Born: 19-OCT-1938

Died: 8-MAR-2017

 

Activated:

Spring 1957

Class Year:

1960

Major:

Biology

 

 

Other education

Master & Ph.D. in Biology (University of Chicago at Urbana-Champaign)

Career:

Professor Emeritus of Biology, Ripon College, Ripon, WI

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News about William

June 2017

Dr. William S. Brooks (60) of Madison, WI, died March 8, 2017. At Ripon he studied biology and was a member of Tri Beta Honor Society and Sigma Nu (now Theta Sigma Tau) fraternity. He dedicated his life to studying and protecting the environment and teaching others how to do the same. After graduating from Ripon College he earned a Master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He then returned to Ripon College and began a 40-year career as a professor of biology, specializing in ornithology and ecology. His greatest passion was studying birds, participating in numerous bird counts as an active member and former president of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology. He also devoted countless hours to a 10-year wetland restoration project on Rush Lake. He taught for many summers at the Associated Colleges of the Midwest's Wilderness Field Station, developing a deep love and respect for northern Minnesota's Boundary Waters. Survivors include one son, David Brooks (89).

April 2017 from Cress Funeral Home

William S. Brooks, 78, of Madison, passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2017, after a brief illness. He was born October 19th, 1938, in Rockford IL.

Bill dedicated his life to studying and protecting the environment, and teaching others how to do the same. After graduating from Ripon College with a bachelor's degree in Biology, he continued his schooling, earning a master's degree as well as his PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Upon completing his education, he returned to Ripon College and began a 40-year career as a beloved Professor of Biology, specializing in Ornithology and Ecology, sharing his vast knowledge and experience. His greatest passion, though, was studying birds and he continued to do so long after his retirement, participating in numerous bird counts as an active member and former President of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology. He also devoted countless hours to a 10-year wetland restoration project on Rush Lake, further demonstrating his commitment to preserving our natural environment. Additionally, he spent numerous summers teaching at the Associated Colleges of the Midwest's Wilderness Field Station, developing a deep love and respect for Northern Minnesota's Boundary Waters.

He is survived by his son, David (Trish) Brooks; brother, Thomas (Dodee) Brooks; sister, Catherine (Albert) Emerson; grandsons, Tyler, Logan, and Jacob; granddaughters, Hollie, Aubrey, and Kenna; numerous nephews and nieces; and his companion, Jane Dennis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Levis and Nina Brooks, and his son, Daniel Brooks.

May he rest in peace, knowing that he was respected and loved by so many.

October 2002

Dr. William Brooks (60), professor of Biology at Ripon College retired this year. Dr. Brooks was a Ripon graduate and member of Sigma Nu. He returned to Ripon in 1966 to become professor of Biology, replacing his mentor, Associate Professor Dan Thompson.

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