Vaylard A. Brooks
Vaylard Arthur Brooks, 78, of Strawberry Point, passed away peacefully at Regional Medical Center on April 28, 2025. He was born on Nov. 26, 1946, in Strawberry Point, the son of Albert and Nellie Vione Brooks.
Vaylard graduated from Starmont High School in 1965 and proudly served his country in the United States Army for the following four years. In 1971, he married the love of his life, Betty Lou Keppler, in his hometown of Strawberry Point. Their union was blessed with four children. Beginning in 1971, Vaylard dedicated himself to the sprinkler fitting trade. Over the years, he contributed his skills to several companies before retiring from Iowa Fire Protection in 2001. Alongside his work as a fitter, Vaylard also cherished his life as a farmer on his land outside of Strawberry Point.
Vaylard will be fondly remembered for his strong work ethic, his infectious sense of humor and the deep love he held for his family. He found joy in the outdoors, hunting, searching for mushrooms and, back in the day, riding his horses. In recent years, he traded horseback riding for ATV riding. One of his greatest pleasures was spending time by his pond, sharing the joy of fishing with his friends and family. He enjoyed telling exaggerated tales and making people laugh with his antics. Mornings were spent at Nadings enjoying coffee and storytelling with his friends.
Given his deep appreciation for family, Vaylard cherished every moment spent with them. He loved looking back and sharing stories from his younger days and all the jobs he visited in the sprinkler trade. He had an incredible memory of all the people he had met along the way. His grandchildren were especially dear to him, and he delighted in spoiling and playfully teasing them, always with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes.
Vaylard is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 54 years, Betty Lou; his children, Michelle (Shane) Paris, Cole Brooks, Lisa (Mike) Patterson and Wade Brooks (Jennifer Otdoerfer); his adored grandchildren, Dylan Paris (Addi), Karli (Bennett) Cole, Gage Paris (Kelsey), Dillon Kuennen, Morgen Kuennen-Brooks (Jake), Realei Brooks, Natalie Patterson (Logan), Cade Patterson (Arlie), Jack Patterson and Quinton (Keao) Brehme; and one great-grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his sisters, Verdis Feller, Verlene Kelly, ValJean Berg, Valetta Radloff and Vikki Welsh (Jim Fierstine); a brother, Victor Brooks; brothers-in-law, Dave (Mary) Keppler, Duane (Barb) Keppler, Frank (Iona) Keppler, Mike Kepper, Joe Keppler, Tony (Gerarda Keppler) and Bob Schoulte; sisters-in-law, Ardelle Brooks, Grace Lamphere, Caroline Otdoerfer and Theresa (Randall) Laughead; and many nieces and nephews.
Vaylard was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Harold and Lucille Keppler; brothers, Vincent, Vance and Verle (Buster); sister, Veronica Jandik; brothers-in-law, Harley Radloff, John Feller and Jerry Lamphere; and sisters-in-law, Patricia Schoulte and Virginia Keppler.
A memorial fund has been established in Vaylard’s honor.
Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.
Visitation was held May 2, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Strawberry Point. Mass of Christian Burial was May 3, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Strawberry Point, with Reverend John Haugen officiating. Interment with military rites was at Cass Township Cemetery, Strawberry Point.
