Raymond James Brooks

Raymond J. (Ray) Brooks passed away at Lake Winona Manor on Sunday, September 9, 2012. Ray was born January 3, 1929 in Walhalla, N.D. to Fred and Agnes Clark Brooks.All of his early education was in Walhalla and he was a graduate of Walhalla High School. After graduating from High School, he enlisted in the Army and spent one year (1946-1947) in the U.S. Army of Occupation in Japan.Upon graduation from Valley City (N.D.) State University, he married Audrey Mae Brush in Valley City on December 3, 1950. After 52 years of marriage, Audrey died in April, 2003. In 1957 he received a Master of Science degree from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. Ray taught in North Dakota and Minnesota and spent 27 years as a faculty member at Winona State University, retiring in 1992.Ray was a Red Cross volunteer, member of the Learning Club, American Legion, YMCA and the Winona County Historical Society.He is survived by a son, Kevin of San Francisco; daughter Kathy (Dennis) Doran, grandchildren Joshua and Jessica Doran of Winona and daughter Kari (Jason) Shiroma, grandchildren Chad and Aaron Shiroma of Winona. He is further survived by brothers Lawrence of Silverdale, WA and George of Fargo, N.D.He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and brothers Harold and Donald.A celebration of Ray's life will be held on Saturday, September 15th 2012 from 1-4 p.m. at the Winona County History Center located at 160 Johnson Street. Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service, Hansen Goodview Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be directed to the Ray Brooks Scholarship Fund through the Winona State University Foundation.Please leave words of condolence or memories of Ray at: www.hofffuneral.com