Charles Lynn Brinkerhoff

Charles Lynn Brinkerhoff “Charlie” was born June 21, 1943 in Lebanon Missouri at Fort Leonard Wood. Prior to Charlie’s first birthday, his dad, Charles William was deployment to WWII where he was killed while serving his country. Charlie’s mom, Lucy, moved back to her hometown of Des Moines, IA where she had their daughter Janice, 13 months younger than Charlie. Charlie and Janice were raised by their mom Lucy and her sister Gladys.

Charlie was active in the Boy Scouts and learned his work ethic at a young age, holding his paper route for many years. Charlie would spend time with his Uncle Marion Charlton going to the car races at the Iowa Fairgrounds, a hobby that took him around the country watching his favorite drivers. Charlie had a dozen fast cars himself, most recently a red Corvette.

Charlie was a graduate of East High School and received his Associates degree from Grandview College and attended Drake University. Charlie worked for several insurance companies as an underwriter. In 1991, Charlie began employment with Polk County as a Facilities Support Supervisor, retiring in 2005. He was a member of the Powell III Association and Alano Society. Charlie was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church.

Masonically, Brother Brinkerhoff was initiated in Home Lodge #370 in Des Moines on October 19, 1967, passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft on November 21, 1967, and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on November 30, 1967. He served as Worshipful Master in 1994. He was a 57 year member.

Charlie served as Sr. Grand Deacon in 1967-1997, Junior Grand Warden in 2000-2001, and Grand Master in 2005-2006. He held District Lecturer Certificate #3010. He had served on the Committee on Division and Reference in 1997-1998 and chairman in 2004-2005. He was a member of South-Central MI-DL Club.

He was knighted in St. Bartholomew Conclave Red Cross of Constantine in 1999 and served as Puissant Sovereign in 2012.

He was exalted in Antioch Chapter #110, greeted in Alpha Council #1, and knighted in Temple Commandery #4 in 1968.

He became a 32° Master of the Royal Secret on April 22, 1995, in the Des Moines Valley of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. He was invested with the rank and dignity of the Knight Commander Court of Honor on October 3, 2001, and was coroneted a 33° Inspector General Honorary on October 4, 2005. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Research Society.

He was a member of Za-Ga-Zig Shrine and past president of the Shrine Past Masters’ Club. He was a member of Des Moines Chapter #89 Order of the Eastern Star and Iowa York Rite College #37

He was a recipient of the DeMolay Honorary Legion of Honor and was an honorary member of the DeMolay International Supreme Council. He served as President of the Iowa DeMolay Foundation.

Charlie was a friend of Mr. Bill for 42 years. He studied the blue book and understood its clear plan of living and was able to recite the first 164 pages. Charlie spoke openly of his commitment to the community and was greatly respected.

Most Worshipful Brother Brinkerhoff passed away on April 14, 2025, at his home in Des Moines. He was 81 years of age.

He is survived by his sister Janice and husband Wayne Benbow of Homosassa, FL, niece Jill and great niece MaryCaroline Bearden of Brenham, TX, nephew John and wife Lisa Raveling IV of Lutz, FL, his nephew’s wife Julia Wenerd Raveling of Spring Hill FL, great niece Zoey Raveling of Lutz, FL and great nephew Sawyer Raveling of St. Leo, FL., niece Natalie Raveling of Johnstown, CO. He is proceeded in death by his father, mother, aunt and nephew.

Charlie’s services, which are open to the public, will be held Saturday 4/26/25 at the Scottish Rite, 519 Park Street, Des Moines, IA, visitation from 3:00PM – 4:30PM, funeral at 4:30PM and lunch following the service. The burial will be Monday, 4/28/25 at 11:00AM at Highland Memorial Gardens Cemetery in the Mason Area.

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