Verlin Schmitz

Verlin J. Schmitz, age 79, of Ripon passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Saint Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, WI due to complications from surgery, surrounded by his loving family. Verlin was born August 11, 1944 in La Crosse, WI, son of Elmer and Doris (Ronke) Schmitz. He graduated from Mindoro High School in 1962. After high school he joined the US Navy for a three year enlistment where he was trained as an aircraft electrician. During his service he was deployed for eight months aboard the USS Enterprise, the world’s first nuclear powered aircraft carrier, for Operation Sea Orbit in 1964 where he spent six months in the Mediterranean followed by a two month around the world cruise. After his service he returned to Ripon where he worked for Wisconsin Power & Light Company for 42 years, retiring in December 2006. After retiring, he continued to work his own business fixing appliances under Verl’s Appliance Repair. He retired from that in 2014. On a blind date, he met Beverly Kasuboski in 1970 and they were married October 2, 1971. Together they raised four children who were the light of his life. Verlin loved to travel, taking Beverly to most of the places he saw while in the Navy. Together they traveled worldwide. He enjoyed working with his hands and loved Intarsia woodworking, making designs for many to cherish. Verlin stayed active bowling, golfing, and playing cards. He was on the board for Russell Manor Apartments. He was treasurer for the Ripon Area Food Pantry and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #4877. He was a kind, caring, compassionate, sensitive man who made an incredibly wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. If there was an event planned for around town or out-of-town, he would offer to taxi his four sisters-in-law, also known as his “harem,” to the destination where they would enjoy endless games of Farkel. Verlin is survived by his wife Beverly, of 52 years; three sons Andrew (his wife Sara-Ann, who was also Verlin’s Goddaughter); Matthew (his wife Kelly); Gregory; and daughter Jennifer; nine Grandchildren and three Great-Grandchildren; one brother Eldon (Bernadette), Sisters-in-Law Grace Schmitz, Dolores Wilde, Dorothy Wiecki, Rose Piotrowski, Kathy Binder, and Alice Kasuboski; brothers-in-law Larry (Barb) Kasuboski, Jerry (Carol) Kasuboski, and Kenny (Robin) Kasuboski, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Leonard (and his wife Margaret) and brother Dennis; brothers-in-law Gordon Wilde, Victor Wiecki, Norbert Piotrowski, and Terry Kasuboski. Verlin was a member of All Saint’s Catholic Church in Berlin. Family and friends may visit with the family and pay their respects to Verlin on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home of Berlin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday morning following the visitation at 11:30 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Parish of Berlin with Father John Silva officiating. Burial will follow services with Full Military Honors presented by the Berlin Wells-Krause VFW Post # 2925 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery.

Verlin Schmitz

August 11, 1944 - February 20, 2024