Michael R. Brooks, age 78, of Shakopee, MN, passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, MN.
Mike was born on December 18, 1946, in Faulkton, SD, the son of Stanley and Edna (Miller) Brooks. His dad was in the Navy, so he grew up in South Dakota and Virginia until the family settled in Shakopee. Mike also served in the United States Army Reserves for four years. For over 30 years, Mike worked as a mechanic and later as a service manager for Ford, and he was a proud Teamster member. Because of his commitment to Ford, he was able to retire early. Mike married Linda Aldrich on May 16, 1992, at the First Presbyterian Church in Shakopee, MN.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Linda; son and daughter, Jay Grommesch (fiancée, Ali Brandt) and Gena (Beau) Lamontagne; grandchildren, Wyatt and Jude Lamontagne, and Lucy and Sylvie Grommesch; sister, Susan Brooks Derhaag; niece and nephew, Melissa (Eric) Mikkonen and Mike Derhaag; and sister-in-law, Beth Pricco. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Edna “Jeanie” Brooks; granddaughter, Emma Grommesch; and brother-in-law, Darryl Pricco.
Mike loved the outdoors, being in nature, and the solitude it provided. He enjoyed hunting and relaxing at the cabin in Wisconsin with Linda. Mike was also a collector of cars, and in high school and his early twenties, he could often be found drag racing his Dodge at the racetrack. He was also an NRA member and liked to collect and shoot guns both at the range and while hunting.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 4–7 PM, with a Remembrance Prayer Service at 5:00 PM, all at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, 1220 3rd Ave. East, Shakopee, MN.
Visit the McNearney-Schmidt obituary page.
Obituary and photo submitted by McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation.