Robert Brookins

Robert Charles Brookins, 89, of Clear Lake, died Monday, May 11, 2015, at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, in Mason City, Iowa.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, with Pastor David Byrd officiating.  Military honors were provided by the Clear Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4868.  A private family inurnment will be at a later date.

Family suggest memorial contributions be made to Hospice of North Iowa.

Robert was born Nov. 6, 1925, the son of C.W. and Katherine (Kline) Brookins, in Sioux City, Iowa. A graduate of Central High School, class of 1943, he joined the Merchant Marines, serving in the Atlantic, Pacific and Middle Eastern areas during World War II. He was united in marriage to Mignone Mahan, in Sioux City, in 1950. To this union, five children were born. She preceded him in death in 1974. He later married Carol Doell on Aug. 15, 1976, in Las Vegas, Nev. 

Robert worked in engineering and surveying for various engineering companies in the western and southern United States prior to joining the soil conservation service and Iowa Highway Department. In 1955, he went to work for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad Company, retiring in 1985. 

When he wasn’t puttering around, Robert enjoyed boating, scuba diving, traveling, and riding his scooter while supervising the neighborhood. He also loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. 

Robert is survived by his wife, Carol Brookins, of Clear Lake; three sons, Clayton G. (Jackie) Brookins, of Clear Lake, Vince E. Brookins of Slidell, La., and Leo R. Brookins, of Ventura; two daughters, Jackee L. Lindloff, of Mason City, and Lori R. Brookins, of New Braunfels, Tex.; four grandchildren, Cassandra Lindloff, of Mason City, Cathy (Brandon) Ruhnke, of Algona, April Lindloff, of Mason City, and Robert D. Brookins, of Clear Lake; a stepson, Charles Lynn (Debra) Zeman, of Kearney, Neb.; a brother, Roger D. Brookins, of Alabama; three sisters, Rosalie Brookins of San Antonio, Tex., Beverly Brookins, of San Antonio, and Barbara Lohse, of Fairmont, Minn.; and a sister-in-law, Karen Mahan, of Sioux City, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mignone; a stepson, Lee Zeman; and a brother, Roy Brookins. Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.