BRAD VERKEN SR.
BRAD VERKEN SR.
Brad Verken Sr., 68, passed away May 2, 2023, at his home. He was born June 8, 1954, to Erwin L. and Nancy L. Verken. He went to school in Sparta until the age of 12, and then continued school in Kenosha, WI, until the age of 17. At 17, he went into the service and received his GED. He served from 1971-1973 and was honorably discharged. On Nov. 26, 1983, Brad and Julia (Johnson) Verken were united in marriage in Union Grove, WI, at Julia’s parent’s home and spent just short of 40 years together. Brad went on to work for Union Grove Village for several years until he and Julia moved to Black River Falls, WI, in 1993 where he then worked at McDonald’s for almost 20 years in the maintenance department, and also at IGA in the dairy department.
Brad is what many people would describe as a ‘simple man’ that just enjoyed the effortless things in life. He liked sitting around the campfire when he brought his family camping, bird watching, old Western movies, strictly wearing only pajama pants, watching his Wisconsin teams: the Badgers, Brewers and Packers and woodworking. He collected John Deere tractors, history facts and coins. Brad will be deeply missed by his friends and family.
He is survived by his wife, Julia; daughters Colleen (Stacy) Wood, Amy (Nate) Rogstad and Angela (Troy) Trachta; son Bradley Jr. (Justene); grandkids Aaron, Sam (Olivia), Hunter, Haley, Tanner, Preston, Ryder, Khloe, Karson, Anna, and Clarrisa; great-granddaughter, Lainey; brother-in-law Randie (Shelly) Johnson; sisters-in-law Debbie (Dan) Brown and Sandie Johnson; lifetime friend, Danny Jamison; four-legged companion, his cat, Gertie; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Brad is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Leo and Shirley Johnson; and brothers Randy and Wendel.
Funeral services for Brad took place Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 3 p.m. at the Torgerson’s Funeral Home. Dan Brown officiated. Visitation took place at 2 p.m. until the time of service. A committal service will follow at the Upper Beaver Creek Cemetery.
The Torgerson’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-284-4321.