JOHN BROOKS Obituary

John Joseph "Jack" Brooks, formerly of Elgin, passed away peacefully on Oct. 29, 2023, in Cumming, Ga. Born May 18, 1935, in Boston, to Forden and Margaret Brooks, Jack treasured family and spent a lifetime putting that devotion into action, notably when he moved to Elgin to assist his brother's widow and children after Robert Brooks' death in 1962. Jack married Martha J. LeClair June 1, 1957, and they enjoyed a happy and fruitful union until Martha's passing in 1996. Upon moving their growing family to Elgin, Jack went to work for the Milwaukee Road, and he remained an employee of the rail company and Metra until his retirement in 1998. Jack remarried in 1998, taking Carole Sauer of Crystal Lake as his wife. Jack delighted in watching his five children play sports ranging from baseball to softball to football, often offering pointers and pitching in to manage or coach his kids' teams. This carried over to grandchildren from both marriages, whose baseball, volleyball, basketball and softball efforts he relished. Jack loved to hit the links, playing golf throughout his life. Possessed of an easy and infectious laugh, Jack enjoyed reading, listening to Irish music, watching movies (popcorn required), and sipping a "hot cup o' tea." Jack Brooks is survived by his wife, Carole Sauer Brooks; his five children, John (Ellen) Brooks, Joseph (Joanna) Brooks, James (Laurie) Brooks, Jean (William) DiFulvio and Patrick (Connie) Brooks; as well as 15 grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces. A private graveside ceremony is planned for Dec. 9. Memorials in Jack Brooks' honor may be made to the American Cancer Society.