Charles Whitson Brookes (Chuck)
NOKOMIS, Fla. — Charles Whitson Brookes (Chuck), passed away at his home in Nokomis, Florida on October 19, 2023. Born in Chadron, Nebraska on December 18, 1946, Chuck spent his childhood and school-age years with his parents (Oswald, Lillian) and younger brother (Rick) in Escanaba, Michigan. Choosing Green & White over Maize & Blue, Chuck attended Michigan State University and met his wife (Marilyn) of 50 years shortly after graduating. Chuck and Marilyn settled in Dimondale, Michigan where they raised their only son (Ryan) and lived for 40 years. After Chuck retired from Michigan Millers Insurance Company, he and Marilyn settled in Nokomis, Fla.
Chuck Brookes was a loving husband and father and he cultivated and maintained lifelong friendships with a sense of loyalty that is not seen often anymore, but perhaps his proudest and most profound role was that of dedicated grandfather to his two grandsons (Jackson, 18 Michael, 14). His greatest gift in life was a front row seat to the unfolding story of their lives, from travelling to lacrosse tournaments and games to calling for updates on grades, school projects and everyday minutia.
Chuck is survived by his wife (Marilyn), his son and wife Ryan and Stacy, his grandsons Jackson and Michael, his brother and wife Rick and Sue, his nephew and family Craig, Rachel, Finley and Taylor, his niece and husband Kacey and Michael Berenson.
There will be a celebration of Chuck’s life in the Lansing, Mich. area in the spring of 2024, details of this will be shared with family and friends after the New Year.