Leanne Brooks

Leanne Mary Brooks (Gma LeeLee) of Berlin, 89 years young, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, September 5, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Dick Brooks, in 2017. Leanne is survived by her six children: Tom (Georgia) Brooks, Terri (Don) Osterberg, Bob (Laurie) Brooks, Bill (Amy) Brooks, Cathy (Rob) Hargrave, and Kelly (Tom) Krause. She was the best grandma to 14 grandchildren: Bethany (Evan), Ben (Teresa), Alexa, Wade (Katie), Joe (Natalie), Jim (Allison), Jack (Cassie), Olivier, Steven (Melanie), Michael, Bryan, Brady (Alivia), Mitchell (Stephanie), and Paige (Luke). Leanne also has 10 great grandchildren she was so very proud of. Leanne was born on October 10, 1934, in Oshkosh, WI. She attended Oshkosh schools, and upon graduation met the love of her life at the Roxy Supper Club. Throughout life, they would take their family and friends to the Roxy to share their love story - Dick and his brother Raymond, sitting on one corner of the bar and sending a drink over to Leanne and her girlfriend. Dick made the move to ask her to dance, and she said NO! Yet with his persistence, they did share a dance and the rest is history. They were united in marriage on June 9, 1956, and soon six kids followed. Leanne was a very busy homemaker in the original homestead they built together. She had her hands full with the kids, but also supported Dick with all of his self-owned businesses throughout their life. From entertaining customers, to packing the kids for a cruise on a Carri-Craft, she was the organized and detailed director of the family. Throughout her younger years as a wife and mom, she was also a model for Nigbor Furs, Truesdell Furs and Henry Clay stores. She maintained an elegance and a postured presence throughout her life.Leanne was also a “second mom” to many friends and neighbors of the family. There were always extra guests during mealtimes, kids to cheer on through years of sporting events, and countless sleepovers. She had many sleepless nights waiting for her kids and friends to get home, only to have to deal with hangovers in the morning. One of the biggest events at the Brooks house was the annual “River Raft Regatta” – a weekend of fun, sun, drinking, and floating down the Fox River. Leanne opened the doors year after year to a crew of 30+ for sleeping, feeding, and being a gracious host. Her home was a place for all. As her children grew, she was most proud of the happy and successful people they became. Her pride and joy grew even more as loving spouses and grand and great grandchildren were added to the family. Her home was the “gathering place” for all the family to fit in one place and enjoy many family parties. A tradition of “Mondays with Mom” started years ago, where all the girls would gather at her house every Monday night to watch “The Bachelor/Bachelorette” series. We know, bad show! The traditions continued with “Friday Lunches” for all those available in the family. Many thanks to Jeff’s, Country Inn, The Pie Shack, and Mastricola’s on Broadway for all the meals and memories. The joke was that the kids in the family who “aren’t yet retired” (still had to work on Fridays) would maybe get some of the leftovers. Leanne was strong in her faith and a member of All Saints Catholic Parish,where a Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 4:00 pm with Reverend Monsignor James Gunn Officiating. Immediately following is a celebration with food available from 5:00- 7:00pm in the social hall at All Saints Catholic Church. Yes, the Brooks family likes to do things a little different! A private family inurnment will be held at a later date. Our hearts are saddened, but we celebrate a wonderful life well-lived. We ask all to lift a cup of coffee (black only!) as that was what Leanne drank 24/7. For more information, please refer to www.wieckiskipchakfuneralhome.com. Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home 116 S. Adams Ave Berlin, WI 54923 (920) 361-2050

Leanne Brooks

October 10, 1934 - September 5, 2024