Emil Walter Brinkerhoff

Emil Walter Brinkerhoff was born on November 19, 1942 in Bicknell, Utah to the parents of Walker Kirk and Cleo Ellet (Giles) Brinkerhoff. He passed away on June 13, 2026 (his brother Leeon’s birthday – deceased) surrounded by family. He lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to business, dedication to family, a good sense of humor and an undeniable sweet tooth.

In his younger years Emil worked with his dad logging, hauled hay and attended school in Bicknell where he was a wrestler on the first wrestling team formed at Wayne High.

On July 9, 1960 Emil married his high school sweetheart Lois Hunt (solemnized in the Manti temple September 28, 1963). Together they built a life filled with love, family and countless memories over the decades.

Emil proudly served his country for three years in the United States Army which began November 20, 1959 and included a tour of duty in Korea. While serving he earned his GED through the United States Armed Forces Institute and received his certificate of completion on June 5, 1961. During his time in Korea he received a Letter of Appreciation for his safe driving skills—talents that were reportedly sharpened during his teenage years when he occasionally found himself collecting traffic tickets, and on occasion, attempting to stay one step ahead of local law enforcement.

Emil worked for Consolidated Freightways until his retirement in 1996. Those who knew him liked to joke that the company managed to survive only four more years before closing its doors because they simply couldn't continue without him.

In 1977 Emil and Lois purchased the Aquarius Inn and Cafe. Through the years the Aquarius grew from a six unit motel, cafe and laundromat with a couple of RV spaces to a twenty-eight unit motel with office, pool, hot tub, fitness center, pavilion, laundromat, video store, restaurant, playground and mobile home/RV park. Following his retirement from trucking they returned to Bicknell where they devoted themselves to operating the Aquarius and serving travelers from near and far.

Emil was known for his love of sweets. There was rarely a time when visitors couldn't find cookies, cake, candy or some other treat in his home. Family and friends always knew where to look when they needed a snack.

More than anything Emil will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his strong work ethic, strong business sense, his sense of humor and the stories he shared. His legacy lives on through those who loved him and the many lives he touched throughout his years.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Emil is survived by his wife Lois; children Correy (Nancy) Brinkerhoff; Chris Watson; Emily Stallman; Sheri (Grey) Wolfe; Kirk (Trudy) Brinkerhoff; sisters Patsy (Keith) Hampton; Ada (Jim) Jensen; sister-in-laws Lila Robinson and Dawn Brinkerhoff; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is proceeded in death by his parents; brother Leeon Kirk Brinkerhoff; brother Morris Henry Brinkerhoff and sister-in-law Jacqueline (Dahle) Brinkerhoff; sister Leah Rae (Brinkerhoff) Deem; brother-in-law Charles T. (Manny) Robinson; daughter-in-laws Rhonda (Baker) Brinkerhoff and Angela Lola (Riggs) Brinkerhoff; son-in-law Theodore William Stallman; granddaughter Kellie Marie (Stallman) Miller.

Funeral services will be held Friday July 3, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. in the Thurber LDS Ward Chapel and preceded by a viewing from 11:00 – 12:30 at the Chapel in Bicknell. 

Livestreaming of Emil's service will be available at springerturner.com under his obituary 15 minutes prior to service starting.

Burial will be in the Bicknell Cemetery under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina.

Special thanks to the staff of Stonehenge of Richfield where he received rehabilitation services in an attempt to return him home to his family which later transitioned from rehab to comfort care during his short time there.