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Gretchen Crooks Obituary
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 30, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 100 First St. N.E., Mason City. Officiating will be the Rev. Paul M. Schaefer of Plymouth Baptist Church and the Rev. Patti Aurand pastor of the First Congregational Church.
Visitation will be from 3-9 p.m. Thursday at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Seconnd St. S.E., Mason City. Following the funeral Gretchen will be cremated. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Fullertonfh.com.
Gretchen Ann was born on Aug. 20, 1974, in Fairfield, Calif., the oldest daughter of Michael and Bev "Bucher" Brahm. She was a graduate of Mason City High School with the class of 1992. She continued her education at NIACC then earned her BSN degree in Nursing from the University of Iowa and was working on her masters at the time of her death.
She has been engaged in nursing at Mercy Hospital for most of her working career where her caring and compassion was her personification. She was the Clinical Leader in Critical Care, and has served as a Nursing Supervisor. She also volunteered for the Federal Disaster Medical Team during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Rita.
On Oct. 29, 1994, she was united in marriage to William Crooks at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Mason City. Recently she and Bill had a wonderful 10-day trip to Mexico.
She enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes football team and attending Twins games. She was energetic doing things with her sons like boating, horseback riding and spending time with her extended family. Her favorite times of the year were Valentine's and Halloween, which was her and William's anniversary. Many will remember her sassy and feisty personality.
Those thankful in sharing Gretchen's life is her husband, William, of 17 years; her sons, Jacob Schmitt, Mason City, and Noah Crooks, Osage; her parents, Mike and Bev Brahm, Mason City; brother, Jason Brahm, Mason City; grandmother, Greta Brahm, Kettering, Ohio; father-in-law, Robert (Sue) Crooks, Mason City; mother-in-law, Vonda Boggess, Eldora; sisters-in-law, Sara Rawson and Jessica Rhea, both of Eldora; Niki (Dave) Atherton, Naperville, Ill.; and brother-in-law, Jason Mead, Mason City; and numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and a whole host of friends.
Her Maternal Grandparents Clayton and Virgilene Bucher, and paternal Grandfather George Brahm preceded her in death.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gretchen Crooks
Dawn Stroup
April 25, 2012
Bev, Mike, Jason- My prayers are with you as I learn this devistating news. We have not seen each other in nearly two decades but I have not foregotten about yall. Now more than ever you all will be in my thoughts and prayes. I always wanted to grow up to be just like Gretchen and I hope I haven't let her down.
Love Always, Dawn M Stroup, RN,P
Cathy Willits Baldwin
April 5, 2012
I remember Gretchen as a middle schooler at church, busy with the important aspects of growing up. Seeing photos of this beautiful woman, and reading the glowing words of praise here make me sad that I never knew her as an adult. I'm so sorry for the loss your family is experiencing. You are all in my prayers.
April 2, 2012
Sending love and prayers to your family.... -Tiffany Green-Harrington (Mason City, IA)
March 31, 2012
Bill, my prayers are with you and your son at this terrible time. May God give you the strength to go forward and help Noah through this terrible tragedy. Diamanto Axiotis
Julie Dannen
March 30, 2012
Jason-
Please know my thoughts are with you and your family.
Julie Dannen
gloria rosendahl
March 30, 2012
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Karen O'Neill
March 29, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Troy Havig Brandi Spear
March 29, 2012
Our prayers are with you and it is our hope that you will find the strength to heal as you mourn this terrible tragedy. our sympathy and warmest thoughts are with you now.
March 29, 2012
I didn't know Gretchen, personally, but I went to school with Jason since elementary, and I've always known who she was. I cannot stop thinking of you all, and I'm praying for peace and comfort for your respective families.
Krista O'Geary
March 29, 2012
Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Joyce Allen
March 29, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God bless you and your family at this time. We never seem to know what God's plan is for each of us but Gretchen is among the angels and will be rewarded greatly for who she is and the people she cared for and loved.
Frank and Mary Lou Wood
March 29, 2012
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
shannyn
March 29, 2012
so very sorry for your loss, my heart breaks for you all during this very difficult time. Blessings to you all in each and every moment of the day and night.
Julie Marino
March 29, 2012
I first met Gretchen 20 years ago when we worked at Golden Corral together and then reconnected with her again when I started working at Mercy 8 years ago. She was truly a caring and compassionate nurse and friend. She was also one that encouraged me to go back to school and get my RN degree. Every time I saw her in passing, she would ask me how school was going.
Gretchen left behind a legacy to be cherished and remembered. My prayers go out to all her family and friends.
A truly amazing person, she will be dearly missed...
Lynne Andersen
March 29, 2012
I am so sorry. I am praying for all. Gretchen is in better hands now. She has the love of Jesus all around her.
Lynne Hollandale, MN
Dana Swift
March 29, 2012
Gretchen was a ray of sunshine to work with while deployed together in Lake Charles, LA following Hurricanes Rita and Wilma. Knowing her only a few short weeks I still think of her often and smile from the good energy she gave everyone she touched. The world was a better place because she was in it and heaven now has an amazingly smart, caring, compassionate and ROCKIN' nurse.
Godspeed Gretch!!!
My deepest condolences and many prayers for your family.
Dana Swift, RN
DMAT NY-2
Peggy Nichols
March 29, 2012
Sending many prayers your way!
Deb Rethamel
March 29, 2012
Bev, Mike and family,
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers today as I read the sad news of your loss. Hugs to you. Deb Rethamel
Shelly Oleson Apel
March 29, 2012
To Gretchen's Family
Sending My deepest & sincerest sympathy at this time. I will always treasure My memories of working with Gretchen at the hospital - She was an awesome lady, One of A Kind! Rest in Piece Dear Gretchen.
Cat Rand
March 28, 2012
Words can not convey what i would love to say to this precious family, Just know all of you are in my prayers for comfort and understanding as you process this loss. Know that I am here for all of you and GOD is as close as a whispered sigh.
Phil Haberkamp
March 28, 2012
Our thoughts an prayers are with the Crooks family & friends. She is in a better place with god and the angels. I worked in Supply Chain Mgmt. at the hospital with supplies. We will miss her friendly smile, & laugh! Always friendly in the hallways with a hi or good morning. God Bless her friends & family in the loss of a loved one.
Lori Nelson
March 28, 2012
Thoughts, prayers, and understanding to you all.
mike ulrich
March 28, 2012
didnt know the family but my sympathy i hope reachs in your hearts
From All of Us at Clint Thomas' State Farm Agency
March 28, 2012
Mike, Bev, & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful daughter! Please know that we are thinking of each of you, and pray that God carries and comforts you thru this painful period! God Bless and be with you!
Doug & Lori Schmidt (& Family)
March 28, 2012
Mike, Bev, and family~ There are no words to express the sadness we feel for the devastating loss you have experienced. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers! May God be with you, love you, and support you thru this difficult time!
Mary Couch
March 28, 2012
Gretchen's family, I'm sorry to hear that she has passaway. I worked with her in CCU, I'm the housekeeper up there, she would always say that she is colded and I would always tell her that she is not working hard enough. She always had a smile on her face, would say good morning to me. She has touch so many people. And will be missed by everyone. We will just have to take it one day at a time, she will still be with us.
March 28, 2012
Our prayers go out to all of Gretchen's family for their loss. We are so very sorry for the pain we know you are going through.
Phyllis Lakins & Kelly Bliss
Al and Cheryl Schmitt
March 28, 2012
Hold tight to your memories for comfort,
lean on your family & friends for strength,
and always remember how much "you" are cared about.
March 28, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to Gretchen's loved ones...much love to our dear friend, Carla Brahm Savage and Mother Greta. Shirlee & Jimmy
Renae K
March 28, 2012
Our thoughts an prayers are with the Crooks family, I didn't realize till I read the article in the globe today, but I graduated from High School with her. Would have loved to have known her, she seemed to be a very loving mother, wife, daughter & friend. God bless her friends and family!
Melody Thome
March 28, 2012
My deepest sympathy for all of Gretchen"s family! I worked with her long time ago and she was such a caring person! My prayers go with her son.
Anne Swenson
March 28, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to Brittany and Gretchen's family
Xuyen Schmitt
March 28, 2012
I am so sad that nothing I can do or say that can ease the pain that you all are going through, all I can say is God be with you all through this time of sorrow , and May God Bless you,and help you all to go on with this.
Xuyen
March 28, 2012
Gretchen was a woman of excellence, I will miss her. Janet Dorenkamp
Kathy Murphy-Brown
March 28, 2012
Dear Bev,Mike, and Jason,
Remember when we worked at the City Assessors Office for that short time? Then we used to take Brent, Heather, Gretchen and Jason to Roller City to skate while you and I visited? I can hardly believe that our lives could go in so many different directions. So sorry this had to be one of yours. Eventhough as Christians we believe Gretchen is in a better place with God and family passed, it doesnt make the seperation any easier. May the good Lord bless and keep you during these difficult days.
Heather Langan
March 28, 2012
May God be with you during this time. I am so sorry for your loss and this tragedy. Gretchen and I sung in the HS choir together. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Christensen Saleh
March 28, 2012
Gretchen's family: I am so saddened to hear of Gretchen. I knew her first from the BSN program and graduated with her. Then I got to know her at the hospital. She was a great person and my sympathy is with your family. I will be praying for God's Holy Spirit to comfort you at this difficult time and in the coming months I pray for His guidance and knowing how to move on. Blessings on you all.
LeAnn Thompson
March 28, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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