Brian M Brooks

Brian M. Brooks, 47, of Sparta, died on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Brian was born on November 13, 1977 to Randy and Nancy (Wells) Brooks. He grew up in Lyon’s Valley on the Wells family farm, and graduated from Sparta High School in 1996. In high school, Brian was a 2-time State Wrestling Qualifier, and won the Bi-State Classic. After school, he worked at Martin Trucking in Wilton, Wesco in Sparta, and most recently, Leon Country Floors, where he was one hell of a salesman.

Brian married Gretchen Kress in 1998 and they were blessed with their two greatest accomplishments, Sadie and Blake. They shared 21 years together and later divorced. 

Brian was instrumental in expanding the Sparta Youth Wrestling program to its greatest level of success. During his ten years of coaching Youth and Middle School, he impacted the lives of hundreds of young men and women. He loved wrestling with a passion, but more importantly the kids, the wrestling community, and all of the families that came with it.

In addition to wrestling, Brian loved to entertain in “the shed” and spend time with family and friends. You could always count on him to have a frozen pizza and beverage waiting for you. He was the best DJ in the valley. He enjoyed Deer Camp, cheering on the Packers and Badgers, UTVing, and long rides in his collector van. 

Brian was a generous soul who touched the lives of many. He will be remembered for his ability to carry on a conversation with anyone he crossed paths with, his infectious laugh, big smile, and his smart comments which always made people laugh. He was loved by all and will be missed by many. 

Brian is survived by his children, Sadie Brooks and Blake Brooks; parents, Randy and Nancy Brooks; siblings, Travis (Dawn) Brooks, Kim (Paul) Kelsey; nieces and nephews, and several great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Morgan and Marlene Wells and special uncle, Bob Brooks. 

A Visitation will be held from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta. A Celebration of Life will follow at Leon Community Center at 4 p.m. Private family burial will be held at a later time. 

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

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