Andrew “Andy” G. Brook, age 38 of Brookfield, formerly of Haslett, MI. Loving Husband of Anne Brook, nee Ball; loving and devoted father of Penelope Brook and Finnian Brook; son of Roger Brook and Pat Brook, nee Padgham; son in law of Randall Ball and Mary Ball, nee Herrinton; brother of Jessica (Rick) Shaw and Daniel (Stephanie) Brook; brother in law of Lauren (Kirt) Brown and Scott (Jessica) Ball; uncle of Noah, Chloe, Joshua, Caroline, Nathaniel, Daniel and Breslin.
Andy is deeply and widely loved. There are many reasons why this is so, but mainly it is his love for his people. From growing up in Haslett, Michigan, to studying and swimming at Kalamazoo College, to living and working in Grand Rapids, Chicago, and even Seattle, Washington, and Silsoe, England, Andy always found his people. He found them and he cared for them and he loved them, and in return, Andy became deeply and widely loved. It turns out the equation is simple. Be honest, be kind to those you know and those you don’t, and above all be good, and people from all points will count you as friend, as family.
Andy was many things, but most of all a dear and devoted husband and a loving and amazing father. Now Penelope and Finnian will learn Andy’s story, will know his soul, and will carry his legacy. The world is a better place for having had Andy in it, it is better for the lives he has touched, and it will continue to be better for the beautiful children he leaves behind.
Visitation Wednesday April 10, 2019 from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513 and
Thursday April 11, 2019 from 10 A.M. to time of Funeral Mass 11 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Church, Corner of Spring and Ogden, LaGrange, IL 60525.
Interment Private.
Memorials appreciated to the Brook Children’s College Fund.
Bright Start P.O. Box 85298, Lincoln, NE 68501 / Bright Start 6811 South 27th Street, Lincoln, NE 68512
Penelope A. Brook (5000310847)
Finnian P. Brook (452978905)
Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com
Print Obituary & Condolences
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Andy. We coached together for several years at the East Grand Rapids Waves and he is one of the most caring and honest coaches I have ever worked with. He loved working with the kids and they loved him in return.
He will be missed.
I’m in complete and utter shock and so so sorry to hear this news. Andy was one of my best friends in high school and I loved him deeply. Though we have been in and out of touch over tbe years I loved knowing he was nearby so one day we could talk again. He will be deeply missed.
I had the privilege of growing up down the street from Andy, then being a part of the Haslett HS band with him. It is true that he found his people and protected them, cared about them, and helped them. He will be so missed and so remembered with love. I hope his family truly feels the love he shared returned through their loss. We will miss you so, Andy.
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I knew Andy and his family while he was growing up in Haslett. I remember him as a kind and joyful young man and I am sure he was the same as a husband and father. Hugs to you and you family. May you find peace in the wonderful memories you hold.
We are so sorry to here about your loss of Andy. Our love and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. I pray for God to hold you close and comfort you during your healing.
Absolutely heartbreaking! Sweet Anne, Penelope and Finn, holding you all tightly in our arms from Asheville with Sam and Brett. What an amazing life you made together.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to all of you at this sudden loss of such a good man . Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and those of the Sisters with whom I work . I will be offering Mass for Andy and all of you this week . Fr John
We are so very sorry for your loss, Anne. You and your beautiful children are in our thoughts and prayers.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I went to K with Andy and we had some great times! He was a good friend and always made you feel happy and welcome. I’m sorry I lost touch but it looks like he touched many others in his short journey on Earth. So thankful I got to be a part of his journey.
I was so sorry to learn of Andy’s passing. I met Andy at K, and he was just one of the nicest, kindest people. Andy’s family will be in my thoughts.
My heart goes out to all of Andy’s family and friends. He was an amazing, kind, uplifting man, even as a young 18 year old when I met him at K. I was always struck by his openness, his non-judgmental nature, his love for people, and his taste for responsible adventure. He is one of the best people, and best men, I will ever know, and he will be very very missed.
Thelma and I send our love and condolences to our good friends, Pat and Roger, in their time of unspeakable loss. We’ll pray for you and Jessica and Dan and Andy’s family.
I am so deeply saddened by the news of Andy’s passing. I have wonderful memories of Andy from College, most of which revolve around the swim team. He was always nice, fun, funny and hard-working. I have never forgotten my awe of him doing two colligiqte sports at once – swimming AND cross country! I got to see Andy a couple times over the years when visiting Chicago, and I met his wonderful wife, Anne. Andy was always so kind and seemed genuinely enthusiastic to visit with old friends. My heart goes out to you, Anne, and all of Andy’s family. I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Andy was an awesome guy. I really looked up to him during our time together at kzoo with the swim team. He had a huge heart and I am sure an incredible father and husband. My dearest condolences go out to the family from Madrid, Spain.
Roger, Pat, Anne and family—We are so sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. May God’s love comfort you. We extend our deepest sympathy to you. Lani & Darrell Cunningham and MaryLee Miller
Pat, Roger and Andy’s wonderful family, we send prayers, hugs and love to surround you all for support. Your church family in Hillsdale MI truly is sorrowful for hearing this news.
I wish there was some rational explanation for losing those we love but I know of none. Andy was a joy to be around and was an example for us all. He will be dearly missed and will leave a void for us all. Prayers
Andy was a year ahead of me at Haslett; we weren’t close, but we were in band together and some math classes. I remember Andy being gentle and kind at an age when many of us were neither of those things. I imagine that he was a wonderful husband and father. My heart goes out to Anne, Penelope, Finnian, Roger, Pat, and the rest of your family.
Jose and I had the privilege of meeting Andy through the gym. He was such a sweet guy. I remember him schooling us about Bells Oberon beer and how it is brewed in Michigan. Such a big teddy bear. Our prayers our with Anne and the kids, he will be missed.
My words can not express the emotions we felt when we heard of the news about the loss of Andy. Accept our deepest sympathies and condolences and may God’s love and the love of family and friends comfort you at this time.
We are very sorry to hear this news and offer our deepest condolences. We are praying for God’s love and comfort to surround all of Andy’s family and friends during this difficult time. Love, Don and Mollie Burchett
I am so sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. Please accept my deepest sympathies. I had the privilege of being Andy’s manager while he worked for Magna here in Holland, Michigan. I was always impressed by his ability to absorb and apply technical topics. I loved hearing about his successes and struggles with the swimmers he coached at the Waves. He had a way with kids back then, and I would imagine that he was an awesome dad as well. I’m sure that he will be deeply missed.
I met Andy at K when he was a freshmen and I was a senior. We were both on the swim team. I haven’t seen him in years (other than on Facebook), but I will never forget his kindness, his genuine interest in how you were doing and if memory serves me right… his insightful and mature advice coming from an 18 yo boy to a 21 yo “woman”. He was a good human and I am heartbroken to hear of his passing. To Andy’s family and especially his lovely wife and beautiful kids… I am sending you all the love and prayers I can. You are all in my thoughts. He will be missed and he will be remembered.
I am very sorry to hear about Andy’s passing. Andy worked as the TA for several of the classes I attended at the University of Chicago. He was an excellent teacher. But more so than a teacher, he was that rare human being who showed care, patience and understanding when dealing with other people. He will be missed.
Anne – I am so sorry for you loss, I cannot imagine the pain you and the kids must feel. Sending you my deepest sympathy and strongest prayers. – MJ
I can’t imagine what his family is going through. This is devastating. I worked with Andy, and it was always clear he was a kind, gentle, and thoughtful man. He cared deeply for his family and friends, and I’m so sorry that we had to loss him so early in his life.
Many times we just don’t understand but our Abba Father in Heaven is with us all, not that we can understand but that we know in our hearts how much He loves us. Andy is now with our Father, safe and protected.
With our love and prayers,
Allan and Judy
I’m so sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. Andy befriended me in 1987 when I was new to Haslett and we sat together on the bus on the way to school. I have fond memories of playing together through elementary school, including days spent playing early computer games with him. Our circles of friends diverged in middle and high school, but I’ll always remember him as one of my earliest friends. My sincere condolences to Roger, Pat, Anne, Penelope, Finnian, and everyone else who loved him.
I am Andy’s colleague at the CRI, University of Chicago. For the last 6 years I knew him, he was the greatest mentor I could ever ask for. He was kind, humble and extremely helpful. We are devastated and no amount of words will ever explain what the whole department is feeling and going through thinking of Anne, his family and his babies, whom he loved very deeply. He has left an indelible mark in our hearts. Rest In Peace, Andy. We will miss you a lot.
Thinking of Andy’s family and friends. I knew Andy through the gym for the last 4-5ish years. He was a constant at the gym. Always had a big smile every time he came in. I will miss that smile and hearing about his little ones. My heart goes out to his family. RIP my friend.
Anne, I am so heartbroken for you and those beautiful kiddos of yours. Praying for you daily, that the peace that only comes from God the Father fills your heart and mind, the strength of the Spirit carries you through each day, and the love Jesus has for you heals your heart. Love you❤️
My deepest sympathy. You all will be in my prayers and I will be offering Mass for Andy this week.
– Fr. Bob
My thoughts and prayer’s are with Andy’s entire family. I remember Andy as someone who could make you laugh with a joke and create fun, but also someone who would offer a shoulder to cry on and stand up for you when needed. He will be missed, but I know his kindness lives on through those he interacted with.
Anne, I am shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Mit Liebe, Frau Miller
The Higgins Family sends our deepest condolences to Andy’s family! Andy coached both of our girls in age-group swimming when he lived In Grand Rapids. He was so kind and encouraging to them both! We have fond memories of him running along the side of the pool cheering for Gabby at the state championship- he was so excited for her and we were afraid he was going to fall in the pool! He was a great coach and person! He also loved to grab their little brother and pretend to throw him in the garbage can:) I can only imagine how loving he was with his own children and family! Sending strength and prayers to your whole family. All of these amazing messages are a wonderful tribute to the impact Andy made on so many lives!
I am so sorry for this loss, to his family and for the world. Every word about him is true – he was full of love, laughter, and light. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
So sorry to see this news. I swam/coached with Andy at Kalamazoo College and can honestly say he was one of the most kind, caring, and genuine people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing through my many years in swimming. He is and will be greatly missed.
I met Andy in middle school at Christian Athletic Camp. We quickly became friends and remained so forever. It was a bonus that we both were on the swim team and in band, he at Haslett, me at Grand Ledge, so our paths would cross throughout the year at meets and competitions, in addition to church camp every summer. His smile would light up the room and he was such a gracious person. I’m just devastated at the news and send my deepest condolences and prayers to the entire Brook family.
Andy. Andy showed up in my office in late 2013 right around my birthday. We were deskmates for years and fast friends.
Andy was genuinely a good man. Far too few of those around these days. He loved his wife, Anne, deeply and more than anything. He spoke of her constantly. He told me she was thoughtful, hardworking and kind. I met her at that years Xmas party – he was right on all accounts and he always considered himself a lucky lucky man to have had the opportunity to love her.
When he told me he was having his first daughter, the light in his eyes and the slight smile on his face was infectious. He made me swear to secrecy – having children of my own, I was so happy for him. He wanted Penelope here so badly. If he could have had her delivered immediately by the stork, he would have.
This is so heart breaking. I don’t know exactly how his family feels, but I do know of deep loss and the terror of grief. I’ve heard it best described as feeling as if you’re ship wrecked in the middle of the ocean. The waves of grief pound against you, dragging you below out of nowhere. The waves, seemingly to be unending, as far as the eye can see, in all directions. However, the storm will break, the sun will shine again, and as long as we remember what Andy meant to us – this terrible pain won’t be for nothing. We’d feel nothing if Andy wasn’t the loving, kind, sturdy, determined friend we know him to be. We all hurt, so much, because of how good of a man he was.
I will say this. Not many people make the most of their short time in this life. However I and everyone who had the privilege of knowing Andy will always remember him. If anyone wants to talk, please feel free to reach out @ 708-612-4717. I will gladly share a portion of your grief if you need someone to listen.
I am so very sorry your loss. It was a pleasure to work with Andy here at the University of Chicago. Such a smart, honest, and talented man to lose so soon.
The world really is a better place for having Andy in it. I’m so sorry to hear of his loss on this earth.
Andy was a classmate at K. He was a wonderful person and I remember him as one of my kindest people I met during that time. My thoughts are with his family.
I am so sorry to hear this. Andy was an incredibly nice person. He was one of the reasons I ended up at K College. He was there on my recruiting visit and he made me feel so welcome in a time of such uncertainty.
The Hensley family is so saddened to hear about Andy’s passing. Our condolences go out to his family. We have such fond memories of Andy with our daughter Katie, especially the time he had everyone take their latex swim cap and enlarge it to fit over themselves. The kids loved it.
So much care and love went into those young kids during that time. He was very passionate as a swim coach, and he even found time to compete at the Masters level too with his swimming.
Anne, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for the Holy Spirit to grant you Strength during this time.
Andy was a baby and toddler at Chapel Hill UMC when our churches shared Vacation Bible School. Ron and I went to school with the Brook family, and they probably don’t know this, but Johanna’s and Roger’s fathers were friends at the Bath School. We remember Andy’s birth, and are terribly saddened by his death. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Andrew Garth, grandpa was so thrilled when you were named after him! Grandma called you Andy bug. As your aunt, I still like to think of you as my “little” nephew. Our hearts are so broken to know that you were taken so soon. No longer in our sight but forever in our hearts .
We are very sad to hear of Andy’s passing. Andy was a good man and friend. We enjoyed spending time with Andy and Ann at Torch Lake. Sincere condolences, Russ and Cori
It is clear from reading this beautiful obituary and these heartfelt comments here and on social media that the community of Brookfield and specifically our little section of Hollywood has lost a great man in Andy. We also knew of his kindness, warmth and thoughtfulness immediately upon meeting him, and we assumed we had many more years to get to know him as a neighbor and friend here on our block. We are so sorry and extend our deepest condolences to everyone — especially to Anne, Penelope and Finnian.
Andy was the best coach I’ve ever had. He was beyond supportive of me always, and he inspired me daily to be the best version of myself. I am so lucky to have known him. I don’t think I would be the person I am today if I hadn’t had the privilege of having him teach, motivate, and cheer for me. I think having Andy as a coach was the best thing to have happened to myself and countless others, and his happy spirit definitely changed all of us for the better. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Andy deserved the world.
Andy was part of an extraordinary team at the University of Chicago. This team became a family in the way that can happen when a group of passionate and fun-loving people dedicate their lives to using their talents to make the world a better place. Andy was so valued and loved for all of the reasons others have talked about here but also for being a part of the important work of caring for all people through his tireless efforts in healthcare. I worked with Andy and encouraged him to share his talents through teaching. He spent time above and beyond to pass his knowledge and skills to the next generation of informaticians. He brought his kindness and generosity to the classroom every week, and thus has ensured his professional legacy and mission will continue. All of his friends, students, and co-instructors at the University are grieving his loss. We offer our most sincere condolences.
It is my hope that you will find comfort in the memories of your love one that will carry you through the years to come.
The hope God gives in his Word the Bible can be a source of great comfort. In the Bible book of Acts 24:25 and John 5:28, 29 we have a sure promise that we can see our love ones again.
Anne, We are deeply saddened by the loss of Andy. Our thought and prayers are with you and your family. May he rest in peace in the arms of God.
Anne,
We were so very heartbroken to learn of your great loss. Know that our prayers are being offered for you and for your Brook and Ball extended families. May God’s most tender love surround you and your children, and may precious memories bring comfort to lead you through. May Andy rest in peace, and may he see the face of God.
Andy was one of the first guys I met when I started doing CrossFit. I would see him at the 4:30 class when I used to attend those. Hands down, one of the nicest guys I have ever met and he was always there for encouragement when I would struggle through a workout. We were about the same age and I have young ones at home so this hits close. Praying for strength for his family. I’ll miss him. I can definitely tell I’m not alone in that.
Anne,
We were so very heartbroken to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you and your extended Ball and Brook families. May you and your children be surrounded by God’s tender love, and may precious memories lead you through. May Andy rest in peace and may he see the face of God.
Anne- We are devastated to hear of your loss. We have been thinking of you and praying that God will help you during this difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. May God bless you and your beautiful children. You have an eternal angel that will watch over you forever.
Many hugs and prayers,
Elizabeth, Andy, and Ryan Nesler
Dear Nesler Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Andy coached my daughter about 13 years ago in Waves in East Grand Rapids. He was always kind, motivating and great with teaching different swimming strokes.
The world has been a better place with him in it.
Praying for strength and comfort for you all,
Glade Lathrop
I am very sorry for your loss. I worked with Andy at University of Chicago, and he was one of the most patient, smart and dedicated people I have ever had the honor of knowing. Praying for strength for your family. May he rest in peace.
Sabah Kadri