Bruce A Brook

After a tumultuous but always valiant battle with cancer, Bruce Brook passed away in his sleep on Monday, October 10, 2022, at the age of 74. In his final weeks he was surrounded by friends and family.

Bruce was born on October 31, 1947, in Milwaukee, WI, to parents Hyman and Ruth (Shapiro) Brook. He attended John Marshall High School and then the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where he earned a degree in Anthropology. After graduation, Bruce returned to Milwaukee, where he later met Susie (Schwam) and proposed to her after only three dates. They were married June 23, 1974 and moved to Illinois, where they raised two sons and navigated life's ups and downs together for 48 years.

Bruce was an avid coin collector, a fan of the Chicago Cubs, and an ardent supporter of the Green Bay Packers-something his children never understood or accepted. He loved history, music, and art, and reveled in frequent trips to New Orleans, where he savored the area's unique culture and food.

Bruce's greatest interest in life, however, was other people. He somehow remembered every friend he'd ever made since grade school and miraculously kept up with everyone. His laughter filled rooms, his repertoire of stories was endless, and his love for family knew no bounds.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Hyman and Ruth (Shapiro) Brook; his sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Arnie Wiviott; his aunt and uncle, Sara and Manuel Beckett, and his in-laws, Bobbie and Harold Schwam.

He is survived by his wife, Susie, and two sons, Harley and Jeremy (Heather) Brook, and three grandchildren: Kayli, Avery, and Owen. He is also survived by many cherished members of his extended family.

Sincere gratitude for the care and compassion received from Bruce's doctors and the staff of Star Hospice.

At Bruce's request, there will be no funeral services. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Bruce's memory to organizations he supported, such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and World Central Kitchen (he had a certified man-crush on Chef Jose Andres), or a charity of your choosing.