Doloras Adeline Crooks

WISCONSIN DELLS - Doloras Adeline “Dee” (Strait) Crooks, age 94, left this life to join her Savior Jesus Christ and beloved husband, Jim, of 50 years on Aug. 27, 2021. Dee was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 4, 1927, the year Charles Lindbergh completed his trans-Atlantic flight. She was the daughter of Adeline (Moll) Strait and Louis (Lewis) Strait, who was a Des Moines firefighter. Dee married James M. Crooks on June 6, 1947. Together, Jim and Dee had four children, Jim Jr., Jean, Jeff and John. Dee’s husband was a U.S. Navy Chief during WWII and a larger-than-life figure. He often joked that the Strait lady married a Crook(s) and had four curves. After his 13-year stint with the U.S. Navy, they moved to Madison, Lake Zurich, Ill., and eventually back to Madison. During this time, Jim worked at Ampex Corp in Chicago and helped to invent the first instant replay recorder for the sports world. He also put Channel 3 TV on the air in 1956, WRVB (WNWC) in 1959, was the Communications Coordinator for Dane County, founded the National Emergency Numbers Association, brought 9-1-1 to Dane County and founded Broadcast Communications Systems, a successful tower construction and training company in New Glarus. Dee worked in the family business for many years as the glue that held it all together in the early years. She was faithful to her husband and family through 50 years of adventures prior to Jim’s passing. Dee loved to cook and serve her family. She enjoyed family outings and holidays the most when she could be with her (4) children, (7) grandchildren, (17) great-grandchildren and (4) great-great grandchildren. Dee is survived by her children, Jean (Ed) Muehlfelt and John (Kim) Crooks; and her little brother, Ted (Joanne) Strait, Des Moines. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Sr.; and sons, Jim Jr. and Jeff. A funeral service will be held at WALNUT HILL BIBLE CHURCH, 1900 East St., Baraboo, at 11 a.m., on Monday, Aug. 30, 2021. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. A graveside service and burial will be held at Verona Cemetery. Although Dee declined the COVID-19 vaccine, she always supported the American citizen’s freedom of choice. She left this world without a COVID-19 infection and with full human contact as she had the opportunity. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Lodi Funeral & Cremation Care 157 S. Main St. (608) 592-3201