Gerald ''Jerry'' Verbeten

Age 67, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, February 12, 2001. Jerry was born in Little Chute on June 20, 1933, son of the late Henry and Marie (Van Gompel) Verbeten. As a young man, he served his country as a member of the U.S. Army and on September 4, 1954, married the former Joanne DeBruin. Jerry was employed as a pipefitter at Kimberly Clark Corporation, first in Kimberly and later at the Neenah West facility, and was a member of the Quarter-Century Club at Kimberly Clark. Jerry was proud to have been a trumpet player in the Little Chute Community Band for some fifty-six years. His family is thankful to the band for allowing Jerry to continue to participate as a drummer after suffering a stroke that prevented him from playing his trumpet. For many years, Jerry also played in his own band, the Jerry V. Orchestra. He always enjoyed playing for events for family and friends. Jerry was also a avid model airplane builder and flier, and was a member of the Calumet Flyers Airplane Club. He enjoyed fishing, especially his many Canadian trips with his son and sons-in-law, playing cards with family and friends, and riding the CE Trail on his motorized scooter. Jerry was a master fixer-upper, and was constantly repairing things for anyone who asked his assistance. Many will remember his selfless attitude when it came to helping others. When something was broken, the grandkids would say, “Take it to grandpa, he can fix it!” Primary in Jerry’s life was his devotion to the Virgin Mary, who aided in the recovery from his stroke nine years ago. So great was his devotion, that he made monthly trips to Robinsonville with gifts of roses for the Holy Mother.

He is survived by his wife of forty-six years: Joanne Verbeten of Kimberly; his father-in-law: John DeBruin of Little Chute; a son: Gary (Sue) Verbeten of Appleton; two daughters: Mary Ann (Gary) Mounce of Kaukauna and Jean (Greg) DeBruin of Darboy; nine grandchildren: Nick, Melissa, and Emily Verbeten, Ashlie and Lukas Mounce, and Michelle, Andy, Benny, and Jared DeBruin; a sister: Mildred Oskar of Neenah; a sister-in-law: Marion (Bill) Marvin of Kimberly; a brother-in-law: LeRoy (Cecelia) DeBruin of Kiel. Jerry also leaves behind his wife’s special aunt Marie Gillette and her family, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, many close friends, and his beloved and devoted pal, Betsy, his golden retriever. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joanne’s mother Nettie (Peerenboom) DeBruin, sisters Eleanor (Bob) Vanden Heuvel and Angie (Harwood) Hendricks, a brother Teddy Verbeten, a brother-in-law Don Oskar, and a nephew Paul Oskar.

The funeral liturgy for Jerry will be held at 4:30 PM on Thursday, February 15, 2001 at HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH, 600 E. Kimberly Avenue in Kimberly with Fr. Dennis Bergsbaken and Deacon Vincent DeGroot concelebrating. Friends may call directly at the church on Thursday from 2:30 PM until the hour of the liturgy.

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to those who responded to the house on Monday night, including the Valley Metro Police Department, Gold Cross Ambulance, Dr. Ralph Gage, and Fr. Dennis. Each of you did all you could for Dad and more. We so appreciate your thoughtfulness and love. Your kindness will never be forgotten.