Altha Alice Slykhuis was born the fourth child of seven in Corsica, SD to Martinus and Jennie (Kiel) Slykhuis on December 9, 1915. Altha along with siblings John, Henry, Esther, Linda, Mabel and Lloyd, grew up in farming in Corsica and Harrison, SD.

When 17, Altha accompanied her friend to meet her beau, at the movie theater and met the young Frank Brink. That movie date led to marriage in 1934 in Armour, SD. Altha and Frank continued that date for 64 years until Frank's death at 85 in 1998.

Altha and Frank made a united front to start a business that they could leave as a legacy to their children. Altha kept the company books for many years until the company was prosperous enough to hire additional staff. In the early years they moved frequently living in 12 different cities and towns before deciding to make Rapid City their home in 1956. Brink Construction Company was a family company with their children working along side them. Later some of the grandchildren and great grandchildren would join the business. When they retired, Altha and Frank moved to Westhills Retirement and then traveled the winters in their motorhome for many years, making friends wherever they traveled.

Altha and Frank were also united in raising Jay, Duane, Douglas, Lyle, Randy and Kay. Altha was a constant. She was a woman of faith, prayer and obedience and service. She was enduringly patient and kind and steady in her care and support of her family. She was definitely strong-minded with wit and humor and laughter. She used whatever means she could find to get a point of correction across. At times it could be a plate over the head or a chase down the street. She was a woman to be admired and praised.

In death, this great woman joins her parents, her husband Frank, her sons Jay and Duane, daughter-in-laws Gayla, Betty and Luetta, her 3 brothers, her 3 sisters and their spouses.

Altha leaves behind her most caring and loving children, Douglas and Ginger, Lyle and Cathie, Randy and Monica, and Kay and Rod Everson, 14 grandchildren, 31 great children and 2 great-great grandchildren, and her sister-in-law Margaret.

She is honored for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Prov. 31:31

The family would like to suggest in lieu of flowers that you direct your kindness to The Children's Home Society in Keystone ,SD, where the Brink's and their children were major contributors.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jeff Kintner officiating.

Interment will be at Pine Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery.