Lowell "Babe" Edward Brooks

Lowell Brooks, 92, of Park Rapids, MN passed away April 26, 2015. at home with with his family at his side. Lowell Edward "Babe" Brooks, age 92, a long time Owatonna, MN area resident, peacefully passed from this life to eternal life on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at his home in Park Rapids, MN surrounded by his loved ones. Babe was born on November 18, 1922 to Clarence and Grace (Witter) Brooks in Morristown, MN. He attended public school in Morristown through the eighth grade. At the tender age of 11, his father died unexpectedly and Babe moved with his mother and nine siblings to St. Paul, MN. As a young man of 18, Babe was drafted into the U.S. Army where he displayed great courage and patriotism throughout his tour of duty in WWII. Babe, as a member of the 45th Field Artillery Division under the command of General George Patton fought in the African Theater of World War II for a time before shipping out to the European Theater where Babe's unit traveled to Italy landing in Sicily, Salerno and finally in Anzio. His unit was trapped in their fox holes for 112 days at the beachhead near Anzio under heavy German fire. Babe received the Bronze Star for single handedly blowing up a German tank that was about to destroy their position. From there his unit marched into Rome where they liberated the city from the Germans. They then joined up with General Patton's, Third Army, traveled to France and fought in the Battle of The Bulge, where they liberated thousands of US Troops. They then marched into Belgium and crossed the Rhine into Germany and freed thousands of Jewish Prisoners held at the Dachau Concentration Camp. After the war, since Babe could speak German, he spent six months helping escort the German soldiers home. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Babe returned to St. Paul where he met the prettiest little gal from Owatonna, MN, Beatrice Louise "Betty" Tuthill. The young couple was united in marriage on March 10, 1947 in St. Paul. They were blessed with five children: Blaine, Sharon, Brenda, Brian and Bruce. After engaging in farming for a time, Babe and Betty started the "Brooks Midway Service Station" which was located half way between Owatonna and Waseca. Babe operated their business until Christmas of 1983 when he retired. He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a skillful card player who looked forward to a friendly game of poker with friends and family. He was also a good cribbage player and it is told that he never lost a game of checkers. Babe excelled in playing pool and enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to master the game. He was a life time member of the VFW Post #3723 and the American Legion Post #0077 both in Owatonna. Above all, Babe devoted his life to his precious wife, Betty, his children and his grandchildren who he loved with all his heart. His memory will be cherished by his wife for these past 68 years, Betty; his daughter, Brenda (David) Sordahl of Park Rapids, MN; his three sons: Blaine (Carol) Brooks of Waseca, MN, Brian (Stephanie) Brooks of Austin, MN and Bruce Brooks of Madison, WI; nine dearly loved grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; his sister, Myrtis "Sis" Schumacher of Mpls., as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Babe was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Sharon who died at age 6 in 1956; a grandson, Jonathon who died in 1982 and a great grand daughter, Jaslynn Leritz who died in May of 2014; he has also lost five brothers and three sisters. Services will be held 3 PM Thursday, April 30, 2015 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with Michael Brooks officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. His son, Brian will honor his dad with a eulogy. His urn bearers will be his grandchildren: Shelley Mae Cook, Eugene Lowell Brooks, Eric Matthew Leritz, Randy Gene Leritz, Christopher Lee Leritz, Bryan Allan Eaker, Olivia Margaret Eaker and Samantha Kerrie Brooks. The Star of The North Marine Corps League will provide full military honors. Interment will be made in the family plot located in the Owatonna Memorial Gardens Cemetery of Owatonna, MN next to his daughter, Sharon. To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com. Memorial Service is scheduled for Thursday, April 30,2015, 3:00 PM, at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids,MN. Gathering of family and friends begins at 2:00 PM also at the funeral home.