Former SMSC Tribal Leader Glynn A. Crooks Dies at 67

Prior Lake, Minn. – It is with great sadness that the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) announces the death of its Community Member and former Vice-Chairman Glynn Allyn Crooks. Crooks, age 67, passed away on October 10 at his home while surrounded by his loving family and friends. (Download a photo of Glynn Crooks.)

Glynn was born on December 2, 1950, in Fort Hood, Texas to Rosemma (Coursolle) and Amos Crooks, who served as the first Vice-Chairman of the SMSC. After graduating from Shakopee High School in 1969, Crooks enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, serving as an administrative clerk aboard five U.S. Navy ships during his six years of service.

After returning from the Navy, Glynn took an active role in the leadership and growth of the SMSC, which achieved federal recognition as a sovereign tribe in 1969. Elected to four consecutive terms as Vice-Chairman, Glynn spent 16 years serving on the SMSC Business Council, proudly representing the tribe and its culture, history and interests on both a local and a national level. A dedicated servant to his community and his Native heritage, Glynn was passionate about helping the SMSC and other tribes, never taking a single vacation during his 16 years of service.

As a longtime tribal leader, Glynn had the opportunity to meet with countless local, state and national leaders and often attended official ceremonies in Scott County and Washington, D.C., wearing traditional Dakota regalia. He also served as chairman of the SMSC Wacipi Committee for more than 25 years, helping the annual gathering grow into one of the largest Pow Wows in the Midwest. For the profound impact that he had upon the SMSC and for his devoted leadership throughout the years, he will truly be missed by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Friends and family are invited to join the Community in a celebration of Glynn’s life at a traditional All Night Wake beginning Saturday, October 13, at 4 p.m. at the Glynn A. Crooks residence, 2395 Amos and Rose Circle NW, Prior Lake, with Prayer Services on both Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m. Parking and a free shuttle service will be available at nearby Mystic Lake Casino Hotel—please follow the signage on-site.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 15, at 11 a.m. at the Tiowakan Spiritual Center for immediate family, Community Members, and local dignitaries. Given the limited space at the church, friends, employees, and those outside of Glynn’s immediate family are invited to view a live broadcast of the funeral services in the Minnetonka ballroom of Mystic Lake Center. Please follow the signage for parking at Mystic Lake Center.

Arrangements with McNearney-Schmidt Funeral Home, Shakopee, 952-445-2755. Condolences may be shared at mcnearneyfuneralhome.com.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Native American tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and is the largest contributor to Native American tribes and causes across the country. It is a strong community partner and a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources. The SMSC’s government, Gaming Enterprise, and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County.