Published on June 30, 2026 3:39 pm
Last Updated on July 1, 2026 7:31 pm
Frank Eugene Rook, 73, of Brownstown, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Frank was born to Frank and Wilma (Brazle) Rook in Vandalia, Illinois on Sunday, January 25, 1953. He grew up in Brownstown, Illinois where he graduated from Brownstown High School. Frank attended the University of Illinois and Lake Land College where he received an Associate Degree in Business. He worked as a manager in grocery retail for several years and eventually purchased and managed his own store. In the latter part of his career, he utilized his mechanical skills as an ASE certified mechanic to teach Auto Mechanics for Lake Land College where he retired in 2017.
Frank loved rebuilding engines and renovating various cars, trucks, and motorcycles. He enjoyed racing stock cars in his earlier years. Frank would build the entire stock car himself, including the engine. He was also an expert marksman and competed in various regional and national competitions. He loved the outdoors and hunting.
Frank’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife of 19 years Shelly Haislar; his Mother Wilma Kruger; his children Michael (Jade) Rook, Jennifer Hickox (Dusty), Stephanie Haislar, and Ben Haislar (Karen). Frank is also survived by sisters Mary Gebke, Sharon Durbin, and Deb Philpot (Brady); and by fourteen grandchildren that he loved dearly; and by several nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.
Frank was preceded in death by his infant son Frank Milas Rook, his father Frank Rook, and his sister Glenda Arnold.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Liberty Christian Church in Brownstown, Illinois. Visitation will be held prior to the service time from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Gieseking Funeral Home, Brownstown is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Brownstown Alumni Association or Liberty Christian Church hospitality fund. Online condolences may be expressed at www.giesekingfh.com.