John Wilmer Brooks

Age 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 14, 2001, surrounded by his family, following a short stay at Colony Oaks Care Center in Appleton. Willie was born in Hollandtown on May 9, 1921, son of the late Henry and Mae (Brochtrup) Brooks. Willie served his country during World War II as a member of the U. S. Army and was currently a member of the Electric City Post #3319 of the VFW and the Brillion Post #126 of the American Legion. He began working for the Kimberly Clark Mill in Kimberly (Midtec Papers) in 1946, and retired in 1983. On August 16, 1974, he married the former Helen Hayek at St. Mary Catholic Church in Kaukauna; she survives. Willie enjoyed traveling, playing cards, spending summers at the family cottage, and NASCAR racing. His greatest joys came from spending time and having good-natured fun with his grandchildren. Helen and Jiggs were foster parents for many children over the years and loved each of them, but Lee Heindl will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Willie is survived by his wife: Helen Brooks of Kaukauna; his daughter: Laurie (Scott) Moss of Kaukauna and their children Mariah, Scott, and Zachary; his best pal and dog: Haley; six brothers: Adrian Brooks of Askeaton, Henry Brooks of Askeaton, Jacob (Judie) Brooks of Combined Locks, Franklin Brooks of Hollandtown, Rev. Charles Brooks of Mackville, and Roger “Duke” Brooks of Hollandtown; five sisters: Mark Skell of Kaukauna, Rose Ann (Fred) Ponschock of Appleton, Sr. Mary Henry Brooks of Manitowoc, Janet (Jake) Huber of Kewaunee and Betty (Marvin) Rademacher of Wrightstown; a sister-in-law: Betty Brooks of Hilbert; a brother-in-law: John (Shirley) Kemkes of Appleton. Willie is further survived by Helen’s brothers and sisters: Clarence (Loretta) Hayek of Schofield, Idell Price of Fond du Lac, Christine (Wilbur) Keen of Pearson, Dorothy Rank of Antigo, Marie Now of Antigo, and Caroline (Francis) Verhasselt of Antigo. Other survivors include Helen’s brother-in-law Carl Schultz of Antigo and her sister-in-law Connie Hayek of Minneapolis. Willie was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Joe Brooks and Richard Brooks; by sisters Therese Kemkes, Jeanne Brooks, and Janell Brooks; by a brother-in-law Paul Skell; by Helen’s siblings Rosie Schultz, Richard Hayek, and Wenzel Hayek, Jr., and by two nephews Rick Skell and David Price.

The funeral liturgy for Willie will be held at 4:00 PM on Monday, June 18, 2001 at ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 119 W. 7th Street in Kaukauna, with Fr. Robert Udulutsch, OFM Cap., Fr. Charles Brooks, and Fr. Frank Kerscher officiating. The members of Electric City Post #3319 of the VFW will provide military funeral honors for Willie, and interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call directly at the church on Monday from 1:00 PM until the time of the service. A memorial fund has been established at St. Mary Catholic Middle School in Kaukauna.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Colony Oaks Care Center in Appleton as well as to Dr. Paul Russo and his staff. Your concern for Willie’s well being was outstanding. Thank you all so very much.

FARGO FUNERAL HOME
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna,WI 54130
920)766-6200