Robert Brooks, 73, Mitchell, died Thursday, October 18, 2007, at Pickstown, SD. Funeral services will be Monday, October 22, 2007 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mitchell.
Robert Gene Brooks was born March 1, 1934 at Lake Andes, SD to Friece and Clara (Novak) Brooks. He grew up and attended school at Lake Andes High School in 1952. On February 20, 1954, he married Bernie Johnson at Lake Andes. He received his BA Degree from Yankton College and his Masters Degree from Northern State University. He taught two years at Wessington Springs then moved to Mitchell to teach and coach. His 1964 MHS Basketball team won the SD State “A” Basketball Tournament. He became Athletic Director in 1966, was the Junior High School Principal from 1969 to 1975 and Mitchell High School Principal from 1975 until his retirement in 1994. He was actively involved in sports in high school and college. He was a member of the Yankton College Athletic Hall of Fame and the Amateur Baseball Umpires Honorary Hall of Fame. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. The Exchange Club, Elks Lodge and several local, state and national educational organizations. He enjoyed his family and after his retirement was an avid hunter and fisherman.
He is survived by his wife, Bernie; four children, Dave Brooks and wife Patti, Mitchell, Larry Brooks and wife Peg, Sioux Falls, Susan Jette and husband Mike, Portland, OR, Jeff Brooks and wife Maureen, Sioux Falls; nine grandchildren; two brothers, Thorald “Bud” Brooks and wife Marlene, Allyn, WA and Wayne Brooks and Wife Helen, Lake Andes. Bob was preceded in death by his parents.