01/18/2018
Dr. Kenneth Arlie Brooks, 72, of Kirkland, Illinois, passed awayThursday, January 18, 2018, at home.
Born September 5, 1945, in Knoxville, Iowa, the son of Arlie and Lillian Hazel (Gentry) Brooks, Dr. Brooks was the former superintendent of the Hiawatha School District. He married Martha Spencer on June 9, 1968, in Knoxville, Iowa.
Ken was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served from 1968-to 71. Ken then began a career in education as a consultant, principal and finally superintendent.
A lifelong believer in higher education, Ken earned his Doctorate of Educational Administration Degree from Northern Illinois University in May 1985.
A member of Kirkland United Methodist Church, Ken had also been involved in Rotary International and other service organizations in the various communities where he lived. He enjoyed golf and traveling.
Survivors include his daughters, Kim (Patrick) Brosnahan of Arlington Heights and Karissa Werner of Schaumburg; grandchildren, Kyle, Justin, Anna and Nicholas; two brothers, Gerald and Paul; a nephew, Kevin (Maria) Brooks; and his great-niece and -nephew, Sarah, and Matthew.
He was predeceased by his wife, Martha, in 2016; his parents; and two brothers, Duane and Wayne.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2018, at Kirkland United Methodist Church, 300 West South Street, Kirkland, with the Rev. Jenny Weber officiating. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. February 10 at the church.
Interment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood.
Memorials to Kirkland United Methodist Church, 300 West South Street, Kirkland, IL 60146, or memorial gifts may be made to the NIU Foundation, P.O. Box 746, DeKalb, IL 60115, for a fund being established for Dr. Brooks.
The family extends special thanks to the Kirkland United Methodist Church community.
Arrangements are by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Quiram Kirkland Chapel, 309 S. Fifth St., Kirkland.
To share a memory or leave a condolence, visit olsonfh.com.