Gary Bernard Brinkschroeder, born September 21, 1964, in Springfield, Illinois, passed away far too soon on Monday, August 24, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. While our hearts are broken by his unexpected passing, we find comfort in knowing that Gary ran into the arms of the Lord, where he is now free—living eternally in the peace, happiness, and love he always deserved.
Gary was adopted and lovingly raised by his parents, Robert and Elvera Brinkschroeder. He graduated from Aquinas High School and later attended the University of Iowa. After leaving the University of Iowa, Gary’s journey eventually brought him to Texas, where he would spend much of his life.
Gary was truly one of a kind. He was a rolling stone, a free spirit, and a loving hippie who went wherever the wind carried him. He walked through life with a gentle soul and a kind heart. He was sweet, caring, funny, intelligent, intellectual, incredibly talented, and above all else, good. Gary was simply a good and pure human being. He never needed much from this world. He wanted people to be happy. He wanted people to love one another. And he wanted to be free to appreciate the beauty around him. Gary saw that beauty everywhere. He loved Jesus, the galaxy, nature, hiking, photography, music, painting, and drawing. A gifted artist, Gary could create incredible drawings and paintings, giving pieces of himself to the world through his art. Music spoke to his soul, nature gave him peace, and his curiosity about life and the universe reflected the thoughtful and intellectual man he was. Gary was also a talented carpenter, working with his hands and creating things with the same care and creativity he brought to his artwork. His faith was deeply important to him. Although we desperately wish we had more time with him here, there is peace in knowing that the Jesus Gary loved during his life is the Jesus who welcomed him home.
Gary was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Robert and Elvera Brinkschroeder. We can only imagine the reunion that took place when he saw his mom and dad again. He is survived by his brother, Dale Brinkschroeder and his wife, Karina Brinkschroeder, of Fort Worth, Texas; his niece Morgan Schneider and her husband, Britton Schneider, of Haslet, Texas; his niece Brooke Fletcher and her husband, Blake Fletcher, of Gunter, Texas; and his niece Jordan Murphy and her husband, Austin Murphy, of North Richland Hills, Texas. He is also survived by his cherished friend, Laura Barnes Marikos, who held a very special place in his heart, and her daughter, Lauryn Redder, whom Gary loved as his own. He also leaves behind seven great-nieces and great-nephews, along with so many extended family members and friends whose lives were touched by his gentle spirit.
Gary’s death leaves a giant hole in our hearts that simply cannot be filled. We will miss his kindness, his humor, his creativity, his free spirit, and the quiet goodness he carried with him. But when we look at a beautiful night sky, hear a song that makes us stop and listen, walk through nature, see a photograph worth taking, or pick up a paintbrush—we will think of Gary. And perhaps that is exactly how a free spirit like his should be remembered. Not only with tears because he is gone, but with color, music, laughter, love, and the things that made his soul happy.
In honor of Gary and the wonderfully unique man he was, his family invites those who loved him to join us for a Pizza & Paint Celebration of Life on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at DeVivo’s Eatery, 750 South Main Street, Suite 165, Keller, Texas 76248. 
Come as you are. Paint something. Eat some pizza. Share a story. Laugh. Love one another. And help us celebrate the beautiful, gentle, free-spirited soul that was Gary Bernard Brinkschroeder.
Until we meet again, may you finally be as free as you were always meant to be.