Benedict "Dick" Brooks

Benedict Alvin Brooks (Dick, Grandpa Dick) of Berlin, 88 years young, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Leanne, and their six children, Tom (Georgia) Brooks, Terri (Don) Osterberg, Bob (Laurene) Brooks, Bill (Amy) Brooks, Cathy (Rob) Hargrave and Kelly (Tom) Krause. He was the best grandpa to 15 grandchildren; Bethany, Ben, Alexa, Wade, Joe (Natalie), Jim, Jack, Olivier, Steven (Melanie), Michael, Bryan, Brady, Trevor, Mitchell and Paige. Dick was born on February 17, 1929, in Nekoosa, WI to Gerald and Caroline Brooks. He spent his childhood in Nekoosa with his siblings, Raymond, Geraldine and Glenn. Dick worked on their family fox farm, and always had a pocketful of raisins as a treat for the foxes. At the age of 19, Dick moved to Berlin. In the early 50’s, he enrolled at Oshkosh State College to major in football. Soon after, he replaced his football uniform with a US Army uniform. He served at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Fort Hood, Texas, best known as ‘Bruno the Boxer’. In 1953, he returned to Berlin and the family business. Dick met Leanne Corbisier at the Roxy Supper Club in Oshkosh and on June 9, 1956, they were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Dick was the owner/operator, along with his brothers and family, of several businesses in Berlin: a mink ranch, a fox farm, B and W Fur Foods, Wisconsin Tank Tainer, Carri Craft Catamarans, ArtCraft, Prefinished Wood Products and Brooks Yachts. A lifelong resident of Berlin, all knew him as an active participant in many community groups and events: St. Stan’s/All Saints Parish, Oshkosh Comets Semi Pro Football Team, Berlin Softball League, Berlin Jaycees, River Raft Regatta, Berlin Veteran’s Foundation, Senior Singers, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Helping Hands for Cancer 5K, 4th of July Duck Race, Senior Triathlon, Dude Looks Like a Lady (1st Place Winner!) He also made appearances as Uncle Sam and Santa on many occasions. Dick was greeted at Heaven’s Gate by many loved ones that went before him. Picture him with an MGD in one hand and a large vanilla ice cream cone in the other, running through the Pearly Gates shouting HAPPINESS! In lieu of a visitation (Dick was never traditional), family and friends are invited to join in a Celebration of Life on Friday December 1, 2017 at Mascoutin Country Club in Berlin from 6:00 – 9:00pm. His two favorite things, beer and ice cream, will be compliments of Grandpa Dick. A memorable program will begin at 7:30. Bring your stories to share. Family will be available on Saturday December 2, 2017 at Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home in Berlin 9:00-10:00 am. A funeral mass will be held at All Saints Catholic Parish at 10:30, officiated by Father David Greenfield. A luncheon will follow the mass, and we encourage all to join us, spread HAPPINESS, and celebrate Dick’s legendary life.

Benedict "Dick" Brooks

February 17, 1929 - November 21, 2017