Today we honor the life of our beloved Son, Father, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, friend and mentor, who has left an indelible mark in our hearts and family. Ronnie "Pops" Hooks, 65, unexpectedly completed his earthly pilgrimage on Thursday, May 18th, 2023. He was born July 1, 1957, in Racine, WI to Mary Louise (McClain) Hooks and the late Eddie Lee Hooks. Ronnie was a graduate of Racine Park High School, Class of 76 where he ran track and field. He also developed his passion and discipline for weightlifting, identifying the gym as his "happy place". Post high school, Ronnie attended UW-Whitewater. He proceeded to dedicate 42 years of service as a machinist at PPG Industries- retiring in 2021. In addition to his honorable career, Pops was also known for his profound perspective on living. He identified life as a journey, not a sprint nor a race, but an everlasting marathon. In his marathon, he implanted his legacy within his three children Nichole, Nick and Benjamin. He proudly identified his greatest accomplishment as being an outstanding father. His fatherly presence was so heavily immersed in his children's lives, that he became "Pops" to all the friends of his kids. He will always be cherished as a Minnesota legend. Ronnie will eternally be remembered for the love he extended to his family, gracing the gatherings with his quick-witted jokes and laughter. He took his lighthearted humor with him everywhere. The only joke you couldn't crack was about his Mother, who he loved immensely. She supplied the lifelong tools he needed to flourish. Ronnie used his gifts to leave us with sunlight after the rain and fed us laughter after our pain. His infectious smile and those green eyes, will live endlessly within our hearts. Surviving are his three children, Nichole Hooks of Houston, TX, Nicholas Hooks, of St. Paul, MN and Benjamin Hooks, of Racine, WI; four grandchildren, Bobby Shelby, Laniiya Shelby, Saraya Hooks and Isaiah Herndon; two great grandchildren, Amena Shelby and Mia Shelby; Mother, Mary Louise Hooks, of Eagan, MN; Siblings, Murphy Hooks and Edward Hooks, both of Racine, Robin (Patrick) Hunter, of San Antonio, TX and Nancy (Antonio) Fuentez, of Farmington, MN. His Nieces and Nephews, whom he loved dearly : Steven Fuentez, Taylor Fuentez, Mary Hooks, Shavon Hiler, Tierra Kelly, Edward Hooks and Mykeisha Hooks. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends also survive Ronnie. He was preceded by his father, Eddie Lee Hooks.

Service Details

A celebration of Ronnie's life will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, June 1 ^st at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends will be able to meet with the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.