Karen Brinkman

A Mass of Christian Burial for Karen Jo (Zgabay) Brinkman, 71, of Caldwell is set for 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Caldwell, with Msgr. John Malinowski officiating. Interment will follow at Caldwell Masonic Cemetery. Visitation will be at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, March 5, 2018. Karen went to her heavenly home on March 2, 2018 at her home surrounded by family.

Karen was born January 19, 1947 to Ray Zgabay and Josephine (Prazak) Zgabay in Freeport, Texas. She was raised in Deanville, Tx was where she attended school until she transferred to Caldwell High School. She married Lancier, Brinkman on August 10, 1963 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dime Box, Texas. Karen and Lancier then moved to Austin, Texas where they had their first daughter Kimberly Kay. Karen worked at the Austin State School until 1967 when they moved back to her hometown of Deanville, Texas. In 1984, Karen and Lancier moved to Caldwell, Texas after they had their second daughter Kristy Kice.

Karen was a proud mother and housewife and she worked at the Caldwell Livestock Commission and the Zgabay Ranch Store for many years. In 2008 she shocked her family when she announced she would attend floral school and then opened her own floral business downtown Caldwell, Karen's Floral and Gifts where her family will proudly carry on her legacy.

Karen was a member of SPJST and a lifetime member of KJZT. Karen owned and operated Karen's Floral in Caldwell since 2008. She loved flowers and everything to do with home decor. Karen's real love from the flower shop came from observing the joy in others when she would deliver an arrangement. Karen had a knack for finding humor in every situation. She liked dancing, fishing, camping at the river, going to the beach, traveling, dominoes, family occasions, checking the cows, and visiting with friends at Zgabay Ranch. Karen especially loved her grandchildren and fur babies, Boo Boo, and Sparky. Karen will always be remembered for her love of life, her pink lipstick and bright smile, and her blingy caps.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents.

Karen is survived by her husband of 54 years Lancier Brinkman of Caldwell; daughters and son-in-law, Kimberly Kay Brinkman of Austin, Kristy Kice & Kevin Scarmardo of Caldwell; sister Lurae Raska Zgabay of Needville, Texas; grandchildren, Taylor, Chase, and Karson Scarmardo of Caldwell; Nieces & Nephews, Chase Raska, Cheyenne Miller, Douglas Brinkman, Marcilynn League, Keith Brinkman, Lisa Blum, Dene Brinkman, Dawn Robertson, and Dara Stone; Aunt Lourine Churchill; and her friend of 54 years Madilyn Dunlap.

Pallbearers will be Kenny Moore, Greg Tarnowski, Larry Blum, Curtis Schoppe, Fritz Wolz, and Chase Raska. Honorary Pallbearers will be Richard Zgabay, Danny Sanchez, Bob Knittel, Chris Zgabay, Mike Kubena, Archie Kubena, Charlie Armstrong, Mark Watson, Willie Hauck, Roger Hauck, Tommy Matus, Andy Hovorak, and John Albrecht.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Cancer Center Bryan, Tx or St. Mary's Catholic Church Caldwell, Tx.

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