GAIL BRINKMEIER, 71
Gail Brinkmeier, 71, of Wood Dale, IL passed away peacefully on December 24th, 2025 surrounded by her family.
Gail was born on October 13th, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois to Lester and Catherine (“Kay”) Kasperski and raised in Cicero, Illinois.
A longtime resident of Elmhurst, Illinois, Gail is survived by her devoted husband, Alan, with whom she had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, as well as her two loving daughters, Alexandra and Perri.
Those who knew Gail knew her to be a larger than life character, a fierce friend, and advocate for those less fortunate than herself. With a whip smart sense of humor, Gail could liven up any room. She adored animals and was deeply invested in her family’s passions.
Gail met her husband Alan while attending Elmhurst College, where they were later married. There, she worked as an associate dean of students, and went on to receive her Master’s degree at Loyola University. She went on to build a career at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, working as a physician’s marketer for 13 years. After taking some time to raise her daughters, Gail went back to work at Macy’s in Oak Brook, Illinois, where she became known as the “Coach handbag lady,” a position appropriate given Gail’s love for designer purses.
Gail is preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Kay Kasperski, her uncle, Bob Kasperski, her aunt and uncle Edith and Michael Caputo, and many other cherished family members and friends.
Visitation will be held Saturday, January 3rd, 2026 beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, 567 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst, Illinois.
For more information, (630) 834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com.