Lisa Brinkman
Alton | Save
Lisa J. Brinkman, 55, of Alton passed away on Sunday May 31, 2026 at Alton Memorial Hospital.
She passed peacefully with family and friends by her side after battling Type 1 Diabetes for 50 years. Born September 28, 1970 in Alton, IL, she graduated from Alton High School in 1988, before earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing from SIUE University in 1992.
She married John Brinkman in 1994. He survives along with her mother Phyllis Whitehead, sister Leanne Whitehead (and her husband Richard Major). Also surviving is her sister-in-law Sissy Cairns and her husband Ron Cairns, brother-in-law Steve and wife Rhonda Brinkman, brother-in-law Tom Brinkman. Along with nephews, Andrew Brinkman and Nathan Cairns and nieces Elizabeth (Libby) Brinkman, Shayde and Ella Major, and Cousin Sherri Pate.
She is preceded in death by her father, Lee Whitehead, and sister-in-law, Krystal Brinkman, her cousin Randy Pate. Her pets that crossed the rainbow bridge, dogs Petey, Skippy and Bodie, her cats Miss Kitty and Miss Sophie.
Lisa worked as a Dialysis nurse for over 20 years. She really enjoyed spending quality time with her family, playing cards, and swimming. She also enjoyed creating memories that will last forever with her nursing friends. Oh, the stories that they share.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Alton or the National Kidney Foundation. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Johnson’s Corner on State Street at 1 p.m.
Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.
Gent Funeral Home
