Dr. Fred Brooks

Dr. (Doc) Fred Orville Brooks, age 86, passed away on November 3, 2025, in Grand Forks, ND. Fred was born on October 28, 1939, in Jamestown, ND to Fred Sixbury Brooks and Opal Margaret Harper. He attended school in Jamestown, graduating from Jamestown Highschool in 1957. He graduated from Jamestown College in 1960 with a BA degree. He continued his education at NDSU where he earned his Master’s of Science in 1963. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in Philosophy at UND in 1970.

In his early career, Fred taught in Hankinson, Lidgerwood, Lisbon (ND) and Terry, MT. In 1971, He and his family moved to Minot, ND where he began teaching at Minot State University in the Ed. Psych department until his retirement in 1995. During this time, he served one term on the Minot Public School Board and was on the board when Magic City Campus was built.

Dr. Brooks married Margaret Lavina Cross, Mapleton, ND on September 1,1961. They had two children, Traci Joy (Brooks) White in 1964 and David Wayne Brooks in 1968. Fred and Margaret were married until 1983. In 1986, he married Margaret (Peggy) Ann Wood in Minot. They were married until her passing on January 27, 2007. On September 20, 2009, Fred married Elizabeth (Betty) Schall of Grand Forks, ND. They were very happily married until the time of his death.

Fred had many interests and hobbies throughout his life. He was an Amateur Radio Operator beginning in high school, he was an avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed playing golf and tennis, and had a mean left-handed hook at the bowling alley. He was well known throughout the state as a talented square and round dance caller and instructor, and he helped those who needed it whenever he could.

Doc was a Jack-of-all-Trades and Master of Many. His various skills included construction, electrical, plumbing, and sales. He created beautiful furniture and decorative pieces in his woodworking shop. He was also known by his family for his famous cheese omelets.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Opal and Fred S., Jamestown, and his brother, Bruce Brooks, Minot.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, daughter Traci (Will) White Saint Cloud, MN, son David Brooks, Lakeville, MN, and grandsons, Isaac David Brooks and Carter Richard Brooks, Minneapolis area, and nephew Chris Brooks, Boise ID.

There will be no funeral as per Fred’s wishes, but a gathering to remember his life and share memories with friends will be planned for Minot in the near future.

If you would like to send a memorial in Fred’s name, the family would suggest: Ducks Unlimited Inc. (give.ducks.org)
North Dakota Wildlife Federation (northdakotawildlife.org) 
Sporting Chance, which provides opportunities for people with disabilities to hunt and fish and experience the outdoors. 
(http://www.sporting-chance.com) 
Or just volunteer your time to help those in need.