Harley Brooks

Harley Brooks, age 90 of Viroqua, died Sunday, November 9, 2008. Harley M. Brooks, age 90 of Viroqua, died Sunday, November 9, 2008 at the Bethel Home in Viroqua. He was born March 10, 1918 in Sparta, WI and lived there during his early years. The family later moved to Friendship, WI, Waukegan, IL, and Viroqua, WI, where Harley graduated high school in 1935. Following graduation, he was employed at Dahl Drug Store, Schultz Brothers Variety Store and Carnation Company. He returned to school at La Crosse Vocational and was subsequently employed in the office of the Nuzum Lumber Company. In 1942, Harley enlisted in the Army Air Force, serving in the Pacific in New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands. He was discharged from the service in 1944 and returned to Viroqua where he was employed in the office of the Wadhams Oil Company, as early division of Mobil Oil. In 1945 he was transferred to the district office in La Crosse, and later that same year he married Hope Friedell. The couple continued to live in Viroqua until 1947, when Harley was transferred to Black River Falls, WI as foreman of the Mobil Oil bulk plant. In 1953 he transferred to the Mobil bulk plant in Decorah, IA and six years later again to the division office in Milwaukee. During the fifteen years he worked in Milwaukee, the family lived in Oconomowoc, WI. Following the closing of the Milwaukee office in 1974, Harley transferred to the Dallas, TX office and lived in the suburb of Garland. After 36 years with Mobil, Harley retired in 1981, returning to Viroqua the following year. Harley was a member of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church of Oconomowoc and a past member of the VFW, Odd Fellows of America and Viroqua Country Club. Harley is survived by his daughter, Nancy (John) Gausepohl of Huntsville, TX; son, Steven (Abby) Brooks of Waukesha, WI; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hope; parents, Lin and Nettie Brooks; and sister, Lois Sullivan. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 14, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 West Decker Street in Viroqua. Pastor Ethan Larson will officiate with burial in the Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call at the Funeral Home on Friday after 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.