Walter J. Verbik

Walt Verbik was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, May 21, 1930, the son of Martin and Emma Broz Verbik. When he was three years of age the family moved to Chicago, Illinois, later returning to Fort Dodge where he graduated from Fort Dodge High School with the class of 1950. He then furthered his education for two years at DeVry College in Chicago. Following college Walt was employed with IBM in Chicago for two years before returning to Fort Dodge where he was employed in the electric motor business for Paul Electric. In 1961, he moved to Jackson, Minnesota and established Verbik Electric Motor Business. On January 13, 1962, Walt was united in marriage with Mary Ann Molloy at Assumption Parish in Emmetsburg, Iowa. They made their home in Jackson for three years before moving to Denison, Iowa, in 1965, where they raised their three children, Mark, David and Jean Anne. Walt operated Verbik Electric Motor Business in Denison until his retirement. At an early age Walt developed a lifelong love of music, especially playing the trumpet and writing music. Through the years he had the opportunity to be a trumpet player for the Ray Anthony Orchestra, United Polka Band, Westside Playboys and the Bobby Allen Band. In addition to his music he enjoyed spending time with his family and fishing. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison. Due to failing health, Walt entered Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison in April 2, 2010, and it was there his death occurred early Friday, November 30, 2012. At the time of his death he had been blessed with 82 years, 6 months and 9 days. Including his parents, Walt was also preceded in death by his two brothers, Joe and Rudy Verbik. Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife of over 50 years, Mary Ann Verbik of Denison; two sons: Mark and wife Sandra Verbik of Germany, Dr. David Verbik and wife Dr. Elsie Verbik of Elk Horn, Nebraska; daughter: Jean Anne Verbik and husband David Wilscam of Centennial, Colorado; six grandchildren: Michael and wife Terra Verbik of Monterrey, California, Anthony Verbik of Dixon, California, Brook Verbik and Priya Verbik of Elk Horn, Nebraska, Katelyn Rose Wilscam and Luke Wilscam of Centennial, Colorado; other relatives and friends.   Memorial Mass was celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Denison, Iowa, with Father Paul Kelly as Celebrant. Others participating in the mass included Servers: Logan Dahm and Joe Graeve; Lector: Carolyn VonTersch; Gift Bearers: Duane and Janice Neppl and Eucharistic Ministers: Nora Millea, Judy Groth, and Sharon Livingston. Music for the mass was provided by the St. Rose of Lima Adult Choir, Pat Menegay, Director, singing “I Call You to My Father’s House”, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”, “You Are Mine”, and “Sing with All the Saints in Glory” with Judy Thams serving as accompanist. Following the mass the family invited everyone to join them at the St. Rose Parish Center for fellowship and a luncheon prepared and served by St. Rose of Lima Ladies Guild. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , Denison, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.