Geneva M. (Meyer) Brink

Geneva Brink of Hermann, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, April 8, at her home with family by her side. 

Geneva was born on December 8, 1918, to Charles and Clara (Schneider) Meyer at a farm near Bay, Missouri. Geneva attended the Weidemann School. 

She married Arno Brink on August 10, 1938, and they lived in the Bay area where they farmed and Arno taught school. In 1948 they moved to a farm on the Old Iron Road that had been settled by Geneva’s great-grandparents, Friedrich and Catherine (Buddemeyer) Kemper. When they retired in 1989, they “moved to town” and lived in Hermann for the rest of their lives.

Geneva was a farm wife and made a home for her family. She was a talented seamstress and created clothing, curtains, and quilts for her family and friends. 

Geneva was active at St. Paul UCC in Hermann where she participated in the Women’s Fellowship, quilted, and sang alto in the choir. Over the years she also contributed her time and talents to many community organizations, including Frene Valley 4-H Club, Historic Hermann, the Maifest, and Gasconade County Historical Society. One of her favorite volunteer jobs was being the on-call seamstress at the Showboat Theatre where she sat in the front row for every performance with her sewing kit in hand, ready for any clothing emergencies. She was also the “chaperone” of the bell choir at St. Paul, where she was known as “Bell Choir Momma.”

During her retirement, Geneva enjoyed travel to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and from coast to coast in the United States, visiting all states but four. Some of her adventures included ziplining in her 80s and 90s and a hot air balloon ride to celebrate her 100th birthday.

Geneva is survived by her daughter, Mary Kunstmann, her son-in-law, Ken Kunstmann, grandchildren Allan (Michele) Kunstmann and Julie (Michael) Aguirre, and great-grandson Trey Aguirre. She also leaves beloved nieces and nephews, Elda (Jack) Myers, John (Jo) Humason, Tammy (Joe) Becker, Richard (Linda) Humason, Rob (Patty) Humason, and a cousin, Don Figler. She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, a sister and brother-in-law, Bernadine & Jim Humason, and by many other friends and relatives.

A memorial service and lunch will be held at St. Paul UCC on Saturday, April 15, at 11 am. Those attending are invited to wear or bring a garment that Geneva made for them. Memorials may be to St. Paul Cemetery Association of Bay, Missouri, or to Hermann St. Paul UCC Music.