News & Notes

Farewells

Arnold Lyle Brooks, 80, of Prophetstown, IL, passed away on January 18, 2023, at Rock River Hospice. He was born in Sterling, Illinois on February 2, 1942 to Lyle and Dorothy (Arnold) Brooks.

Arnie grew up on his family’s farm and was proud to have lived his whole life on one of two farms along the Rock River, until recently moving to Morningside in Sterling. He was a graduate of Prophetstown High School, where he enjoyed softball, football, band and FFA. He graduated from the University of Illinois; he was on the livestock judging team, played the saxophone in the Marching Illini, and was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, where he made lifelong friends. His love of the Fighting Illini continued throughout his life, and he proudly wore his Illini cap everywhere.

Arnie was a cattleman, showing Shorthorns at county and state fairs. He met Jane Zuidema of Morrison at the Whiteside County Fair when they were both 16, and they have been together ever since, marrying on February 3, 1963. Arnie’s two passions in life were farming and his family. He and Jane cultivated and grew the family farm, following in the footsteps of his parents and grandparents, and passed the legacy of hard work and love of the land to the next generations.

In the community, he was involved in the Masonic Lodge, Whiteside County Pork Producers, and the Whiteside FS Board, and was a member of Ebenezer Reformed Church. He and Jane enjoyed golf and travel. Highlights were their trips to Australia and New Zealand, and spending time with friends each winter in Siesta Key, Florida. They spent many hours watching their grandchildren show cattle and play sports.

Arnie’s greatest source of joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Jane; daughter Deborah (Chris) Bostak of Fort Collins, CO; and son Jeffrey (Shelley) Brooks of Prophetstown, along with four grandchildren: Sam Bostak, Denver, CO; Max Bostak, Chicago, IL; Emily Brooks, Prophetstown; and Ella Brooks,

Prophetstown. In addition, he leaves a sister-in-law Carol Zuidema, several nieces and nephews, and many Brooks Cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Allen Zuidema.

His quick wit, ability to make a friend of anyone he met, and generous heart will be greatly missed.