William "Bill" Brooks

In Loving Memory of Bill Brooks (January 29,1962 – November 12, 2024) With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of William (Bill, Billy) Lee Brooks, age 62, who left us far too soon on November 12th. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend, Bill was the heartbeat of every room he entered and the light in the lives of all who knew him. Bill had the unique ability to make anyone feel like they were the most important person in the world. His infectious laugh, quick wit, and sense of humor could turn even the most ordinary moments into something extraordinary. He was also the instigator, the troublemaker, and the one who always got caught but never got in trouble because he could charm his way out of any punishment with his squinty-eyed grin and contagious giggle. That was Bill. He loved telling a joke, sharing a funny story, or simply offering words of encouragement, as his presence was one of warmth, laughter, and love. He was the go-to for it all. Bill came into this world on January 29, 1962, born to Dick and Leanne Brooks. He was the funniest sibling who grew up surrounded by the love and shenanigans of his five brothers and sisters. Together, they share a close bond and many cherished and crazy memories growing up as a family of six in Berlin (“The Brady Bunch”). Bill attended St. Stanislaus Grade School and Berlin High School where he made lifelong friends and began to cultivate his reputation as a fun-loving troublemaker. He went on to study (i.e: play football) at Concordia College, St. Paul where his adventurous spirit and athleticism truly flourished. Bill was shaped by the guidance of many influential coaches, such as Steve Stellmacher (Berlin High School) and Jim Brown (Concordia-St Paul). Their mentorship and continued friendship left an indelible mark on his life, and he carried those lessons with him long after his athletic career ended. He then took on the coaching hat for his boys, starting with the Pop Warner program at a young age. Fun-loving trouble seemed to follow Bill wherever he went. River Raft Regatta was one of the summer highlights where the original Brooks home was opened up to 40+ of Bill’s high school and college friends. Many friends met, shared stories, and had a few too many while floating down the Fox River only to create more stories and memories to last a lifetime. One of his greatest achievements of his time at Concordia-St Paul was meeting Amy Meyer, the love of his life. They met in 1984, married April 23,1988, and raised two amazing young men together, Steven and Michael. His family brought him his greatest pride and joy. As a devoted father, he taught his sons the value of kindness, generosity, and laughter. Then becoming a grandfather, he was the best around, showering his two beautiful granddaughters, Everly and Hallie, with affection, love, and endless amusement. As a husband, Bill was a rock — steadfast, loving, and always ready with a comforting word or a well-timed joke to brighten his family’s day. His love for Amy was evident in everything he did, and their partnership was a beautiful example of true love and devotion. To his siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends, Bill was a constant source of joy and support. His loyalty and generosity knew no bounds, and he was always the first to offer help (plowing snow at every house he could see that needed a hand), lend a listening ear, or crack a joke to lighten the mood. He truly was the best friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy is not just in the love he gave, but in the laughter and memories he created. Bill began his work life in sales at McGregor Sand Knit in Berlin. This was the start of his solid foundation and after a few years, Alliance Laundry Systems/UniMac was then his career home until retirement in May 2022. Throughout his time at Alliance, his sales travels and work relationships turned into great friendships near and far. Bill was given fantastic opportunities to travel for Alliance and include Amy as well. Their memories all over the world will forever be cherished. And of course, in Bill fashion, so many hilarious stories will forever be told. Bill dedicated 36 years of his busy life to the Berlin Fire Department, serving as Captain. He had a bit of his dad in him, as seen in his love for cutting down trees and starting brush fires! He was actually upset he wasn’t around to fight the most recent fire in the Puchyan Marsh – as marsh fires were his favorite to fight. The Berlin department became a huge part of his ever-extending family. He used his position in the laundry industry to make sure fire departments nationwide had the right laundry equipment for cleaning fire gear. Family was his life. Surviving him are his wife, Amy; sons, Steven (Melanie), Michael (AJ); and his cherished granddaughters Everly and Hallie, all who brought him endless happiness. Siblings include, Tom (Georgia) Brooks, Terri (Don) Osterberg, Bob (Laurie) Brooks, Cathy (Rob) Hargrave, and Kelly (Tom) Krause. Bill also had a wonderful family of in-laws, and a tribe of amazing nieces, nephews, and the next generation. He joins in heaven his Dad, Mom, and an unborn child of Steven and Melanie, whom he is now cradling in his arms. We are completely heartbroken by his loss, yet we take comfort in knowing of the gift of forgiveness and everlasting life that His Savior, Jesus Christ, has granted him. We find joy in knowing that Bill’s spirit will live on in the stories he told, the laughter he shared, and the countless ways he touched the lives of everyone around him. He may no longer be with us in person, but his light will continue to shine through the hearts of those who loved him. May we all learn from him and live a bit more like Bill. Family and friends are welcome to join us in honoring Bill as his visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 19th at St. John Lutheran Church, 168 Mound Street, Berlin, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. It is this very church that Bill spent countless hours as a trustee of the church. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 20th at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Rob Schrader officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. There will be a private family inurnment following the service, all are invited to adjourn to Mastricola's On Broadway for a luncheon and a time for sharing beginning at noon. In place of flowers, the family asks that you make a monetary donation to the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department or St. John Lutheran Church or School. Rest in peace, Bill; you were truly one of a kind, and we will miss you more than words can express. Your love, humor, and kindness will forever live on in our hearts.

William "Bill" Brooks

January 29, 1962 - November 12, 2024