William "Bill" Brooks, 72, of Columbus, died Sunday, July 5, 2026 in Omaha at CHI Immanuel Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2026 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. Visitation is Thursday 5:00-7:00 p.m., followed by a 7:00 p.m. Vigil service, at McKown Funeral Home. Visitation continues on Friday at 9:30 a.m. until service time at Church. Interment is in St. Bonaventure Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors provided by The American Legion Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard.

Bill was born March 8, 1954 in Carlsbad, New Mexico to Kinyon (Ted) Brooks and Patricia (Simpson) Brooks. After Bill finished his schooling at Scotus Central Catholic, he then joined the Navy, serving six years as a jet engine mechanic in Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. Following his honorable discharge he returned to Columbus, Nebraska and started his 25 year career at Columbus Community Hospital in the maintenance department. Then, after leaving Columbus Community Hospital, he worked as a mobile maintenance technician until his retirement. His lifelong passions were enjoying his family time, any sport, but #1 was the Nebraska Cornhuskers, receiving his black belt in taekwondo, as well as teaching it, and any outdoor activities as he enjoyed the summer heat!!

He is survived by his wife, Lynne Brooks; son Billy (Amy) Brooks; daughter, Heather (Chris) Winkler; son Seth Brooks; son Chris Hamling; daughter Taryn Pagel; daughter Courtney Hamling; grandchildren Lucus, Allison, Emily, Kristen, Dayton, Kaitlyn, Willow, Kinyon, Kynnlee, Gracelyn and Remington; great grandchildren LaVail and baby boy due July 2026. Brothers Mike and Pat Brooks. Sisters Renee (Ken) Henggeler and Michelle (Bob) Soulliere.

He is preceded in death by father Kinyon Brooks and mother Patricia Brooks; sister Lea Brooks-Wytias, and brother Ken Brooks. Son-in-law Mike Pagel.