Obituary of Francis Merle Verbeke

Francis “Frank” Verbeke, our one of a kind husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at the Medilodge of Mt. Pleasant, Sunday, October 20, 2019. He was 75 years old. A memorial service will be held in his honor Saturday, October 26 th , at 1:00 PM, at the Wheatland Church of Christ. Pastor J.D. Saunders will officiate. Visitation will take place from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, on Saturday at the church. Frank was born January 13, 1944, the son of the late Charles and Kathleen (Potter) Verbeke. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War in Gelnhausen, Germany. Frank had a passion for driving which made him a great heavy equipment operator for DTE. He dedicated 32 years of his life to the company before retiring in 2007. It was then he had to settle for driving his own truck, or a tractor, or any vehicle he could find with keys in it. Frank married his wife, Jackie (Olger), on September 4, 2004, and the two spent many beautiful years together.

Taking nothing for granted, Frank was always thankful for each day he was blessed with here on earth. He fished, hunted, spent time with his beloved family, and enjoyed many bonfires with a cold beer in hand. Frank had a strong work ethic, which he instilled in all of his children. He loved life and that was easy to see. Outgoing, honest, and “no filter” would best describe his personality. Those left to cherish Frank’s vibrant memory are his wife, Jackie Verbeke of Remus; children, Michelle (David) Ramoie of Leonard, MI, Scott (Cindy) Verbeke of Flint, Tonya (Mike) Johnson of Indianapolis, IN, Becky (Lynn) McLean of Gilbert, AZ, Amanda (Justin) Dykhuis of Edmore, MI, Joseph (Shena) Verbeke of Midland, MI, Jesse (Jen) Wood of Remus, and James (Hans)Wood of Ashville, NC; siblings, Emil (Judy) Verbeke, Gary (Kathy) Verbeke, Jay (Ginny) Verbeke, Terry (Sue) Verbeke, Mona (Jerry) Burns, Geraldine (Kim) DuVall, Donna (Joe) Stier, and Kaye (Fred) Kemp; grandchildren, Libby, Riley, Dakota, Madison, Logan, Annabelle, Piper, Ally, and Hanna, special friend and roommate, Don Moses, and his Medilodge family. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Austin Johnson; brothers, Ken, Charlie, Gerald, and Al, and his beloved dog, Big Shadow. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to Heartland Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the church.

Friends may share a memory with the family at the church or online at www.JanowiczFH.com.