Merrill "Dick" Brooks

Merrill C. "Dick" Brooks, 92, passed away on March 3, 2023, of congestive heart failure. Dick was born February 1, 1931 in Marshalltown to Cecil and Helen Kepler Brooks. He graduated from MHS in 1950. He attended the University of Iowa. Dick married Hildagarde "Hildi" Spielbauer on April 5, 1958. They lived in Des Moines, then moved to Cedar Rapids, where they raised their three children. They moved to Marshalltown in 1977. Dick was an insurance salesman and was awarded trips to Jamaica and Acapulco, Mexico, where he traveled with Hildi. They also attended many Iowa Hawkeye games through the years. He enjoyed Hawkeye football and basketball, and he was an avid golfer. Dick and his family were very proud of his 41 years of sobriety.

Dick is survived by his children, Tanya (Tim) Hillygus of Marshalltown and Trent of Marshalltown. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Travis (Kim) Brooks of Monroe, Iowa, Hunter Hillygus of Waukee, Iowa, and Staci (Justin) Scavo of West Des Moines, Iowa. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Landon, and Elena. Dick is also survived by a sister, Shirley McKee Freers of Madison, Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Hildi, his son Todd, his parents and a sister, Beverly Morris.

Services will be held at a later date. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Merrill and his family.

-Lovingly written by the family