Steven Brooks Obituary

Dearest Linda and Family:

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Pastor Steve made a huge impact on my life after the death of my Mama Kerry L. Zagata. I know my Mama loved you all incredibly, and I know her life was changed by Steve as well. He and your family have always, and will forever hold such a huge place in my heart. If it weren't for Pastor Steve, I may never have found my way back to the Heavenly Father, and known of his unconditional love. God be with you and your family. I praise God that Pastor Steve is rejoicing with Him in Heaven.

God Bless You....
In His Name,

Lindsey Loomis & Family
(Lindsey Zagata)

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dearest Linda and family,

His mercies are new every morning. May you know that in your mind and feel the Holy Spirits peace that passes all understanding in this time of grief.
Pastor Steve had an impact on my life as well as yourself Linda. I will always remember his song that said "nothing can separate us from the love of God, He died for me the sinners been set free"
That song resonates in my life more than you will ever know.

I also remember the time you cried as you read the resurrection story to my SUnday School class. I understand now why those tears fell.

Thank you for sharing your husbands life with so many.

May God be glorified even in this time to weep.


All my love in Christ,

ar

Linda, this notice was e-mailed to me by a family member who lives in C. Springs. What a flood of memories comes with it! You and Steve still hold such a special place in our hearts. Vern and I send our love, and thank you deeply for these memories. We pray that you realize the fullness of God's grace during this time. Our love to you & yours.

Dear Brooks Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am an old friend of the Crichtons and so appreciated Steve's loving kindness and leadership at Katherine Crichtons funeral a few years ago. He was so comforting; clearly a very special man. When I was a teenager - Beth and I visited Steve and Kathy in Nebraska and they were both so welcoming and kind. My prayers are with you.

Dear Linda,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It seems like only yesterday that you and Steve were starting out together and helping to shape a group of young people as counselors at Camp Okane. Steve's joyful exhuberance and love for the Lord always was evident. I am so glad to be able to say that your lives and mine touched. I have always felt blessed by the two of you. I remember Ross as a little boy that we played with when my dad visited Steve. As you headed to Colorado, we moved to Michigan, but I have kept tabs on you. I knew when Steve became General Synod president and shared his gifts with an even larger audience. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you begin this next stage of your life.

Dear Brooks Family,
Although you do not know me, please receive my condolences and yet my praise for the wonderful life of Steve. I was at General Synod when he urged us to make "Prayer" the number one priority of our lives and our mutual life together in the RCA. At present I am involved in a Prayer Group with men from our Church (Grace Reformed) and a Friday morning Pastor's Prayer Group. Also, our Church is presently instituting prayer walks in our neighborhood. I believe this happening, at least in part, because of Steve's urgent call to prayer. What a marvelous legacy to leave behind, that of prayer that will continue to reverberate throughout eternity. I look forward to the day when I will be able to thank Steve personally in the joyous reunion of Heaven. Meanwhile, thank you for sharing Steve with us. We are blessed.

Steve was an incredible man. I only new him for 7 years and he had an incredible, positive impact on my life and pastoral ministry. He was a good friend to listen when I was confused or troubled. He was a great mentor in keeping my faith and hope in Jesus and Jesus' Mission for my life. I have been greatly blessed and enriched by knowing Steve. I will miss him tremendously. I am extremely grateful that "Steve the Russian" and I had the privilege of visiting with Steve and Linda the week before he died. That was a time that I will not forget soon. My prayers go out daily for Linda, Ross, Bree, and Ben as they grieve this loss. May the God of all comfort bring comfort to them.

Ross-I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Steve and Kathie were dear friends of mine in Omaha. They were so delighted and happy when you were born! No parents could have loved a child more.
Linda-I am so sorry for the loss of your partner and mate. When Steve married you, his life became complete again. The addition of Ben and Bree made his life full.
I think most who knew him would say he made their life richer. He will be deeply missed.

Pastor Steve was a wonderful pastor and friend. I was just a young girl when I knew Steve, Kathie and Ross ( who was just a little baby then). Steve worked with my dad, Glenn De Master, at Westwood church. He was such a fun guy and taught us the craziest songs. I always wished I was old enough to be part of his youth group but we moved to CA before I was in Jr. High. I loved walking over to their house after school and playing with Ross. It is so had to understand why God would take him home so early in life. But I'm reminded that it only sad for us left behind. He is having a great time praising God in his brand new body. My deepest sympathies to you, Linda, Ross, Bree and Ben. Your husband and dad was a great man of God and a wonderful example to all of us.

Dear Linda, Ross, Ben and Bre,
Vernette and I were deeply moved upon first hearing of Steve's condition, and prayed mightily. Now we send your our heartfelt compassion, and pray for you God's deepest and abiding love. From the earliest days of seminary Steve taught me what a real friend is. Then his choice of a beautiful woman in Linda so filled our hearts with joy! We were privileged to celebrate with you God's wonderful gift of marriage. Now, we will miss this man of God, who was almost larger than life. But we will hold on to the hope that "nothing will separate us from the love of God." Linda, thank you for sharing Steve with us.

Love John and Vernette Doty

Linda, Ross, Ben & Bre,
I want to extend my sympathy on the death of your husband and father. Steve was an awesome guy! He was a major influence on my life. As my youth pastor in Omaha, he challenged, encouraged and taught me to live for Christ. He helped me discern God's call upon my life, and helped forge a path into ministry. Much of my ministry today continues to be shaped by Steve. I will be forever grateful for his presence in my life. One day, while in high school, I was down and discouraged. I stopped by the church to visit with Steve for awhile. He wrote down a silly little saying that turned my mood around. I still remember it to this day: "Let the Sonshine in your smile and your teeth will tan!" While Steve is no longer with us it's comforting to know that he is enjoying the Sonshine!

Dear Linda and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you move through the days ahead. What is your purpose, use and direction? I am sure that in the past years of life, Steve has been that for you, Linda. You have been such a supportive, encouraging wife (I know you're human and sometimes...) but Steve was able to do so much of what he did in ministry because of your support. We cherish our memories of Steve and his death has been such a big loss to the world. I am so thankful that he was faithful to God's call in his life and did what he could to make a huge difference in so many lives. I am so thankful to have known your family and work together in a small way for God's kingdom. We sure did a lot of laughing and dreaming! Someday we'll be able to join him dancing in heaven! There won't be any "ministry" or "work" to be done---what will we talk about; what will we do? God's plan is so big - I'm not worried!! Love always, Dee Ann Cleveringa

We are sending you our sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe and Geraldine Reed

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Brooks family, Linda, Ross, Ben, and Bree.
What can I say that hasn't already been said about Steve? He was my brother in law but always felt he treated me like his own brother. He was married to my sister, Kathie for 7 years.
We lived so far apart but I know he and his family would have welcomed us anytime.
Although infrequent, our contacts were warm and family like. I am so grateful I knew him because he gave so much of himself to others!
In 1975 before Steve was ordained he was unofficially my minister at my wedding. He conducted most of the ceremony with grace and love very becoming of a future pastor. I will never forget this wonderful experience!
I was not able to go to his funeral unfortunately but the thoughts, love and respect have been foremost in my mind.
Thank you Steve and thank you Brooks' for allowing us to know him. This is a man most of us will never forget!
God Bless You Steve.

Dear Brooks Family
you are in our hearts and prayers. I thank you for the sacrifices that you made as a family so that your father and husband could touch so many lives. I will never forget how he touched and continues to touch mine. He was greatly loved and will be missed.

As I try to articulate a composed approach to offer my sympathy, I find myself with a vision of Steve. The smile on his face that was infectious. A smile that offered empathy, compassion with eyes wide open and engaged in your most deepest personal situation. Only few people are gifted with those attributes. He leaves a legacy within his family.
I offer words of encouragement to the Brooks family at a time when I try to emulate that vision of Steve’s smile.

Thank You for being a model to others and sharing life in the Brooks family way.

Dear Brooks Family....We just simply want you to know what your family has meant to our family. We only lived in Colorado Springs for 3 years (2000-2003), but in that time we came to know and love your family and will always have a special place in our hearts for Steve. Linda, we are so sorry to hear about your loss. What a wonderful man of God Steve was and what a wonderful day it will be when we rejoice with him in God’s presence! Steve modeled to my family that you can be a Godly man and still keep it real. He shared so much of himself with us in such a short time. Birthday parties, Hot Tubbing in the mountains, friendship and much more. Your family is truly blessed and we Love you all! Thank you Steve for shepherding all of us at Springs CC!

Thank you God for Angels that walk amongst us like Pastor Steve Brooks, his open arms of friendship to all and ministry regarding your love for us was well recieved, his teaching did not fall on deaf ears, let us rejoice in knowing Pastor Steve Brooks lived his life walking in love to serve God. Thank you God for giving us Pastor Steve so we may see your light of love that you shinned upon him. May we all experience the river of grace that Pastor Steve knew so deeply in his soul as LOVE. A Soul Friend

Ben, Katie and family,

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that your family is in our prayers.

How do I express how much Steve meant to me? He was married to my sister Kathie and then to my new sister, Linda, father to my nephew, Ross and Ben and Bree.

He was the most special man that I have ever had in my life! Always a brother, even though we didn't see each other often, I knew that if I needed him, he would be there. My sister, Beth and I felt like we were always his "little sisters".

I will miss his wonderful attitude, his smile and his warm way of making people feel special.

My heart goes out to Linda, Ross, Ben, and Bree. I know how much he loved his family!!

My Mother, Katharine Crichton kept in contact with Steve and his family and always kept us updated on my nephew, Ross, which made me feel like I was part of their lives even though we lived far apart.

I know they are all up in heaven free of pain, dancing, and watching over all of us!

Heartfelt love to all of you!! May God wrap his arms around you just the way Steve always did!!

How do I express how much Steve meant to me? He was married to my sister Kathie and then to my new sister, Linda, father to my nephew, Ross and Ben and Bree.

He was the most special man that I have ever had in my life! Always a brother, even though we didn't see each other often, I knew that if I needed him, he would be there. My sister, Beth and I felt like we were always his "little sisters".

I will miss his wonderful attitude, his smile and his warm way of making people feel special.

My heart goes out to Linda, Ross, Ben, and Bree.
My Mother, Katharine Crichton kept in contact with Steve and his family and always kept us updated on my nephew, Ross, which made me feel like I was part of their lives even though we lived far apart.
I know they are all up in heaven free of pain and watching over all of us!

Dear Linda & family,
My prayers with tears will continue for each of you.
Thank you for all the times you shared him with so many of us.
I will greatly miss him. His hugs, prayers and laughter were the best!
I Love you

Linda and family,
Steve was a true witness of the
love of our Lord right to the end. His
smiles and hugs were reflective of
that love. We loved him and will miss
him deeply. When we see and hear
the water flowing over the rocks in
front of the church, we will always be reminded of how he taught us to
walk in Grace River. May God wrap
His 'arms of love' around you and
comfort you.
Fred and Jan Renz (Springs Community Church-Colorado)

It has been years since I have talked with Steve. I spoke at his wife's funeral in Omaha on behalf of the RCA - such an example of mercy and grace! The Lord bless and comfort you all! Ronald L. Redder

Steve has such a special place in my heart. Even though it has been many years since last I saw him, I always remember the love he had for Christ, the church and the people. I rejoice that he is with our Lord in Heaven and I am so grateful for the tremendous impact he had on our community. My prayers go out to Steve's family and friends as they process through the loss of this tremendous man. May the Lord comfort you and bring you peace resting in the knowledge that Steve is in the arms of our Heavenly Father.

The Brook's Family,
My introduction to Steve, Linda and their children took place in the little store front SCC shortly after we had moved to Colorado Springs. That first service felt like "coming home." My two boys grew up with Bree and Ben under Steve's spiritual guidance. My husband Michael came to the lord after one of Steve's famous Maundy Thursday services. Years later when my son attempted suicide, Steve was by our side, riding to the Hospital with John. The memories I have are as endless as Steve's love was for his church family.

We moved from Colorado Springs eight years ago and had only a few opportunities to visit Springs Community and hear his uplifting and powerful sermons. My family grieves his loss even though we know that he is rejoicing and dancing in Heaven. Linda and family, please accept our deepest sympathy and know that you are all in our prayers. We were blessed to have known such a Godly man. Steve truly was "God's hands and feet" in our lives.

Ben, Katie and the Brooks family,

My heart goes out ot you during this hard time. Even though I didn't know Steve I feel like I have met his passion through Katie and Ben. May God bring you the peace that passes all understanding.

With tears streaming down my cheeks I have read all the wonderful tributes to a man who touched thousands of lives. He was one of a few people who knew what it was like to have a "crooked smile" like mine. He hugged me the first time he saw me at SCC and welcomed us with open arms. He hugged me the last time he saw me while at Synod in Pella. What a great hugger he was! I can imagine the Father returning that embrace the day he woke up in Heaven. What a blessing he was to the Mitchell's. We'll never ever forget the love that flowed freely from Steve & Linda and their family. Our prayers are with each of you and with our friends at SCC. Steve loved Easter...who can forget his Maundy Thursday/Good Friday services...this year he'll celebrate with the One who gave it all for us. Thank you God for sending Steve to dwell among us and to express your healing love and grace to a hurting and messy Colorado Springs. Although my heart is breaking, I cannot be sad that you have been set free from the chains of ALS that bound you to this earth. Praise God you are free to laugh and run free with the saints above.

Steve is a great friend ... even though the years haven't kept us close as we once were. Steve and his family were there when I was in need and I'll always remember there charity and kindness. Steve is still a part and alive in all of us!

Linda. . .from 1,300 miles away we express our love and our good, good memories of Steve. . .we didn't always agree! But, in our hearts, we knew Steve loved all and had a passion for life that we will always remember. . .distance keeps us from coming to the memorial service. . .but, please know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you. . .

Floyd and Jill Garrett
Mentor, Ohio

Dear Brooks Family:
Thank you for sharing Steve with all of us who needed a pastor and friend. Oh, how he lived and loved! Steve was right "It's a God thing"... and so now is his eternity.

I remember going into Pastor Steve's office, when I was little and even just recently, to get gummy bears. He always had a smile on his face, even if he wasn't physically smiling...he was just a truly joyful person. Anytime I was on stage at church, wheter it be sharing an experience from a trip or doing a puppet show, I remember looking out at the congregation and seeing Steve smiling and nodding in encouragement. And, of course, I remember his big bear hugs. (:

He will be greatly missed!

We knew Steve back in Omaha, Ne when he was our youth pastor for our church. All our children learned to love the Lord under his guidance. We will miss you Steve and know, that you are in a better place with no more pain. Our love goes out to all your family.
Bill & Sandy Womack
Yankton, SD

Dear Family, we greive with you at the loss of Steve, but rejoice with you in the hope of eternity! Praise God for our time with Steve. As the young youth Pastor at Westwood Steve guided us as youth leaders and loved us all. We wept together at the loss of Kathie and laughed together at the weding with Linda. we have gone our separate ways to new locations, but will always have a place for your family in our hearts, prayers and thoughts. We thank God for allowing us to know Steve Brooks.

Thank our Steve for being a such a good friend and model to Caroline, me and all of our kids.

i give thanks to pastor steve for his tender voice and personal reflection when teaching the word of our Lord, because of him i was able to form my true relationship with God and i will forever be grateful. he was there for me and my husband during some of our worst of times and the best of times, both of which were made richer by his prayers and blessings. i cant imagine that i will never know another pastor or man for that matter, who is more loving, caring or giving then pastor steve was. he will greatly be missed, never forgotten and always in our hearts. our love and prayers go out to the family of this wonderful man. and there is peace in my heart knowing that he is in such an amazing place, i cant wait to see him there someday! god bless...

Praise HIM for He has healed one of his children. May Steve be signing God's praises and rejoicing as he stands there awaiting for all his friends and family to join him. What an amazing journey his life has been, blessing so many, removing stumbling blocks for some. Because of his work, there will be many who have and will come to the lord.

He taught my parents and sister, the power of prayer, and even today that gift shines on in their hearts.

Steve, today as I filled my car up with gas, I saw the little birds that God cares for, even in winter. And we - as his children are even more precious than them. Thank you for that lesson

Far beyond a ministry colleague, Steve was a friend! My greatest tribute will be to model the 'grace' in which he lived, and out of which he spoke into my life and the lives of so many others. I will miss you friend!

Linda and kids:
My prayers are with you at this sad time. You and Steve were so instrumental in my life in the 1980's. Thank you for all you have done for others. What a great team you were. I so appreciate the two of you singing at my wedding... a regular Donny and Marie you were! :) May the Lord grant you much peace in the days ahead.
Blessings,

In 1981 I remember the tremendous impact Steve Brooks had on me as a high school senior when he shared his testimony at Rocky Mountain High. Years later, I had the privilege of knowing Steve as a colleague in ministry and a dear brother in Christ. While I am sad for his family and friends, I am glad that Steve has joined the company of the church triumphant and is even now worshipping in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Good bye friend. I thank God you were a part of my life, even if only for a short time. I will be praying for you Linda & the rest of the family. Love you Steve & I will miss you my friend.

Steve and his first wife, Kathy, were friends of ours while we were all at Fuller Seminary in the 70s and, as students, serving in various positions at the First Baptist Church of Pasadena together. We got married the weekend we all graduated, and Steve was in the wedding party and Kathy helped to decorate some of the many cakes.

When Kathy died in 1979, we had been serving a church in the Chicago area for about a year, but we'd never found the time to squeeze in a trip to see all our seminary friends who were serving in states nearby. Suddenly, we made time to be at the memorial service in Omaha, along with our six week old daughter. Kathy's sudden, tragic death taught me so much about the fragile nature of life (and the importance of living life and taking time "now") ...as did Steve's outward response to it.

Steve has always radiated Christ's love and hope to all with whom he came in contact. His joy at meeting Linda and his love for his family were always so evident, even on very random occasions when I was able to drop in for a service in Omaha or Colorado Springs.

To Linda and the family, as well as all those who grieve Steve's loss, please know we are praying for you. Though we rejoice that Steve is "free," at last, and dancing with God, we pray that God will lift you up, and that you will be held in God's arms, in the moments when you miss Steve the most.

Blessings --

Revs. Bob/Cathy Nielson Tharalsen

Anyone who knew Steve knew he was the epitome of total sincerity; his bear-hugs were legendary and his smile was genuine and contagious. To say that he will be missed tremendously is an understatement; to say that his legacy will live on is fact.
We will miss you Steve. We thank God for putting you in our lives.

Ross, I use to babysit you when I was a teenager and knew Kathie. Now to have your dad gone seems unbelievable. I am sorry for your whole families loss. Your dad's love for Jesus impacted me and probably many other Alpha and Omega's at Westwood Community Church back in the late 70's. Your dad was a great guy and looks like many will be missing him.

Pastor Steve, you lived large for the Lord, and you left thousands of points of light that reflect His image. You thought of others till the end, and we are honored to have known you. We know you are now giving Jesus those famous hugs that you haven't been physically able to give us lately. We love and miss you, but look forward to being welcomed into heaven with your hugs!

A wonderful minister has entered into his rest. May God's strength and comfort cover all who loved him.

O, dear Linda & family, My heart is heavy with your loss, yet rejoicing knowing that Pastor Steve is finally home!

The lessons I learned from him at Westwood forever remain. I thank God that I was blessed to be under his leadership in his early days.

An 18 yr old in our community committed suicide on the same day Pastor Steve joined Jesus. It was, again, another reminder of the importance of reaching kids for Jesus - something Pastor Steve was great at!

I remember our mission trips, him playing his guitar singing & teaching us "Long Tall Texan", "Grin Again Gang", and so many others. He made coming to church fun for us teenagers. I still remember the beach party we had in the sanctuary in the middle of winter my jr. year! I think Pastor Steve's success came from us breaking him in!

It was a delight to visit all of you in Colorado Springs a few times over the years and see how God is working there.

Pastor Steve was a man who led by example. He had many opportunities to give up, yet he didn't. I think all of us who knew him would say we are blessed for having him be a part of lives.

Our deepest sympathies to you and to Springs Community Church. Pastor Steve may be with Jesus now, but his love and passion for Christ will never be forgotten.

Bree, my heart and prayers go out to you and your family. May god bless you through this sad time.

Ross Brooks is a good friend of mine and my heart aches for his family. My thoughts are with you during this time of sadness.

I am very sorry to hear of Steve's passing, and my heart hurts for Linda, as well as the rest of his family. Steve was truly a blessing to everyone who knew him, and touched countless lives through the years. I will remember him with love and joy, as I think about the years I worshipped at SCC and served in the praise band.

Our lives are measured by what we contribute while living, as well as the legacy we leave behind. There is no doubt that he is truly one of God's chosen ones. Thank you, Steve, for your Sunday messages of hope, faith and love, the many hugs, and fond memories I'll always carry with me.

A TRUE SERVANT TO THE END.
After Gene's recent heart attack, Gene went over to Steve after the Sunday service. "How are you doing?" Gene asked Steve. "Praying for you," Steve, replied.
Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you, Linda and all the Brooks family. The Cottrill Family

Steve was such an inspiration for me as I began youth ministry in 1985. We did our first mission project with our youth at Spring's Community Church that year. In 1988 our church from Maurice, IA led a backyard bibleschool ministry with Spring's Community. Steve taught the kids "Grin Again Gang" a song about joy and hope in the Lord. When I heard Steve had passed away, my wife and I sang that song and I'm sure Steve was grinning. Our prayers are with you as a family!

I HAVE BEEN REMINISCING FOR THE LAST 2 DAYS OF ALL THE LOVE THAT PASTOR STEVE PROVIDED, NOT ONLY FOR MY FAMILY BUT FOR THE HUNDREDS OF OTHERS HE TOUCHED SO DEEPLY. I AM SO GLAD THAT PASTOR BRIAN AND I GOT TO BE WITH STEVE A FEW DAYS AGO AND KIM AND I A MONTH AGO. OUR TIME TOGETHER WAS JUST WHAT WE ALL NEEDED. FRIEND, YOU WILL BE TRULY MISSED BY ALL !!!! HERE IS A KISS FOR YOU.... X ....FROM YOUR FAVORITE RUSSIAN !!!!!

Steve was a dear friend and amazing pastor. He will be missed dearly by many. I am sure God and Steve are sailing, discussing all the things Steve still wanted answered. Linda, Ross, Lyndsey, Bree, Rylie, Ben, and Katie, We love you all dearly and know that your in our thoughts and prayers hourly. may God continue to hold you in the gap and Stand in Grace River with you.

we love you!

Our family has been so blessed by Steve. He will be forever remembered in our hearts. We were blessed to have him marry my father and step-mother, and my husband and I. We were blessed to have known him all these years. He will be so missed, but we know that he is dancing and running with God, that he is free of the pain of ALS. We are so sad that he is gone, but so happy that he is free. We pray for Linda and the kids, to give them peace and understanding. They are so strong, and we love them so much! We love you Steve!

I am so sad to learn this morning, that Pastor Steve has died. It was just two years ago last week that our 19 year old son, Riley, died and we had his service at Springs Community. I really wanted Pastor Steve to do the service but he wasn't available. I didn't know he had been ill. It's thanks to Steve and Ron that Riley was able to start pre-school there at SCC when it was just a tiny little place, but really big on love and spirit. It did so much for our son, he begged to go before he was even 4 years old. We credit that beginning with Riley being so confident through all of his years of school. We still drive past there several times a week to roller hockey games (the sport and the players Riley loved so much) and I still think of those days every time, a tiny church pre-school where my little boy felt happy and safe.

Steve was truly one of the best! He made a big difference in both our lives. We miss him so much.