- Gerald H. Verbeten, "Jerry" 239 South Matthew Street KimberlyAge 67, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, February 12, 200 1. Jerry was born in Little Chute on June 20, 1933, son of the late Hen ry and Marie (Van Gompel) Verbeten. As a young man, he served his count ry as a member of the U.S. Army and on September 4, 1954, married the form er Joanne DeBruin. Jerry was employed as a pipefitter at Kimberly-Clark Co rporation, first in Kimberly and later at the Neenah West facility, and w as a member of the Quarter-Century Club at Kimberly-Clark. Jerry was pro ud to have been a trumpet player in the Little Chute Community Band for fi fty-six years. His family is thankful to the band for allowing Jerry to co ntinue to participate as a drummer after suffering a stroke that prevent ed him from playing his trumpet. For many years, Jerry also played in h is own band, the Jerry V. Orchestra. He always enjoyed playing for even ts for family and friends. Jerry was also an avid model airplane builder a nd flier, and was a member of the Calumet Flyers Airplane Club. He also en joyed fishing, especially his many Canadian trips with his sons and sons-i n-law, playing cards with family and friends, and riding the CE Trail on h is motorized scooter. Jerry was a master fixer-upper, and was constantly r epairing things for anyone who asked his assistance. Many will remember h is selfless attitude when it came to helping others. When something was br oken, the grandkids would say, "Take it to Grandpa, he can fix it!" Prima ry in Jerry's life was his devotion to the Virgin Mary, who aided in the r ecovery from his stroke nine years ago. So great was his devotion, th at he made monthly trips to the Robinsonville with gifts of roses to the H oly Mother. He is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Joanne Verbete n, Kimberly; his father-in-law, John DeBruin, Little Chute; a son: Gary (S ue) Verbeten, Appleton; two daughters, Mary Ann (Gary) Mounce, Kaukauna; J ean (Greg) DeBruin, Darboy; nine grandchildren, Nick, Melissa, and Emily V erbeten, Ashlie and Lukas Mounce, and Michelle, Andy, Benny, and Jared DeB ruin; a sister, Mildred Oskar, Neenah; a sister-in-law, Marion (Bill) Marv in, Kimberly; a brother-in-law, LeRoy (Cecelia) DeBruin, Kiel; Jerry al so leaves behind his wife's special aunt, Marie Gillette and her famil y, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, many close friend s, and his beloved devoted pal, Betsy, his golden retriever. He was preced ed in death by his parents; Joanne's mother, Nettie (Peerenboom) DeBrui n; sisters, Elenore (Bob) Vanden Heuvel and Angie (Harwood) Hendricks; a b rother, Teddy Verbeten; a brother-in-law, Don Oskar; and a nephew, Paul Os kar.The funeral liturgy for Jerry will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Febru ary 15, 2001 at HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH, 600 E. Kimberly Avenue in Kimbe rly with Fr. Dennis Bergsbaken and Deacon Vincent DeGroot concelebratin g. Friends may call directly at the church on Thursday from 2:30 p.m. unt il the hour of the liturgy.The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to those who respond ed to the house on Monday night, including Fox Valley Metro Police Departm ent, Gold Cross Ambulance, Dr. Ralph Gage, and Fr. Dennis. Each of you d id all you could for Dad and more. We also appreciate your thoughtfulne ss and love. Your kindness will never be forgotten.Jansen Fargo Funeral Home 204 E. Kimberly Avenue Kimberly 788-6202 www.far gofuneralhomes.com
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1933 - 2001 (67 years)
Obituary
