Russell “Russ” L. Verbeke, age 76, of Gulliver, passed away at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 after a prolonged illness. His wife was at his side.
Russ was born on September 1, 1945, in Saginaw, the son of Leo J. (Lee) and Ruby (Rumple) Verbeke. He grew up and was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Saginaw. Following high school, Russ enlisted in the U.S. Army and served 7 years before being honorably discharged. He then worked for Holly Carburetor and the Department of Defense. Russ spent the next 20 years as a fire fighter and working in the wilderness with the U.S. Forest Service in Montana. Prior to his retirement he was employed with the National Park Service. He truely led a life full of adventure.
On October 16, 1993, Russ was united in marriage to the former Mary Ann Johnson. Together, they spent 28 wonderful years making memories. Russ enjoyed tinkering with antique cars and trucks, camping, western movies, and all kinds of music. He also loved his dogs. Russ a very special man, and he will be deeply missed by so many.
Russ is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann, his son, Mathew (Jodie Weeks) Verbeke and their children, Mackenzie and Morgan Verbeke. A daughter Michelle Winkelbauer and her daughters, Megan (Adam) Demeuse and Sidney Winkelbauer. Two Great-grandsons, Wyatt and Blake Demeuse, his step-son Robert (Rita Copley) Savola and their sons Richard, and Nicholas.
Four brothers, Philip Verbeke. Rick Davy, John Davy, and Brian Davy and two sisters, Diane (Lester) Beck and Virginia (Joseph) Miklosovic.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Ruby, and his brother, Jim Davy.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Military Honors will be presented by the Gladstone American Legion at 3 PM and memorial services honoring Russ will follow at 3:15 PM with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating.
Mark Johnson - WEST JEFFERSON, nc
Russ. I wish I’d had the opportunity to meet a fellow veteran. God go with you and your entire family
Blandin Karabinos - TOANO, VA
27 December 2021
Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Russell Verbeke. His fellow troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia, salute our fallen brother and worthy hero. Russ served courageously with A Troop of the 1st Squadron in 1967-68, and it was our privilege to have him in the ranks of the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment. Our loss is that of another brother down and we will continue to honor his memory at our gatherings and at our annual reunion. Russell was a Life Member and an exemplary soldier and had the utmost respect of the Blackhorse Troopers. His name will be listed on the roll of our honored dead and in our newsletter, Thunder Run and honored at our next Annual Reunion. But as our Burial Liturgy clearly states: “life has not ended, merely changed” and Russell’s soul continues on an endless path. As we were together then (in Vietnam), we will be together again in the life hereafter, comfortably enfolded in the loving arms of our Merciful Father.
Chaplain Blandin W. Karabinos, 11th ACVVC (Vietnam 71-72)
Paula and Nick Boyett - Baytown, TX
Russ went above and beyond friendship. He and my deceased husband served together in Vietnam. He was determined to keep up with all of the family for over 50 years. George Owen Spangler was killed in Vietnam May 19, 1968. Russ sent George’s parents and brother correspondence…followed me through 2 marriages. We finally met Sept 2018 in Grand Rapids Michigan at an 11th Armored Cavalry reunion. In attendance were George’s daughter, her husband, son, and daughter….It was a very emotional weekend. He will truly be missed by us all. Mary Ann and Russ were the perfect hostess and host when we were able to actually visit with them in their home. We were privileged to see Russ in his element while loving on Katie girl, showing us his man cave with his challenge coin collection etc etc.
Russ was Just such a genuine overall warm human being-Angel on Earth to guide us to Heaven.
Live and in person was phenomenal and we will always be grateful for the invite.
I pray blessings over the entire family for your future without his immediate presence. He will always be close by with something he said or did to brighten your life. See you on the other side my friend,
Darlin and Nick love you very much.
Marilyn Murray - Garden City, MI
I was sorry to hear of Russ’s passing. We went to high school together. I had no idea he had so many siblings. I only knew of Virginia who also went to St. Joes H.S.. I find it interesting to read his obit and see what a great guy he was as I never got to know him well in school. I appreciate his service in the military especially in Vietnam, my brother also served in Vietnam and I know what those guys went through and still do. I also did not know he had remarried so I was happy to hear that he found his soul mate and was able to spend 28 years with her.