Keith Crooks

***The funeral service will be live-streamed 10/14/21 at 11:00 am via the church youtube page.

https://youtu.be/LXh_Jzvtw5Q

Keith J. Crooks, age 64, of Schofield, Wisconsin, went to be with Jesus, on Thursday, October 7, 2021. Keith was born on August 31, 1957 to the late Eugene and Carol (Kleiber) Crooks. As an infant, he was born into the family of Christ through Holy Baptism. In his youth and throughout his adult life his faith was nourished by God’s Word and sacrament.

From little on, Keith enjoyed sports. In his youth, he participated in Little League and Pony League Baseball. He was a 1975 graduate of Wausau East High School where he played varsity football for the Lumberjacks and was a member of the school’s wrestling team. Keith also played softball in a church league for many years.

After high school, Keith joined the family business, working in various roles at B&B Movers of Wausau. It was the perfect job for a man who enjoyed driving everything from straight trucks to ATVs. In more recent years, Keith worked for Able Distributing of Wausau.

On March 19, 1994, Keith was united in marriage to Marsha K. Zank. As constant companions, the two did everything together from work to recreation. As “movers” they drove cross country together. As sporting enthusiasts, they golfed together, bowled together, cheered on the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers together, and more recently hit the trails together as they four-wheeled and camped in the Northwoods with close friends.

Keith has been a longtime member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Schofield. There he expressed his gratefulness for God’s saving love by serving on various boards and committees. At one point, he took an active role in the congregation’s Lutheran Pioneer program, volunteering his time to serve as a mentor for young boys and teens. Whether at work or among friends, Keith was always happy and quick to serve others in any way that he could.

In addition to Marsha, Keith is survived by his children: Jason (Holly) Crooks (Weston), Brian Crooks (Wausau), Jessica (Michael) Straseske (Wausau), Ashley (Adam Jacobsen) Gerber (Weston), and Jamison Hollman (Schofield). Among his other survivors are his brother, Steve (Jean) Crooks, Wausau; his sister, Pat (Ed) Kordus (Antigo); his brother, Allan (Jean) Crooks, Wausau; and his brother-in-law, Joel (Cindy) Zank (Appleton); He is further survived by his ten grandchildren, by loving aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and other extended family members and dear friends.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Carol (Kleiber) Crooks and his parents-in-law, Marlan and Sharon (Grob) Zank.

A memorial service for Keith will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 14, 2021, at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Schofield. The Rev. Jeff Mahnke officiating. Visitation will take place at the church on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and again on Thursday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at brainardfuneral.com.

Keith will be missed by his family and friends and most especially by his bride, Marsha. But even in our sadness, we are finding comfort and strength in Keith’s conviction that the crucified and risen Jesus has done everything that needs to be done to win eternal life in heaven for Keith and for all who believe the Lord’s promise: “Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19