Barbola Funeral Chapel

Glenn John Brooks

Glenn John Brooks of Berlin died on April 26, 2013, in London, England. He was at the end of an 11-day tour of Europe with his wife, Nancy, and his sister- and brother-in-law, Jeanie and Bob Bruce. The couples were celebrating their respective 51st and 50th wedding anniversaries. The trip was a celebration, and filled with wonderful new experiences, sights, flavors, and fun. Glenn remarked often on the beauty of the countries he saw, and how lucky he was to be living the life he was blessed with, including his family and many friends. He died a happy man, in his sleep the night before they were to travel home.

At 73 years old, with 51 years of marriage, 50 years of fatherhood, 16 years as a grandfather, and decades of friendships, Glenn leaves many people who cherish him.

His family remembers his cheerful optimism--waking up on weekend mornings to him singing “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” on his way downstairs to make a pancake breakfast. He showed emotion easily, and they knew the depth of his love and caring when he would shed tears of love, pride or even from laughing hard...which was often. They knew his emotional and physical strength, which always made them feel safe and secure. And, they knew his kind, giving, and hard-working nature--always available at a moment’s notice to help with a problem or a project, and coming with whatever tools might be needed for the job.

Glenn was born in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, to Gerald and Caroline Brooks. He married Nancy Walker on April 14, 1962. Their children and grandchildren are Douglas Brooks; David and Gina Brooks, and their daughters, Melanie and Haley; Timothy Brooks; and Angela (Brooks) and Steve March- Tormé, and their daughters Ruby and Sunny. He also leaves his big brother, Dick, and sister-in-law Leanne Brooks. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by Geraldine Brooks Pilon (his sister), Raymond Brooks (his oldest brother), and Mary Lou Brooks (Raymond’s wife).

Glenn graduated from Berlin High School in 1958, and Spencerian Business College in Milwaukee in 1962. Born of the entrepreneurial spirit, Glenn and his two brothers had several manufacturing businesses, including Carri Craft, Art Craft, and Prefinished Wood. Later, Glenn enjoyed a successful sales career by capitalizing on his talents, including his knowledge of industry, dependability, and his personable nature.

Always open to new and interesting ideas, people and places, Glenn and Nancy relished traveling together and also with friends and family. He engaged in many hobbies over the years, such as fishing with his dear buddies, deer hunting with his sons, and cooking. He and Nancy loved boating with friends, playing bridge, biking, and playing tennis. He enjoyed people and personalities-- engaging in conversation with new acquaintances, and cherishing his longtime friends. He delighted in dinner parties, boating, and picnics with close friends he and Nancy have had since the early 1960s. Wonderful new friends were also made over the years.

Glenn loved the social and comfort aspects of home cooking. He was known for making huge pots of chicken and noodles, and sharing it with family and friends. There were brunches of pancakes and scrambles with the kids and then grandkids. He gardened, grew blueberry bushes, fruit trees, and made annual traditions of strawberry picking and pumpkin carving with his granddaughters.

He loved hosting fish fries, and frequently asked Nancy, “Who should we have over?” There were weekly Sunday breakfasts with Tim, where they debated politics and shared stories, and trips to Madison to visit Doug for dinner and a movie.

He was a beloved and devoted Grandpa/Poppo to his four granddaughters. Always attentive, he soothed them as babies, played games and read books with them as they grew, took them on special outings to zoos, parks and pools, and let them “help” him with projects or his garden. He cheered them at their performances and special events, and made certain they knew they were adored. They adored him right back.

He cared about his community, and was a very active volunteer in organizations that worked to better it. He was a Jaycee in his early adulthood, and recognized for his distinguished service to the community. For 35 years, he served in Rotary Club, where he was president, foundation/scholarship coordinator, and also received the Paul Harris fellowship award for outstanding service and in appreciation for the “furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.” For four years, he served as a Green Lake County board supervisor.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Glenn at Barbola Funeral Chapel on Saturday, May 4, at 11 a.m. In lieu of a visitation, the family will host a luncheon party at City Inn in Berlin from noon to 3 p.m., where they look forward to visiting with friends and relatives and celebrating Glenn’s life.