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Gary D. Brooks

November 1, 1947 - January 8, 2021
Racine, WI

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Life Story / Obituary


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Gary D. Brooks, age 73, passed away Friday, January 8, 2021 at his residence in the Village of Caledonia, WI. He was born in Racine, WI on November 1, 1947, son of Robert R. and Lorraine (nee: Schrader) Brooks.

Gary’s early life involved active membership in the Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts of America and the Boys Choir of Racine. His love of sports began early and included Little League baseball, basketball and football. Gary attended Wm. Horlick High School (Class of 1965), during which time he participated in multiple team sports and found his first part-time job at Racine’s famous Brusha’s restaurant as a pizza maker. Following graduation, he attended Racine Technical Institute (RTI) where he continued his love of sports, playing on the RTI basketball team.

Gary served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970, during the Vietnam War, where he was stationed in Korea as a member of the Military Police. Following his return to Racine, he earned a job at SC Johnson as a Technical Specialist/Scientist, where he worked for more than 35 years until his retirement. In recent years he could be found cutting grass at the Johnson Park golf course, preparing the course for his many golf friends and family.

Gary’s interest in sports was always a big part of his life, as he actively participated in basketball, softball, ice hockey, bowling and golf to name a few. His passion for sports extended to his avid fandom of the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers, and he could be seen supporting his favorite teams each day with his collection of extensive collection of apparel. His love of the great outdoors was equally evident as a hunter and fisherman, which took him on many trips and to numerous destinations, including Alaska and Canada. Some of his happiest times were spent with his friends (of whom he spoke often) while playing or watching sports and socializing over a few drinks at local establishments.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert R. and Lorraine Brooks. Gary will be dearly missed by his brother Scott (Stephanie) Brooks and sisters Linda Brooks, Cheryl (Jerome) Carel and Barbara (Donald) Schmidt, nieces Amy Goldsworthy, Nicole Brooks, Michelle Brooks and nephews Ryan (Heather) Schmidt and Drew Brooks, great nieces and nephews and cousins. He is also survived by many cherished friends that he considered his family as well.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Gary’s many friends for enriching his life for so many years with memorable moments of fun and laughter.

Due to Covid private services will be held with a public celebration of Gary’s life to be held at a later date.

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