----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 05/01/1919

Verkuilen, Mary (11 May 18?? - 22 Apr 1919)

Mrs. Mary Verkuilen died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fred Schmidt of the town of Worden, Clark County, Wis., on Tuesday, April 22, 1919. Had she lived until May 11th, she would have rounded out the score and ten plus seven, a long life and to her family, how beautiful! Each returning springtime, when the buds begin to swell, will recall to them the sweetest character they had ever known.

Mary VanLanen was born in Holland, but came to America when eight years old, and with her people settled at Bay Settlement in Brown Co., Wis. She lived there and at Green Bay until her marriage to John Verkuilen in 1866. They then lived at Pensaukee, but after a year moved to a farm at West Holland, where they lived until they moved to a farm south of Stanley, Wis. in 1898. They were there two years and then moved to Thorp, where Mr. Verkuilen died in 1903.

In 1910 she went to Stanley and resided with her daughter, Mrs. Guy Harris until a few months ago when she began making her home with Mrs. Schmidt. A few weeks ago she had an attack of influenza, and although she recovered, it left her in a weakened condition, which combined with asthma, hastened her death. No more kindly, always lovable woman ever lived and her many children and grandchildren will miss the friendly face from the family circle.

Mrs. Verkuilen is survived by one sister, Mrs. John Vandehey of Wa__?, Holland, and nine children, all of whom were present to help lay her in her last resting place. They are John Verkuilen, Mrs. George Ebben and Mrs. Fred Schmidt of Thorp, Mrs. Guy Harris of Stanley, Albert Verkuilen of Athens, Mrs. Joseph Reuter of Wausau, Martin Verkuilen of Eland, Mrs. Frank Dionne of Antigo, and Frank Verkuilen of Sheboygan. Forty-nine grandchildren, six of whom acted as pallbearers and three as alter-boys at the services Friday morning, and one great-grandchild share the sorrow at the loss of a dearly loved grandmother.

Mrs. Verkuilen was laid to rest Friday morning beside her husband in the Catholic Cemetery. Services were held at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Father Neises officiating.