R.I.P.: Minnesota Broadcaster/Owner George Brooks

George Brooks

George Brooks’ radio legacy spans stations across Minnesota and North Dakota, including Red Wing where he owned and operated KCUE 1250 AM in Red Wing, MN for nearly 20 years.

Brooks, 88, died of Alzheimer’s disease Jan. 21 in Ft. Myers, Florida, according to The Republican-Eagle.

“He was in love with radio. That’s all he ever wanted to do in his life,” said Marjorie Brooks, George’s wife of 66 years.

His radio career started in the 1940s as a teenager writing commercials and reading announcements at KOVC in Valley City, North Dakota. He worked his way up to become the station’s program director before leaving to take management positions at KDIX in Dickinson, North Dakota, KFGO in Fargo, KSUM in Fairmont, Minnesota, KMRS in Morris, Minnesota, and KOTE in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

Brooks purchased KCUE in 1962 and added an FM station a couple years later.

He eventually sold the stations to Sorenson Broadcasting in 1981, but stayed in town until moving to Florida in 1996.