John G. Brooks

John G. Brooks, 95, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at Sunrise Retirement Community, with his family by his side.

John was born on December 22, 1930, in El Paso, Texas, to Augustus and Elizabeth (Mosetter) Brooks. He was the eldest of six children. John grew up in Sioux City and graduated from East High School. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force.

In 1955, John married the love of his life, Kathleen Gernhart. Together they had one son, Dan. John and Kak worked hard and enjoyed life to the fullest, spending many years engaged in family activities and traveling throughout the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. Kak passed away in 2002.

Although John went straight into the military after high school, he was largely self-educated. He was an avid reader and a trusted source of knowledge in history and geography. John was deeply involved in youth baseball as a longtime umpire and coach. He spent most of his professional career at MidAmerican Energy, where he built many lasting relationships, and retired in 1991. John loved watching all kinds of sports, and his favorite teams were the Cubs, Vikings, and Hawkeyes.

John’s favorite activities included reading, gardening, fishing, and following sports. He loved holidays, especially Christmas. During the winter of 2009, a blizzard snowed the family in for several days, a time John fondly remembered—telling stories and playing pool by candlelight. Above all, he loved his family and especially cherished time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

John loved animals and was known as a kind and patient man. He had a sharp wit and used his sense of humor to communicate and make a point. John was a hard man not to like.

Later in life, John transitioned to Whispering Creek Senior Living and then to Sunrise. He was truly happy in his final years.

John is survived by his son, Dan (Sheila) Brooks; grandchildren, Libby (Scott) Trevathan, Jack (Donna) Brooks, and Betsy (Dave) Koch; great-grandchildren, Ben, Veda, and Jules Trevethan, Peri Brooks, and David, Brooks, and Danny Koch; his sister, Mary (Craig) Trongaard; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Tom, Pat, Phillip, and Jim Brooks.

A celebration of life will take place this summer. Follow Christy-Smith Funeral Homes to be notified when a date is selected for the service.

The family thanks the caregivers at Sunrise for their love, care, and compassion shown to John. Memorial donations may be directed to Sunrise or St. Croix Hospice.