George Meredith Crooks, age 67, a member of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, journeyed to the Spirit World on Monday, January 10, 2022. All services will be held at the Tiowakan Spiritual Center, 14625 Prairiegrass Dr. NW, Prior Lake. A visitation will be held 9-11AM with a service beginning at 11AM on Thursday, January 27, 2022.
George will be laid to rest at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mike Crooks, Skipper Crooks, Randy Crooks, Jacob Crooks, Damian Redlegs, Timmy McElligott, Eric Svane, Larry “Stu” Housley.
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On August 22, 1954 in Yellow Medicine, MN George Crooks was born to parents Norman M. Crooks and Edith E. Crooks. He was the second youngest of their seven sons. During his childhood, George’s family lived in Granite Falls and Mendota before moving to the Twin Cities. He later graduated from Shakopee Highschool and continued his education at Dakota County Technical College. George worked many jobs over years, he worked for Cargill before becoming a surveyor and in casino management as part of Little Six Inc.
In 1979, George married Kim Cerise. George and Kim had two daughters, Rebecca and Tyanna. Although George and Kim parted ways, he remained a loving and dedicated father. George later married Kathleen McElligott and was blessed with Samantha. While George and Katie ended their marriage, they remained close friends.
A charismatic man, George lived his life surrounded by those he loved—his family, friends, and pets. He laughed easily, loved deeply, and always treated others with kindness. No matter the situation, George was ready with a joke or a one-liner. His dry sense of humor even influenced the names of his pets…his golden retriever John “after the son he never had,” as well as Rat and Ricky his beloved cats.
In his free time, George enjoyed golfing, visiting the casino, and boating along the Minnesota River. He especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren and greatly anticipated the birth of his newest grandson this January.
After struggling with complications of Covid-19, George left his family’s side too soon. Yet he leaves an enduring legacy with his daughters, Rebecca (Dan) Crooks-Stratton, Tyanna (Damian) Crooks, Samantha (Dever) Crooks; grandchildren, Gabby, Lauren, Thomas, and Dire; brothers, Danny “Skipper” Crooks and Mike Crooks; many other loving relatives and friends.
George is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Norman “Woody” Crooks, Stanley “Jim” Crooks, Alfred Crooks, and infant brother, Alec Crooks.
We would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Abbott Northwestern hospital for their compassionate care.
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Linda M Feldmeier
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to all of the family. May he rest in peace!
Maureen McElligott
George was a easy to love kid of guy, sense of humor and his jokes is something I will always remember about him. I will miss him dearly. RIP my friend. Maureen.
William Hanson
He is missed.
Sorry for everyone’s loss, happy for Heavens gain.
Team Schmitz
Becca, Dan, Lauren, Gabby & T-man,
We are so so saddened to learn of this terrible news of your dad & grandpa. May his spirit find you always & open you to all that easy laughter & deep love he shared so freely shared with the world. May you know healing, strength & community.
Love & prayers, Team Schmitz
Vicki Durand
So sorry for your Loss Kim, Becca and Ty. Sad to hear of this. Still.so young. May he rest in peace. Prayers to you all.Vicki & Denny Durand
Michael Emerson
My complete heart felt condolences go out to Gorge’s daughters and grand children. I’ve never met some of you and have met a few of you briefly, but I know you loved your father unconditionally. I have been living with him for the last four years. And during those four years we grew to become very close friends. The pain I feel inside is deep. I learned alot about who you’re father really was as a human being. And he was and always will be the most kind hearted and non judgemental person I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I am truly blessed for haveing had the great honor and pleasure of being able to share that little part of his life with me. I will always hold his memory very close to my heart. when God made him he broke the mold. For he was truly one of a kind… I love you Gorge. I know you are where you belong now with your loved ones looking in on us once and awhile. You are missed by many and mostly by me because I am truly lost out here with out you to share your infinite wisdom with me when I just needed a friend to get me out of my depression and point me in the right direction. Very much missed,loved, honored and respected. Your true friend forever. Michael Emerson.
Jerry Daniels
I knew the Crooks family for many years. I grew up with George’s brother Alfred and knew George very well. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family. I know he will be missed. So very sorry for there loss.
Gary Spohn
George you were a one of a kind, a true friend , mentor and so much more. You touched so many of our lives in such a positive way . I’ve never met a more kind and generous person then you. I will never forget about all the conversations we had sitting in your office passing on your wisdom to me. I will think of you often my friend. Rest in peace George your loving friend, Gary Spohn
Donna J Pannkuk
I’m so very sorry to hear this….hugs to all and to Ty and Becca ( who I babysat always and other crooks families). Hugs to all the crooks family and my deepest sympathy to all. Hugs
Mary Jo Anderson
George words cannot express how much you will be missed, till we meet again my friend.
Mario Hudson
George Meredith Crooks was my FRIEND. I loved him as if he was my own father. He was the most generous person I’ve EVER met. He didn’t know how to say no to anyone. He would let anyone lay their head at his home and didn’t want anything in return. George and I had a REAL friendship that I’ll never be able to experience or duplicate again in my lifetime. I miss him deeply and my heart goes out to all his daughters. Your DAD was one of a kind.
Dave Jansen
friend to George’s brother Mike Crooks, sorry for the loss of your brother
Tom Rust class of 72 SHS
I have not seen George since we graduated from high school. I found out at the 45th reunion that he could be found at the casino. I never made it there to see him though, and I was hoping he would make the 50th this year.
I am sorry that he had covid and was unable to continue creating memories with his friends and family. However he will not be forgotten since he has family and friends to remember him.
Terrell Gloster
Pop… Is what I called him … He was a loving Lion .. His life His way as it was tattooed on his arm , Is what he would tell me.. you have to know the heart of this man to understand forever Young.. I will miss throwing darts and listening to the beetles…telling jokes and playing games … Watching movies and enjoying trying to beat him on the pool table.. he was a free spirit before he lost his flesh … And I just cried like a baby at the realization Pop is not on his couch watching movies .. waiting for boat season but right next to me… Love Always as we are now closer in spirit young man. That’s a good picture of you pop .. my condolences to the entire tribe and community who loved George Merideth Crooks… POP was one of a kind ! This hurts the kid in me so freaking bad. .. but the man he helped me become knows he is with the Great Spirit and our ancestors.. Happier and stronger and I’m quite sure a handful for all the beautiful Angels .
Louise Roles Plagman
I just now learned of George’s passing, I am so sorry for your loss. It was wonderful to read about his life since high school, and the loving family and friends that he had. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.