David, Aiden, and Evelyn; many other relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his father and mother, Clarence Brinkhaus and Caroline Brinkhaus; brothers and sisters-in-law, Don (Karen) and Stan (Patty); and brother-in-law, Ron Cleveland.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at 11 a.m. with Visitation from 10 to 11 a.m., all at The Parish of Saints Joachim and Anne, St. Mary Of The Purification Catholic Church, 15850 Marystown Rd., Shakopee, with Reverend Frankie Floeder presiding. A luncheon will be held in the church social hall following mass. Burial will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Guardian Angels Catholic Cemetery, in Chaska.
The family would like to extend thanks to all the caring staff at both Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, and St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee.
Remembrances may be donated to a charity of your choice in Jack’s name.