Gerald Wayne Brooks

Gerald Wayne Brooks, 74, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on February 4, 2026. Gerald was a gifted furniture designer who spent 30 years in the region's iconic office furniture industry and later taught woodworking at a local makerspace. He loved fishing the Grand River, browsing the Saturday market on Fulton Street, and restoring old bicycles for neighborhood kids. Gerald is survived by his wife, Valerie; sons Ryan and Joel; three grandchildren; and a community of friends who treasured his quiet humor and generous spirit.