Gene Brooks
July 18, 1930 ~ February 17, 2011
Longtime Fargo resident, O. Gene Brooks, 80, died Thursday, February 17, 2011, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Gene was born July 18, 1930, in Winchester, Kentucky, to John and Sally Brooks. In 1948 he met and married Sylvia A. Martin in Schenectady, New York. Over the years Gene and Sylvia lived all over the United States due to Gene's employment. In 1964 they moved to North Dakota and lived in Langdon and Mayville. Finally, in 1970 they moved to Fargo.
Gene was an accomplished Master Mechanic and worked on several national level projects to include the St. Lawrence Seaway Project, Niagara Falls Power Project, and Minute Man Missile Project. Locally, Gene worked for Sornsin Construction and Moorhead Electric, retiring in 2003.
Gene's hobbies were leading Boy Scouts, coaching baseball, hunting, fabricating, making things for the family, fishing, and his very favorite hobby, enjoying his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gene was also an avid NASCAR fan. In his early years he raced under the NASCAR banner and was Eastern Division NASCAR champion in New York. In the early 70's Gene built and maintained Lucky 7 here in the local area, which his son drove to track championships at Glyndon Speedway, South Fargo Speedway, and Grand Forks Speedway.
Gene is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sylvia A. Brooks (Martin), Fargo, ND; his four children, Larry (Linda) Brooks, Catlett, VA, Ronald (Gloria) Brooks, Darlington, SC, Sandra (Steven) Balstad, Fargo, ND, and Michael (Janel) Brooks, Fargo, ND; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, John R. Brooks, Jr., and sister, Ruth Gallardo.
His parents, two sisters, one brother and an infant great granddaughter preceded him in death.
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Fargo ND
Was just recently made aware of your loss. Please except my sincere sympathy’s to you and your family. No matter how old or how much of a blessing someone’s passing is, it’s difficult. Losing a parent is one of the most diificult things we have to endure during our life. I know from experience that the first year without them is the toughest and that once you’ve met that first year it gets better. I lost my mom 3 1/2 years ago and I still get urges to call her just to chat and then hit the realization that I can’t but that deep heartache does subside
Take care and Maintain,
Hazz
Fargo ND
I grew up with Gene in our neighborhood. He was a great neighbor and always here to help us kids. I also was lucky enough to work with Gene at Moohead Electric. He will truly be missed by all. My prayers are with his wife and their family.
Fargo ND
We are saden to have lost such a great neighbor. He will truly be missed in this neighborhood. We extend our sympathy to Sylvia and her family
nashville tnthis guy really made a difference in a lot of peoples lives,so many fond memories,..you will be missed…..p.s.,they dont make ’em
like that any more…….brent
Middleton MichiganThere will always be Gene (Dad) stories in elk camp. While spending too little time together you are and remain an icon to many!
Rest in Peace!
Nd See you in movies!
Thanks for the support,
We will miss your company,
Savageau’s Small Engine Repair
Fargo, ND
I am so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Gene was loved by many. I will always remember how he would be out in his yard tinkering with a boat or a lawn mower or anything else that had a motor……and we would spend a lot of time talking over the fence. He was a great man.
West Fargo ND
I really enjoyed working with Gene in our years at Sornsin Construction. We became good friends at that time and remained as such over the years, even tho we did not see each other alot. Had a great visit on Gene’s 80th birthday celebration. Gene and his great sense of humor will be sorely missed. Our sympathy is with the family.
Bremerton WAGene will always be remember by my family and I. He was a wonderful man and will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sylvia and her family. R.I.P Gene.
Pearland TexasSo sorry to hear about Gene’s passing. Randy and I send our love, prayers and sympathy. You and Gene had many wonderful years together. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a good man.
fargo im sorry to hear about mr brooks he was a great guy he was fun to play baseball for i enjoyed hanging out at his house with mike one of my best times with him was when i got to go to a vikings game with mike sylvia gene it was great ty gene
Inver Grove Heights MN
To know Gene meant that he impacted your life. I realized this 2 summers ago when my Briggs&Stratton lawn mower stopped working. The idle was way too low. Thanks to spending a couple weekends with Gene back in the early 90’s I was able to repair and crank the idle up. That engine ran faster and louder than ever before. I thought of Gene and his lessons as I fixed that mower and know there is no way I would have ever been able to do it without Gene teaching me first. Gene could get more out of an engine then any person of I’ve ever met. That is probably why he was able to get so much out of life! My best to the family. Your father was a very special man!
Fargo ND
Gene was a man of honor, an incredible storyteller and so funny. He was also so talented and could make or fix anything. He was special. My thoughts and prayers are with Michael and the Brooks family.
Moorhead MN
John, I, and the kids want you and your family to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Gene was always fun to visit with. The kids always remember how Gene let them drive the golf cart at the lake. So sorry for your loss.
The Hoscheids
Torrington WyomingSylvia and family, our sympathy to you . Gene, was a man of many words, he was a stranger to no one and will be remembered for the good he did as a neighbor to my sister Carol. He and Carol can now get the things done that they never got accomplished ower the years. He was Gene and will be remembered as a good man.
I am so sorry for your loss. Steph, I am here for whatever you may need. You are in my thoughts…..
Fargo ND
At times like this it’s sometimes hard to find the words to say. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time with the deepest sympathy.
Coon Rapids Minnesota
Only Gene could take a bunch of ragamuffins like Mike and I grew up with and make us in to a very good baseball team. He taught us to work and play hard and instilled a love for baseball that my sons and I carry to this day. Rest in Peace Mr. Brooks!
Fargo ND
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Curt and Julie Grant
grand forks sorry to hear about Gene ,
we had many fun times with the family at the lake gene always had a fun story to tell and we shared alot of laughs i know he will be missed
Harwood ND
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to Sylvia and family. We had a lot of good times at Birchmere.
Fargo ND
Gene was like another grandpa to me- a huge part of when I was a kid and friends with Steph- wow so many memories- what to share- First of course is his endearing way to say hi to me- “Hey Ugly!” You get uglier every time I see you! and that laugh that followed- I also remember a day he wanted to teach me to water ski- and the skis were way to big- but he said go anyway- and as I tried to cross the wake he turned and I did a front summersault in the water with the skis on- ouch!!! and again the laugh!!! his stories and attitude on life always made me think- and of course the LOVE story of him and his beautiful wife Sylvia of 62 years- what a inspiritation story- married for 62 years- imagine what they went through together- truely amazing- I am sorry I wont be in town for the funeral- but will be thinking of you so much-
Fargo ND
We know you will have an endless supply of fish to catch in heaven now Gene! And will watch over your family forever more. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Brooks family whom we love so very much!
Fargo North Dakota
Thanks for coaching our little league team Gene.
After all the years have passed I still have not forgotten.
Rest well my friend
Ray
In the quiet moments,
when the hurt is hard to bear,
May love become your shelter
and may the beauty of precious memories
be your comfort.
You are held in gentle
thought and prayers.
Fargo ND
So sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Gene was an awesome man and will be missed by many.
Omaha NEWe will shed tears because you are gone. But smile because you LIVED.
We will cherish your memory and let it live on.
Rest in Peace. I will miss you!
Love
Michelle Woitzel