Steven Edmund Crooks

Steven Crooks, 69, of the Lower Sioux Community, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, December 31, 2012. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2013 from the Nelson-Martin Funeral Home in Redwood Falls. Burial will follow in St. Cornelia’s/Bishop Whipple Cemetery on the Lower Sioux Community. Visitation will be held Friday, January 4, 2013, from 4 until 8 p.m., and will continue on Saturday, from 10 until 11 a.m., all at the funeral home.

Arrangements are with Nelson-Martin Funeral Service of Redwood Falls. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelsonmartinfuneralservice.com .

Steven Edmund Crooks, the son of Phillip and Betty (Bear) Crooks, was born on December 15, 1943 in Pipestone. Steve went to school on the Reservation, then completed his education, and graduated from, Morton Public School. Steve worked at various places including, Scott Preusse, the Ford Garage, Sunwood Care Center and most recently at Jackpot Junction as a Tribal Representative. He recently retired.

Steve married LaDonna Hollingsworth in 1970 and four children were born to this union – Tonia, Wendy, Sarah and Brian. The marriage ended in divorce years later. He was united with Betty House in 1994 and they enjoyed almost 20 years together. Steve was a loving father and grandfather. He was loved by all who knew him and Steve loved everybody. Faith in the Lord above is what got him through life. He went to church as much as he could. Steve was an avid hunter. He enjoyed running, biking, and the outdoors. Steve loved to have fun and go on trips. He loved his dogs.

Steve will be very sadly missed by all, especially Betty. He is survived by his significant other, Betty House (Crooks); his daughters Tonia (Chris) Crooks of Redwood Falls, Sarah (Cheyenne) Crooks of Morton, and Wendy (Jon) Crooks of Morton; son Brian (special friend Angela) Crooks of Morgan; grandchildren, Brianna Henrichs, Cayden Gullickson, Samantha Gullickson, Chauncey Crooks, Tehya and Talon Two Clouds, and Kali and Ivy Crooks. Also surviving are his brothers Richard (Joyce) Crooks of Redwood Falls, and Philip “Victor” Crooks of Redwood Falls; his aunt Helen Crooks; and nephews Derrick Curruth and family, and Josh Crooks and family. Also surviving are his daughters with Betty – Althea and Linda (Kizzy); and grandchildren Brittney, Whitney, Sydney, Hayden, Josh, and Jada.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Paul in February 2008, William “Bill” in July 2008, and an infant brother.

Blessed be his memory.