Joseph A. Brooks, 5W. Barbie Rand Blvd., Hilbert, Age 75, died unexpectedly Friday, July 3, 1998, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. He was born June 12, 1923, in Forest Junction, son of the late Henry and Mae (Brochtrup) Brooks. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was married on June 15, 1960, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Reedsville to Loretta "Betty" Backhaus Diedrich.
Following marriage the couple had resided in Forest Junction where they had owned and operated Joe and Betty's Bar for 28 years, and also where Mr. Brooks worked as a millworker (sic) for Farmco. Following retirement they had moved into Hilbert in 1987. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hilbert, where he served as an usher. He was a member of Wrightstown American Legion Post 436. Joe enjoyed walking and watching football.
Survivors include his wife, Betty; a stepdaughter, Barbara Lueloff of Chilton; a stepson and daughter-in-law, Russell and Ruth Diedrich of Chilton; a stepson-in-law (sic), Tom Hoeft of Luxemburg; nine step-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; five sisters and three brothers-in-law, Mary Skell, Roseann and Fred Ponschock, all of Appleton; Sister Mary Henry Brooks of Slinger; Janet and Jake Huber of Kewaunee; Betty and Marv Rademacher of Wrightstown; also eight brothers and four sisters-in-law, John "Wilmer" and Helen Brooks of Kaukauna; Adrian Brooks, Richard Brooks and Henry Brooks, all of Askeaton; Jake and Judie
Brooks of Combined Locks; Franklin and Janelle Brooks and Roger "Duke" and Alice Brooks, all of Hollandtown, and Father Charles Brooks of Mackville. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, John Kemkes Sr. of Appleton. He was preceded in death by his parents; a stepdaughter, Judy Hoeft; a step-great-granddaughter, Jennifer Diedrich; two sisters, Virginia "Jeanie" Brooks and Therese Kemkes.
Services are scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, July 6, 1998, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hilbert,
with the Revs. Rallen Stencil and Charles Brooks con-celebrating the Mass. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, 1998, at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Reedsville. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until the time of services at the church on Monday. The Sansom Funeral Home in Hilbert is assisting the family with arrangements.
The Post Crescent, Saturday July 4, 1998 P. B4