Connie Jean Brinkmann

Connie Jean Brinkmann, 75, of Rathdrum, Idaho, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025, with family by her side.

Connie and George celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past July. When they met, George was a widower with two young sons. Connie embraced them as her own—beginning a life centered on love, family and quality time.

With two additional children of their own, Connie followed her entrepreneurial spirit and opened “CJ’s Spud and Spice Shop,” a novelty store in Pocatello, filled with spices, honeycombs, and her unmistakable warmth. After moving to Rathdrum, she started a bookkeeping business that she ran until 2020. Many of her clients became lifelong friends, returning year after year not just for her tax expertise, but for her kindness and conversation.

Their home was always open, filled with friends, games, and the smell of fresh herbs and spices. Connie loved to tell people that her children learned to count playing blackjack at the kitchen table.

Connie loved the outdoors, especially camping and fishing—often joined by family and friends along the Coeur d’Alene River. If they weren’t at home, they were probably camping. “Fishy, fishy in the brook, come and get on Connie’s hook,” she’d call out, with George nearby, sitting beside her reading a book. The two shared decades of adventures, including an Alaskan cruise and cross-country travels after George’s retirement.

Connie will be remembered for her bright spirit, creativity, and the countless lives she touched. She is survived by her husband, George; their four children and several grandchildren; and all those blessed to have known her.

Her life was a beautiful reflection of love, laughter, and the joy of bringing people together.