Rochelle

Wallace "Wally" C. Brooks, 88, passed away Sunday, January 13, 2019 at Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon, IL. Wally was born on January 3, 1931 to Walter and Ruth (Hoffman) Brooks in Alliance, Nebraska. He married Norma Jean Koeppel on September 5, 1953 in Jefferson, Wisconsin. She preceded him in death on June 14, 2016 after 62 years of marriage. Wally is also predeceased by his parents, Walter Brooks and Ruth Linger; an infant daughter, Kimberly Ann; and his sister, Joyce Givens.

Wally was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, earning his bachelor's degree in 1958 and his master's degree in 1965. He retired as a guidance counselor from Rochelle Township High School in 1993 after 28 years. He was a member and past president of the Rochelle Rotary Club and lived their motto, "service above self". Wally served on the original board of Lincoln Manor when it was built. He was a devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church, where he served as church council president a number of times as well as selflessly sharing his time, talents and treasure.

As a loyal UW graduate, Wally was an avid Badger football season ticket holder. He loved sharing the Camp Randall Stadium experience with family and friends along with road trips to their holiday bowl games. Wally enjoyed traveling with friends in Door County and throughout Wisconsin.

Wally is survived by two children: Mic (Tracy) Brooks of Rochelle and Lynn (Earl Kittle) Brooks Smith of Creston; four grandchildren: Josh (Sarah) Smith, Justin (Andrea) Smith, Chad Brooks and Brooke (Chris) Cox; three great grandchildren: Tucker Wallace Smith, Polly Jo Smith, and McKenzie Lynn Smith, along with several nieces and nephews.

The visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M., Friday, January 18, 2019 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. There will be an additional visitation on Saturday, January 19 from 9:00 - 10:00 A.M., at Faith Lutheran Church, 14206 E. Flagg Rd., Rochelle with the funeral service following at 10:00 A.M., with Pastor Joy Alsop officiating. Burial will be at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle. Memorials may be made in Wally's memory to Faith Lutheran Church. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.