Sylvester P. Verhagen passed away on December 19, 2017 at the age of 89. He lost the love of his life, Min, 2-1/2 years earlier, and he was never the same without her. Ves was born April 25, 1928, the youngest of fourteen, in the town of Freedom, the son of Henry Verhagen and Wilhemina Weyers Verhagen. Ves graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1945, and went on to work at Thilmany until his retirement in 1990. He was drafted in the army in 1950, in which he served for 2 years, spending 6 months in Germany. On April 7, 1951, he married Minerva Meulemans, and they cherished 64 years together. They made a home in Kaukauna, where they raised seven children.

Ves was a very active member of St. Aloysius Church since its start, and always enjoyed helping out with the annual parish picnics. He loved being outdoors, and many happy family memories were made through the years camping, fishing, spending time at a cottage, or travelling to Florida or Out West. He was always taking long walks or bike rides. He took great pride in keeping a meticulous yard, whether cutting the grass, trimming the hedges, growing flowers, or working in his garden.

He loved to bowl with family or friends, and enjoyed monthly games of sheepshead with the card club. His children and grandchildren will always have fond memories playing cards and other games with him and Grandma, and no one could ever leave the house without the reminder "not to take any wooden nickels" or "don't do anything I wouldn't do on a bicycle." Nothing brought him more happiness than just being with family.

Ves was the loving father of 7 children: Gary, Eagle River and sons Seth (Heather) and Jacob (Leslie); Steve (Amy), Appleton; Michael, Kaukauna and sons Jason and Brandon; Mark, Kaukauna and daughters Valery (Pete) Splittgerber and Jolene (Paul) Verhagen; Laura (Greg) Huss, Combined Locks and children Christopher and Sarah (Bryan) Fourcand; Lisa (Bob) Van De Loo, Kaukauna and children Cindy (Andy) Vanden Heuvel, Emily (Sam) Verhagen, Tony (Jolene) and Scott; and Alan (Beth), Michigan and children Spencer and Sloane. He is also survived by 12 great grandchildren; his brother Rich; brother-in-law Erv DeBruin; sister-in-law Virgie Meulemans; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ves was preceded in death by family members: Fr. Donald Verhagen, Fr. Norbert Verhagen, Raymond, Larry (Gladys), Ben (Marge), Ed (Rose), Lloyd (Doris), infant Frances, Agatha (Ray) Nussbaum, Ceil (Norbert) Meulemans, Martha (Ignatius) Schuh; and sisters-in-law: Monnie Verhagen and Millie DeBruin.

Visitation will be held at ST. KATHARINE DREXEL PARISH – ST. MARY CHURCH (119 W 7 ^th St Kaukauna) on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 from 9:00 until Mass at 11:00. The Rev. Thomas Pomeroy will officiate and Deacon Steve Vande Hey will assist. Military rites, conducted by the Kaukauna V.F.W. Post 3319 and American Legion Post 41, will immediately follow. Committal Holy Cross Cemetery. To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com.

One of life's greatest treasures is a true friend, and Ves certainly had one in Pete Kessler. His regular visits were greatly appreciated by Dad and family. The family would also like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at American Grand for the care given Dad, and Compassus Hospice for the great care given him in his final days.