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Obituaries

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Bruce Borglum Brinkema

      AMHERST – Bruce B. Brinkema, 86, longtime resident of Amherst, NH died on March 2, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.

      He was born in Omaha, Nebraska on February 5, 1935, son of Robert J. and Jean (Borglum) Brinkema.

      Bruce was raised in Omaha, Queens, NY and Oakland, NJ. He graduated from Pompton Lakes High School in NJ, excelling in football as their quarterback, earned his

BA from Dartmouth College while learning to ski, and an MBA from University of Southern California to advance his banking career.

      He had been employed in the banking industry for many years, including by Union Bank in Los Angeles, CA.

He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp and was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant in 1959.

      Bruce was an elite masters cross country skier across five decades. Bruce skied his first ski marathon, the 90 kilometer Swedish Vasaloppet in 1973, with dear friend and Dartmouth classmate Len Johnson of Milford. He went on to compete in 38 American Birkebeiner ski marathons, frequently finishing in the top three of his age category. He was a fixture at the annual Thanksgiving gathering of the national ski racing community in West Yellowstone, MT.

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Laura Anne Krantz

      AMHERST – Laura Anne Krantz, 47, born in Chester, PA September 19, 1973 passed away peacefully March 9, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. 

      She resided in Amherst from 1983 until 1990. Laura was a resident of Dublin, NH for many years and most recently lived in Hancock, NH.

Laura graduated from The Dublin School and received her Registered Nurse degree from the New Hampshire Technical Institute,

Concord, NH. After graduation she worked at the Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, NH and later worked as a private duty nurse.

      She is survived by her son Colby Theodor Tolman, three brothers: Kristoff, Randall and Dale, her parents Anne and Ted Krantz, Amherst, and her partner Brian Murphy.

      Bruce was a member of the Milford Rotary Club, Cambridge Sports Union, and Amherst Country Club where he frequently participated in a men’s golf league. From his childhood to post retirement, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his favorite dogs. In addition, he and his wife loved spending time at their second home in Waterville Valley with family and friends. 

      Family members include his loving wife of 60 years, Julie (von Schrader) Brinkema of Amherst, NH; a son and daughter-in-law, Corey Brinkema and Maree Hampton of Minneapolis, MN; two daughters, Kristin Brinkema and her partner, Lisa Stevens of San Juan Capistrano, CA, and Jean Brinkema of Playa Vista, CA; five grandchildren, Torsten, Lars, Bode, Berit and Maxwell; a brother and sister-in-law, John and Leone Brinkema of Virginia; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Anne Ganley of Colorado Springs, CO and Susan and Gregory Hewitt of Lakeside, CA; several nieces and nephews.

      Our amazing, caring dad and grandfather, a wonderful, devoted husband, and big brother left us way too soon. His passion and determination in his many endeavors, and above all his love will stay forever in our family’s memory.  

      Services will be held later this year.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com

      Laura always had a smile on her face and a sparkle in her eye.  She will be remembered for her kindness, her sharp wit and her infectious laughter. She loved cooking, skiing, and water sports. She and Colby spent many happy summer days at the Dublin Lake Club.

      In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to the Merrimack Community Hospice House. The family would like to thank the outstanding staff and volunteers there that took such good care of her during this difficult time. There are no calling hours, and a celebration of life for the family will be scheduled at a later date. 

      Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, Milford, NH.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com 

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APRIL 2021

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