Rush Funeral Home

Ask those families we have served...

Joe Dubsky
27430 472nd ave Harrisburg SD  57032

I am Theta Beta 480, Sigma Nu, Joe Dubsky...USD.  First of all sorry that it took so long to say I am sorry this had to happen.  I saw this and couldn't believe it, life is to short for us-we can't take advantage of it-no matter who we are and what we do!  I just want to say thanks to Cory for being a Fraternity brother to me and talking to me when I needed your help---you made me laugh when I really needed it! God Bless

David Freitas
P.O. Box 2066,  Laramie, Wyoming 82073

Marilyn, this is Dave one of the techs that worked at Phillip hospital.  Both Deb and I were very saddened to hear of Cory's death and wish to express our most deepest condolences.  It has been some years,  Cory was a very young school boy when we lived in Phillip,  he grew into a good looking young man.  You all take care, God Bless.

David A. Smith
7432 Belleview, Kansas City, MO 64114

I did not know Cory, but I have his name on a button that I wear to remember those who have given their lives in service to our country. I have gotten to know a little about him from researching what others have said, and I know just what a special person he was, and how terribly you must miss him. Please know that his memory and his sacrifice will not be forgotten. May God bless you . . . David

Laura Ahmann
243 Harvard Road, Montgomery, AL  36109, laura_ahmann@yahoo.com

I had the joy of knowing Cory as a student at USD.  We lived in Norton Hall together and continued to hang out once he moved into the Sigma Nu house.  I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing.  Though I had not spoken to him since leaving school, I've always remember how much fun he was and the crazy things he would do!  My prayers are with your family.

Linda Green
5865n St  Rt 38SE London OH 43140

A friend of mine from the Philip area let me know about your son's death while defending the things his country holds dear. We want to express our sincere sympathies to you, his family, and our thanks to your son and all the many brave men and women who put aside their home lives to go fight a terrible foe.  We pray God will give you strength and blessings in the coming days.  Thanks Cory...for everything you gave to your country. God bless you all.

Morris and Barbara Jones
Midland, SD 57552

     We would like to express our sympathy and sorrow in the death of your son, Cory.  We are so thankful to him and to the others who are fighting for freedom and defending our country.  May you be comforted by Jesus and your faith that he is in a wonderful place now, with God. 

Bob and Tedi Lojewski
315 Waco Ct., Colorado Springs, CO 80919

We are so sorry for your loss and grieve with you.  You and Cory are in our prayers.  Thank you Cory for serving our country.

Jean Duane, Blue Star Mother's MN State Pres./liason
P.O. Box 295, Bird Island, MN 55310

We never knew your beloved Cory, but we carry your burdern with us. For he is your beloved son, he is the son of all Blue Star Mother's who have prayed for him continually with our flag flying, yellow ribbons tied and candles burning brightly. Our candles will continue to burn for your loss. We truly will never forget your sacrifice to the cause of our freedom. May you know that though we cannot understand your agony as your star turns from Blue to Gold, but our hearts and prayers go out to you and forever we will hold true to never forget. Some gave all....all gave some....

God Bless you and your family...we will never forget...

Rich and Rosemary Greeno

Darral and Marilyn:  Rosemary and I and our family would like to extend our sincere sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your son in the war in Iraq.  I am certain you are extremely proud  that your son was willing to fight for and defend our country.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this  very difficult time.  May God Bless you.  

Dwayne(Sonny) and Donna Newman
PO Box 429

We are proud to have known Cory, bless him for defending our country and our prayers are for the family at this very difficult time.

Gene and Mary Reynick
8033 W Appomattox Ln,  Boise, ID  83714-6009

Although I didn't know Cory personally, I am very saddened.  I consider Darral and Marilyn special friends and here express my deepest sympathy to them and the rest of the Brooks family.

Ed and Dottie Ellington
346 Pythian Rd. Santa Rosa, CA 95409

Cory, we grieve that you have left us.  We are extremely proud of all that you have achieved.  You are a true American Hero. We know that a special place has been reserved for you.

Steve & Staci Foley
New Ulm, MN

God bless you, Cory. I've had the privilege and honor to play baseball and basketball with Cory during high school. I'm sad we never kept up much after high school. You'll be sorely missed by all, especially the Class of 1990! You gave the ultimate sacrifice, and we are all proud to call you a classmate and teammate.

Mike, Shar,and Michael Moses
Philip, SD

Our hearts go out to the Brooks family,  Cory has made such an impact and everyone's lives, we have soon found out. Cory was like a son to Mike, they spend so much time together, not only at work, but at home too. When Cory would come and visit out house, you wouldn't have to tell the guy to make himself at home, he knew just where everything was! Cory would always make time out of his busy life and sit down with us and eat a few T-bones, and I do mean a FEW T-Bones. We soon found out his heart wasn't the only thing that was big, his appetite was very large also! I haven't told anyone this before, but when i first got my Blue Mustang, i went down to show it off to Cory. Of course Cory wanted to drive it, so we took off driving around town. As soon as it got dark Cory went out to the MBC approach and stopped.  He turned his head over to me, and said, "can i see what she's got," and of course without any doubt in my mind I said, yes, let's go! Cory took off and he roasted the tires threw second gear, and just threw me back in my seat, it was great! From the moment on I had so much trust in Cory. All I can say now is, Cory, "Your my Hero!" There was one other fun time I have to share, Cory took my friend Zane Nelson and I out to the ranch to go fishing in this "secret dam." It was everything he had said it was and more, and just to let you know Cory, I have kept your promise, I haven't told anyone where it is!  We are blessed to have known such a great man to serve our country!  God Bless.

Keith Sheeley
Stockton, CA

I first met Cory as an opponent playing basketball, Midland v.s. Philip.  He was an aggressive player that forced the best out of you.  I got to know him more when we went to basic training in the summer of 1990.  I remember talking with him when we were having field training.  We were standing in the shade of a tree having lunch.  We talked about the heat, our blisters and what we would do after basic.  It was clear that the aggressiveness he had on the court was just as strong in training. It was also August and Sadam had attacked Kuwait.  We new that life would be different.  We were no longer opponents, playing against each other.  We were soldiers who would serve our country together when called upon.  I am sorry to hear of your loss.  May God comfort you through this difficult time.

Mrs. Mickey Beard                              (Blue Star Mothers of America)
306 Hamilton St Colonial Beach, VA 22443

My heart is filled with sadness on the loss of your sweet Cory. He is a hero.

Stephanie and Terry Morkert
1230 S.W. 7th St., Boca Raton, FL.33486

With deepest sorrow, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family at this time with the tragic loss of your son, Cory. May God keep all of you in His loving arms and give you strength on your path.

We are all blessed, individually and as a nation, to have a dedicated, courageous warrior like your son Cory. His life will be celebrated and remembered. Cory’s ultimate sacrifice will always be honored. Stephanie & Terry Morkert

With love and prayers to all of you,
And on behalf of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Southeast Florida Chapter

Kara Gittings Moriarty
Fairbanks, AK

To Cory's family:
I can not imagine how heavy your hearts must be during this tragic time.  I didn't know Cory very well, but we did have a couple of classes together - one that stands out in memory is a home ec class.  He and Chase Williams loved teasing us underclassmen.  I will never forget his laugh - it was contagious.  While Cory was gone to basics, he wrote me a few letters - that was when I discovered Cory had a loving spirit, caring heart and a sincere desire to serve our country.  That is how I will always remember him.  I wish I could have known him better.
May God be with you all during this time.

Kevin Brenneis
1210 I St, Tekamah, NE 68061

Cory touched a lot of lives, we'll miss him very much.

Judy Crews
138 Azalea Street Tavernier, Florida 33070

To the family of Cory Brooks, words do not come easy at this time. May God help you thru this time.I am so proud of your son. Your family is in my prayers. Judy Crews another BSM from Florida.

Susan Naill, National President, Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.
PO Box 555, Kensington, Maryland  20895

You may never meet us.  You may never hear our voice.  Yet as you grieve for Cory know that we are feeling your pain and tasting the salt in your tears.  Know that a part of Cory will always remain with his brothers and sisters, our children--they will remember and honor his courage and his principles.  The journey you have begun no parent should have to take.  We as our children honor you and walk with you in silence ever ready to help you carry the burden.  Along the way the sun will rise and it will set.  The storms will ebb and then recede.  The sting will lessen and in its place a gentle breeze in the twilight hours, a single star in the darkest night will appear.  We will be there to share all of this with you. As you ask the reasons why, we will pray that you receive the Blessing of Peace.  We remember your sacrifice.  Thank you.

John Duffy
Fort Pierre, SD

I first saw Cory Brooks as an athlete.  I played sports at Stanley County and the Scotties and Buffalos have a healthy west river rivalry.  Cory didn't just play sports, he was an athlete.  I did not know him well, however, until 1990.  That summer, I nervously boarded an airplane for the first time and headed to Missouri for boot camp.  I will never forget the relief and joy I felt that sweltering summer day when I scanned my basic training company for the first time and saw Cory smiling back at me.  While everyone else's knees trembled, his smile seemed as wide as Haakon County itself.  Later, at the start of law school, it was again Cory's smile and west river spunk that reassured me.  Cory Brooks was a good man, a fine soldier, and his death is a painful loss to his family, friends, community, and country.  My recollections and memories cannot express how sorry I am.  I do hope they in some way convey to the Brooks' that your son made my life a better one.  You have my deepest and most sincere condolences.

Sigma Nu Fraternity
221 E. Main St.  Vermillion Sd 57069

From the Men of the Sigma Nu Fraternity,
Our Condolences to the Family of Mr. Brooks

Brett Riggs
Emminent Commander
Theta Beta #678

Mary
Sioux Falls

Cory's Family.
My heart hurts for you.  My husband was in Iraq last summer and what was my greatest fear has become your greatest loss.  I am so proud of your son and all of our Troops.  May your memories offer you some peace now and in the future.  Rest assured that God has Cory in one hand and you in his other hand.

Mary Akkerman
Sioux Falls

My sympathy goes out to the family at this difficult time.  I went to law school with Cory and was saddened to hear that he made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  God bless.

Tiffany Williams
Greeley, CO

Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.  Cory leaves a long trail of friendship, respect for family and friends, kindness, and humor.  Cory was a friend that could always make me laugh with a joke or a story he would tell.  The trail of memories Cory left behind will stay with me forever.  I thank God today and everyday for the friendship we had.  Cory... I will always remember you!  Love, Tiffany

Todd and Rhonda Rauch
505 Lambrecht St Beemer, NE 68716

Kenny and Lori Weiland
Winner, South Dakota

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. 

Denise & Dan Bahmuller
11 Linda Lane,  Aberdeen, SD 57401

We didn't know your son, Cory, but our hearts ache for you in the tragic loss that you are now facing. Please know that you have our deepest sympathy.  Your son is with Jesus, and you will someday be together again.  Your family is in our prayers.  God be with you.

Micki Lundin
2405 S. Dartmoor Cir., Sioux Falls, SD 57106

Darral, Marilyn, and Angi and family,

My deepest sympathy to you all during this difficult time.  Cory will always be a true hero, having made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and our freedom.  You will all be in my thoughts and prayers today and every day to come.  I have so many great memories of you all, my "second family", from all those growing up years in Philip.  May God hold you all close and guide you through your grief.

With love,  Micki, Eric, and Jack Lundin

Bill and Jan Winegar
11120 Erickson  Rd.  Rapid City SO

We thank you God for the gift of life of Cory ,the short time he had on earth .Thanks for his talents , kindness ,love for his country ,his service ,and family too . Watch over and guide his family through their loss .WE Love you  You are in our prayers 

Patrick and Paula Burns
Minneapolis, MN

My wife, Paula, and I express our most sincere sympathy for your loss.  I knew Cory at USD where we were fraternity brothers and later in law school as well.  As I scan my memories of him, one thing that repeatedly comes to mind is his sincere smile and how he would look a person in the eye in such a way that you knew he was present and interested in the moment.  He was a true character and could laugh at life.  His selfless volunteer service to his country set a fine example for other young people in South Dakota.  That he was willing to re-enlist for 15 years and step in harms way so that others "back home" and in Iraq could live a better life is a testament to his character. 

Mike and Patty Groven
Kadoka, SD 57543

Our sincere sympathy.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.  May God bless you.

Mike & Judy Barber

Tampa, Florida

Know that we are deeply grateful to you for raising a brave, dedicated young man... and to Cory for his courage to fight valiantly for our continued freedom. Cory will have a special place in our family prayers as he continues his march onward & upward.
May God comfort Cory, his family and his many friends.
Mike & Judy Barber
Tampa, Florida
(U.S.Air Force - Aerial Reconnaissance 1966-72)

Elaine Staben
RR 1 Box 188J    Hot Springs, SD 57747

My deepest sympathy to all of you.  I can't imagine your pain but will keep you in my prayers. 

M. Ginger Crane
26411 E. Red Bud Loop       Afton, OK  74331

What a wonderful young man you raised. It is apparent that he gave his very best in everything he did. My Dad was a Sigma Nu and a veteran. We also have military sons ,one the same age as Cory. May God give all of you strength and faith to get through this most horrible time of your lives. Cory gave his all for his family, friends and his country. Another BSM mom from Oklahoma.

George Philp
14 Baberton Mains Way Edinburgh Scotland

Please accept my deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with Cory and his family. I did not know Cory but I do know he and others like him are the light in a dark world. God bless you all.

Don &  Wanda Moses
Fairmont, Ne 68354

Darral, Marilyn, Angi and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at your time of loss.    Cory was a great kid with a real zest for life. And we thank him for serving our country.  May God give you the strength and courage to get through this.   

Byron and Cherry Denke
Quinn, So.Dak.

We didn't know Cory, but we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers with the loss of such a special son. He was an asset to his family, community, and country and touched many lives.  Such a fine young man will not be forgotten. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Dianna
Sturgis

I didn't know Cory but just wanted to say thanks for his bravery and the sacrifice he made for all of us in this country. My prayers are with his parents and family.God Bless.

JOE AND BOBBI WOITTE
209 MAIN STREET MIDLAND SD 57552

OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME OF NEED.  HIS SACRIFICE IS THE ULTIMATE AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.  ON BEHALF OF THE FAMILY OF A FELLOW SOLDIER, PLEASE BE COMFORTED TO KNOW THAT HE WALKS WITH THE LORD IN PARADISE THIS DAY.

Kelly Penticoff
Philip, SD

I didn't know Cory well, but I remember him as he was growing up -- every time I saw him he was at full speed! If I saw him on the street, he was always pleasant and always had a smile. The Brooks family can be proud of Cory for his dedication to his country; I know everyone who knew him is proud of him, too. May you find comfort in knowing that he was loved and well thought-of in this community.

May God bless you all and we'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Tom and Shelia Trask
Wasta SD

Our sincere sympathy.  The whole community will certainly miss him.  He is a hero to have served our country.  Prayers to all of you.

Todd and Cheryl Gartner
518 Falcon Dr.   Box Elder S.D. 57719

You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Rich & Marilyn Grable
2432 Rock Creek Drive, Kerrville, TX 78028

So sorry to hear of the loss of your son.  Our prayers are with you all.  May God grant you the strength & courage you need to bear this burden that has been placed upon you.

Diane and Jerry Moen
2801 E Marson Drive, Sioux Falls, SD 57103

With deepest sympathy we offer our prayers of condolence to the family of your brave warrior, Cory.  He was a hero to us all and served his county bravely.  May God bring you peace knowing that he no longer walks in paths of danger but in the love of his heavenly Father's shadow.  Jerry and Diane  

On behalf of the Blue Star Mothers of America, we send our love and prayers to a sister Mother.  Diane, President,  South Dakota Blue Star Mothers

Tom and Tana (Kukal) O'Connor
919 A Lawrence St, Belle Fourche SD 57717

Our hearts go out to all of you during this difficult time.
May God watch over all of you and give you strength and courage to get through this. You are in our prayers. God bless you all.

Shaun and Brandie Slovek
12941 Larene Dr, Black Hawk SD, 57718

Our hearts go out to Cory's family and friends.

Beverly & Cork Jahner
701 Ottilie St, Kerrville, Texas 78028

We are so sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy.