Ermina Kay Brinker

Ermina Kay Wilcox was born August 25, 1943, in Montpelier, Idaho. She was the seventh of nine children born to John Cleveland (Cleve) Wilcox and Sarah Mae Williams. Kay passed away of natural causes on Thursday July 2, 2020, surrounded by loved ones.
Kay was raised in Murtaugh, Idaho, and was the valedictorian of Murtaugh High School when she graduated in 1961. She graduated from Idaho State University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Math Education.
Kay became engaged to Carl Brinker on July 17, 1963 at the Motor View Drive-In in Twin Falls, Idaho, when Carl was on leave from the Air Force. They had known each other since they were children.
During her senior year attending ISU, Kay worked in the 'cage' in the girl's locker room at Reed gym to earn the money she used to pay for her wedding.
Kay and Carl were married July 17, 1965. Following a short honeymoon to Sun Valley, Idaho, the newlyweds packed up and moved to Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. Carl would continue to be stationed at Otis Air Force Base for the next two years.
Kay taught math and English in Massachusetts and in Pocatello, Idaho, at Alameda Junior High.
In 1971 she took on her new career as a full-time mom with the birth of their first son, Hans. This career change was further guaranteed when Bo was born in 1973, Tammy in 1976, and Angela in 1980.
The Brinker Family remained in Pocatello until moving to Cabool, Missouri in 1992, where Kay worked as a part-time teacher’s aide and substitute teacher. After six years of southern living, they returned to Idaho in 1998. There they built a handicap-accessible home in Pocatello to help with Carl's disabilities, where they would spend the rest of their lives.
Kay spent her life in the service of others. She was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she made many lifelong friendships. She constantly held church positions where she donated countless hours of her time to lifting other's spirits and helping families in need.
In the last several years Kay has battled and survived multiple recurrences of cancer.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers: Paul, Richard, and Wendell and many other loved ones. On July 8, 2020, she was followed in death by her beloved brother Bob.
Kay is survived by her sons Hans (Ana Paula) Brinker, and Bo (Heather) Brinker and daughters Tammy (Shawn) Trevino, and Angela (Daniel) Moore. She is also survived by her siblings: Glenn (Ethel) Wilcox, Betty Brown, Calvin (Ginny) Wilcox, and Carol (Les) Laughter; as well as sisters-in-law Lucy Wilcox and Patty Wilcox, and also her grandchildren and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Kay took great joy in her grandchildren Karlyn, Carlee, Rylee, Sadie, Paige, Kenna, Eden, Lainey, Charlotte, Henry and Parlee. Also, in Katelyn, Finity, Miranda, Brayson, Braidon, James, Ashley, Hunter, Taylor, Ricki, Tori, Eedie, and many others to whom she was known as “Grandma Kay.”
Carl passed away on Memorial Day, May 28, 2012. Kay was reunited with him on July 2, 2020.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday July 7 at 11am in the Mountain View Cemetery (42W), 1520 S. 5th Ave., Pocatello. Viewing will be held Monday July 6 from 6-8pm in the Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com
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