Dennis L. Brooks, 91, of Wolcott, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at the family farm on Wednesday morning, January 13, 2021. He was born December 5, 1929 in Rensselaer to the late Floyd and Fanabel (Nation) Brooks. Dennis was a 1947 graduate of Rensselaer High School.

His marriage of 70 wonderful years was to Frances Mattocks on September 15, 1950 at the Rensselaer Presbyterian Church; Frances survives.

To quote a friend, Randy Hegstrom, “Dennis was a man of great character that is never exceeded and rarely matched”. FAITH. CHARACTER. INTEGRITY.

Dennis was a member of the Palestine Christian Church of Wolcott serving as elder since 1976. He was a board member of the former Christian Children’s Home and School at Ladoga, Indiana. Dennis was a charter member and chairman of the Northwest Indiana Beef Cattle Association. He served on the advisory board of the Farmer’s Home Administration and Production Credit Association. He served as an Indiana delegate on the nominating committee of Farm Credit Association. He was a member of the board, serving as chairman for many years, of the Wolcott Farmer’s Cooperative. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Murat Shriners. As a Shriner, he sponsored and escorted many children to the Shriners Hospital in Chicago and classes of the local elementary school to the Shrine Circus in Indianapolis. He was a former pilot and member of the Flying Farmers Association.

Starting work at the early age of 12, Dennis had various jobs including working on neighboring farms, the A & P Food Market, U.S. Steel, and E.W. Mattocks and Sons. In 1958 he became a farmer and cattleman. He often acknowledged that only by divine intervention of his Lord was he able to fulfill his dream. He felt blessed to be able to work alongside his family. Even through the lean years, he had faith that God would provide. After retiring and handing the farming reins over to the next generation, Dennis was approached by the Diener family to manage soybean production and enjoyed the next ten years working with them and the many friends he made in the tri-state area.

Dennis loved spending time fishing and making more friends at his properties in Michigan and Florida. He especially valued his friendship with the Albarello and Enstrom families. He cherished many wonderful memories with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He strived to provide opportunities for his family and friends to experience happiness and memory-making moments.

In addition to his wife Fran, he is survived by his children Paul (Pam), Bill (Terri), Tom (Janice), Laura, and Marianne. Also survived by 10 grandchildren: Rod (Tracey), Kyle (Marisa), Lance (Katie), Holly, Curt (Katie), Desiree (Trevor), Derek, Dane, Chad (Missy), Jason (Mindy), and 12 great-grandchildren: Kinzi, Ian, Lilliana, Hudson, Avah, Aubree, Aldren, Helen, Finley, Avery, Kaleb, Reagan. He is also survived by several siblings Larry, Lois, and Anita and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Fanabel Brooks, son-in-law Jeff Testa, brother Kenneth, sister Kathleen, and special sister-in-law Margie.

A private family graveside service will be held at Dobbins Cemetery of Wolcott. Foster-Clapper Funeral Home of Wolcott is entrusted with arrangements.

A celebration of Dennis’s life is planned for later in the year at the Palestine Christian Church when circumstances allow. The family encourages relatives and friends to attend at that time to share memories and celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Palestine Christian Church at 7275 West 400 North, Wolcott, Indiana 47995 and to the Shriners Children’s Hospital at lovetotherescue.org

Share memories and condolences online at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.