Ernest “Ernie” Van Brooks Jr.

Ernest “Ernie” Van Brooks Jr’s battle with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) ended early Saturday morning, September 7, 2024 at Vita Care Memory Care in Abbotsford. Ernest was born on March 9, 1965, in Rhinelander, to Ernest Van Brooks, Sr. and Sherry Marie Maas Brooks.

He attended Nicolet College for culinary arts and had been employed with Pioneer Transportation until November 2007 when ill health forced his retirement. He loved to deer and rabbit hunt, fish, cook, and spend time with family and friends.

Ernest is survived by his wife Robin Childers Brooks, his children: Michael (Taylyn) Brooks, Kaylene (Aaron) Wendler, Taylor (Klay) Ahles, Jayme (Travis) Evensted, and Kayla (Cai) Mountjoy, his grandchildren: Wesly VanOtto Brooks, Knox, Rowan, Ty Ahles, and Teagan Brooks, his uncle Willard (Bill) Maas who raised Ernie and his siblings as his own, his siblings: Cynthia Kotila (late Brian Jaeger), Daniel Brooks, Laura (John) Wittrock, Tommy Brooks, Sissy and Jr Brooks, his best friend: Keon Craddock, many nieces, nephews, family, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest, Sr and Sherry, Michael’s mother and first wife Christine Quandt, his father-in-law Earl Childers, niece Britney Polinski, his beagle Miles and his cat Sassy.

Ernie will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

There was a visitation on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 9 to 11 a.m. with a funeral service following at 11 a.m., all at the Carlson Funeral Home. Chaplain Charles Perez officiated. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider donating to Mayo Clinic Research for FTD or your local animal shelter in his memory.

You may leave your private condolences for the Brooks family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the family.