Obituary of Phyllis May Brooks

Phyllis May Brooks, 76, of Hines, Minnesota died on Sunday, February 11th, 2024 at her home. Phyllis was born on March 12, 1947 in Bemidji, MN to Paul and Marguerite (Cronk) Kruger. She attended school in Tenstrike up to 4th grade, then Blackduck School where she graduated high school. She attended Northwest Technical College to acquire her associate’s degree. On March 23rd, 1967 Phyllis married Bill Brooks in Tenstrike, MN. She lived in Minneapolis from 1965 to 1984 where she and Bill had their son and daughter. They moved back to Blackduck/Hines in 1984. She held multiple jobs, but worked the longest at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for 18 years where she was a Clerk Typist. She retired from the DNR in 2010. Phyllis enjoyed bowling and darts with Bill and their friends, playing cards with friends and family, raspberry picking, gardening, and canning. 

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Bill Brooks of Hines, MN; one son, Robert (Deb) Brooks of Minneapolis, MN; one daughter, Brigitte (Mike) Zylka of Laporte, MN; one grandson, Ben (Teresa) Boldt of Alabama; three granddaughters, Jodi (CJ) Fichter of Badger, MN, Carla (Ryan) Dobmeier of Laporte, MN, Brooke (Tyler) Grundmeier of Bemidji, MN; five great-grandchildren, Breydan and Bridger Fichter, Ava and Zoey Dobmeier, and Sophia Boldt; three siblings, Wayne (Ardis) Kruger of Tenstrike, Bev Leeper of Bemidji, and Bonnie (Dan) Grundmeier of Blackduck; sister-in-law, Vickie Kruger of Blackduck; and aunt, Edwina Batchelder of Bemidji. 

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Marguerite Kruger; her father- and mother-in-law, Bennie and Dorthy (Quimby) Brooks; her brothers Fred, Russell, and Ken Kruger; brother-in-laws Roger Brooks, and Gene Leeper; and sister-in-law Judy Brooks. 

A celebration of life will be held this summer. Friends and family will be notified when the date is determined.