Wanda Brink Garnica

Wanda Brink Garnica, age 89, of Quincy, died on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 in her home. She was born on September 3, 1930 in Davenport, IA, the daughter of Richard and Mabelle (Engel) Fuller. She married Herbert T. Brink, Jr., on April 15, 1950. He preceded her in death on June 22, 1977. She later married Joseph ‘Gabe’ Garnica. He preceded her in death on October 17, 2009.

Over the years, Wanda worked at the CYO and then later at the Illinois Veterans Home. She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church. Wanda was an avid reader and a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She is survived by:
HER CHILDREN: Jane Luke of Broadview Heights, OH; Ted Brink (Jan) of Omaha, NE; Gary Brink of Quincy; Kay Harland (Denny) of Altona, IL; Carol Hoffman and her husband Steve of Stoutsville, MO; Jim Brink of Quincy; Ruth Siebers (Ted) of Quincy and Dan Brink (Laurie) also of Quincy.
GRANDCHILDREN: John Luke, Dan Luke, Jennifer Brink, Ryan Brink (Karen), Beth Hammer (Mike), Kari Sharer (Adam), Drew Hoffman (Sarah), Alex Hoffman, Rachael Brink, Abbie Dzara (Stefan), Angela Ehrgott (Nick), Zach Siebers (Maggie), Natalie Siebers, Emily Brink (Jake Tadeo) and Cpt. Evan Brink.
SIBLINGS: Ruth Deutsch and John Owens (Barb).
Numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

Wanda was also preceded in death by her parents, 2 grandsons: Jim Luke and Matt Brink and sons-in-law: Gary Harland and Douglas Luke and a daughter in law: Kimberly Brink.

Wanda’s motto was, “I did it my way.”

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, there will be a private Mass of Christian Burial for Wanda. The funeral mass will be broadcast live at 9:00 a.m. Monday, April 27, 2020 on the St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church website: stfrancissolanus.com.
Interment will take place at Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery, Davenport, IA. The family wishes to thank all their friends and family for their love and support during this time. Please be with us in prayer and feel free to send a card or note to the family directly or through the funeral home. Donations may be made to St. Francis School or to Quincy Notre Dame in Wanda’s memory. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

29 Comments

  1. Mark Schuering on November 16, 2022 at 5:05 pm

    Ted, Dan and ALL the Brinks, I have such fond memories of your Mom. As Ted will recall, your Mom, Wanda (“Sprocket”) was such a fun, funny, great Mom. Ted & I enjoyed visiting during our “escapes” from CB at her CYO Office. My genuine & heartfelt condolences. God Bless your Mom and your entire Family. Mark Schuering

  2. Carolyn Medina on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    To the Wanda Garnica Family. Please accept my sincere your mothers passing. I just learned of this today. My husband Felix Medina and Gabe were life long friends. We often visited your mom and Gabe in Davenport. We really enjoyed time spent with them. I’m very saddened to learn Wanda has passed away.

  3. Tom Barnes on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    My Thoughts and Prayers go out to all of you. Your mother was a treasure. I knew Wanda and your whole family when you lived next to my grandmother on lind street. God bless

  4. Jay Grawe on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Wanda was a great lady who is now resting with Jesus!

  5. Anonymous on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm
  6. Mary Davis on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Over 11 years ago Wanda took my son and I into her heart with no questions asked her and Gabe did the only garnica that did I met a few of her family she was always proud of her kids they all made something of themselves she would say I absolutely loved her and our talks she did her own thing and she said her own thing I love that she was a wonderful woman and I will miss her but she told me not to be sad she lived a full life she was ready to go I’m glad I got the privilege of knowing her my thoughts and prayers go out to the brink family

  7. Marcia and Ken on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Jane, Ted, Gary, Kay, Carol, Jim Dan and Ruth, we are so sorry about the passing of your mom. Please accept our sincere sympathy. We will remember her and your family in our prayers. We will be joining you via podcast this morning.

  8. Malinda on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Wanda was my go to gal when we moved to College Ave. back in 1984.. she was a blessing.. when ever I couldn’t find my youngest, I always found him and her sitting on her back steps having a treat.. fly high in paradise Wanda…prayers to the entire family for peace and comfort…

  9. Tom and Jane Deters on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    So sorry for your loss
    Tom and Jane

  10. Laurie Edmondson on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Wanda was a hoot. We worked together at Vets Home for many. She never minced words and you knew how she felt about you. Even though we were working, we still had a lot of fun. It was never the same after she retired, just as the world will not be the same without her. But she lives on through her family, whom she loved dearly.

  11. Matt and Kathy Entrup on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    We are so sorry for the loss of Wanda. She was a great character and always opened her house up to all. We will remember her fondly. Matt and Kathy Entrup

  12. Susan & Jay Ramirez on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Wanda was an awesome woman who knew who she was and she also knew who you were! Luckily she liked me and I so enjoyed her company. She was a hoot and a holler and was honest and comfortable as you would ever want to spend any time with a person. Love to hear her stories of her life. Especially her love story with her and Gabe. She’s with those she loved and lost and unfortunately we’re still here with heavy hearts of losing her in our lives. Our sympathies go out to each and every one of you for losing your mom, your grandma, your aunt, your friend. You know what she expects of you so you better keep doing it because she’s watching you now! Rejoice and be glad you were part of her life or maybe that she was part of ours. Rest in peace Wanda.

  13. Mark & Jeanne Hill on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Jane, Ted, Gary, Kay, Carol, Jim, Ruth, and Dan and your families, we were so sorry to hear of Aunt Wanda passing. You are all in our prayers. Aunt Wanda was a “Hoot”, and you always knew where you stood with her…loved that! I remember having a beer and chatting with her on her patio…we’ll, three beers later…we had a great afternoon! Breathe easy now Aunt Wanda! We love you!

  14. Bert Freiburg on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    I and my family wish to send you our condolences on Wanda’s passing. We will always remember her smiling face and sense of humor. So sorry for your loss. May God provide you comfort during this difficult time.

  15. Kitty &Tom Bueter on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Dear Brink Family…Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother. Not sure a lot you will remember us, but some of you should…When we were first married back in 1964, We were your neighbors…I recall
    it was Ruthie, who used to come over and play with Mary Lee when she was still just baby, Ruthie was only 4 or 5 at that time.Your mom & dad & us too, got a big laugh over the way Ruthie pronounced my name. Wanda always had a big & caring heart & everyone could feel her sense of humor and her caring ways..While we both attended St. Francis Church, i haven’t seen Wanda for several years,,.We always attend 9:30 Mass, but I think Wanda always preferred the later Mass at 11.I know your mother was proud of each of her 8 children, but I think you have all given her a reason to be proud….
    Rest in peace Wanda…your purpose on this earth was well-done…

  16. Eddie and Brooklyn Ragsdale on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Sending love and prayers to the entire family, but especially Jim, Rachael, and Abbie. I only met Wanda once, but that’s all it took to know she was such an amazing woman. She will be greatly missed.

  17. Kristie Haubrich on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Dear Ruth & family ..
    While Wanda is not here any longer in her physical body .. I believe her spirit lives on in each of you !! Keep her memory alive !!
    Love ❤️ Kristie
    PS : watch over us !! ❤️

  18. Aunt Mary Haistings on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    I want to express my sympathy to the family for your lost. I wish I could be there during this difficult time. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

  19. Cory Wiemelt on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    So sorry. Wanda was a great lady. Had a lot of laughs with her at the Quincy Boat Club and at Mark Twain Lake. Pretty sure she has a pack of cigs waiting for me in heaven.

  20. Bob & Judy Haistings on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Please accept our sincere sympathy in the passing of your Mother. Aunt Wanda was quite the character. You never new what to expect. She will be missed. The Sacred Heart Statue that she gave to me when I was confirmed stands on our dresser. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire families.

  21. Jeff on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    What an awesome amazing woman.
    Welcomed us into her family as if we were her own. And her kids; Jim, Kay, Jane, Carol, Dan, Gary, Ted, and Ruth will always have a special place in our hearts! Ruth, John and Barb, Love and miss you. God bless you all and thank you for your kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    Much Love to all!!
    Wanda we love you very much!

  22. Jamie Konopik on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    We are so sorry for the loss of Wanda. She was such an amazingly spirited, special Lady and she will be missed by so many. Love and prayers to you all.

  23. Ken and Karen Garnica on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Wanda was a wonderful Mother in law and a great grandmother to our kids. We will miss her greatly. We send all our love to the Brink family.

  24. Lou Hagemeier on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to all the family.
    Jeff and Lou Hagemeier

  25. Mark A. Schuering on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Hi Ted, Dan and all the Brinks, so sorry to hear about Wanda’s passing. What a great mother, always fun, always funny. Great memories Senior year at CBHS when Ted and I would visit her at the CYO offices. Rest in Peace & God Bless you Wanda. Mark Schuering

  26. Jeff & Joanne (Powers) Bergman on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Ruth, Ted, Dan and entire family please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. RIP Jeff & Joanne

  27. Rick & Judy Haugh on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Wanda meant a lot to us and we loved her very much So sorry for all of you She was a super lady and will be missed

  28. Don Benz on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Gary and Family – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace

  29. Pat koch on November 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    Aunt Wanda certainly did things her way and that’s what I loved about her. I’m so sorry for your loss.

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