Obit: Verkuilen, Ruby (1917 - 2010)

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Verkuilen, Borck, Coates, Zettler, Badzinski, Nevala, Beaudette, Apfelbeck

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI.) October 20, 2010

Verkuilen, Ruby (20 October 1917 - 12 October 2010)

Ruby Coates Verkuilen went to her heavenly reward on October 12, 2010, one week before her 93^rd birthday. She had been a resident of Oakbrook Health & Rehab for the previous five years.  Ruby was born October 20, 1917, to Henry and Ella (Borck) Coates in the Township of Reseburg, rural Thorp. She graduated from Thorp High School, Class of 1934, and then attended Neillsville Normal School and River Falls State Teachers College, earning a teacher’s certificate.  Ruby taught at rural Pioneer School, prior to her marriage to Walter Verkuilen on November 29, 1939.  They resided on the Verkuilen family farm and together raised their seven children.  Walter died in 1963.  Ruby and her son, Marvin, continued to operate the family farm until 1969 when she moved to town.  She was then a cook at the Thorp Elementary School for several years.

Ruby enjoyed playing cards with her friends, going for daily walks, gardening, cooking and baking for her family and friends. She was an avid Green Bay Packer/Wisconsin Badger fan and enjoyed all activities her grandchildren were involved in.  She was a "giving" woman, volunteering many hours at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Church and at Oakbrook.  She was a lifelong member of St. Bernard’s Parish, Women’s Catholic Order of Foresters, and the Friendly Neighbors Homemakers Club.

She is survived by her two step-sons: Roy (Rica) of Merrillville, IN, and Robert (Helen) of Little Falls, MN; and her four children: Patricia (Merlin) Nevala of Menomonie, Marvin (Diane) of Thorp, Susan (Jim) Beaudette of Nisswa, MN, and John (Dawn) of Cameron.  She is also survived by nineteen grandchildren and thirty-five great-grandchildren.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; her step-son Richard; her parents; and siblings: Irene Zettler, Margie Badzinski, and Henry Coates, Jr.

Visitation was at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, October 15, 2010, at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church, followed by the funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Keith Apfelbeck officiating.  Burial followed at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery.

Ruby’s family would like to express their deep gratitude to the wonderful, caring staff at Oakbrook Health & Rehab for all they did for her.

Memorials may be directed to the Oakbrook Lovelight Fund or St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church. She was a grand lady and will be missed by many.

Online condolences may be directed to: www.cuddiefh.com.