In loving memory of William "Bill" Verbruggen
January 25, 1951 – December 8, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Dad, Bill Verbruggen. Dad passed away peacefully on December 8th in his workshop, a favorite place of his. Dad was born on January 25th, 1951, to the late Casey and Mary Jane Verbruggen of Little Chute, WI. He grew up in a close-knit family, the oldest of 6 children. He was a passionate child who loved to read, play music, and work with his hands. By the age of 12 Dad had read every encyclopedia in his childhood home, which began his joy of reading and being a lifelong student on any topic. His joy of music also started as a child, listening to, as well as playing. He played the guitar and the harmonica, both self-taught. Yet his biggest passion was his artistic ability, which was truly beyond words. He could dream it, draw it, and build it. Upon graduation from high school, he took his artistic talents to The Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, WI, which was just the start of a lifetime of great works.

Everything Dad did was Avant Garde. In 1976 he purchased the Combined Locks Village Hall, which he renovated into a beautiful home for his family, and where he continued to live until the day he passed. In 1982 he purchased Ryan's Elementary School with his dad, and it was there where he poured his heart and soul into the renovation. From his vision, to his design, to the execution, Dad slowly built the masterpiece that was, Ryans Bar, with the help of his dad and brothers. They collected amazing pieces displayed throughout the building; railings and streetlamps from a bridge in Milwaukee, beams from a railroad bridge across the Fox River, and countless other items that Dad had the vision to utilize. The craftsmanship was exceptional and the character unparalleled. Dad loved to tell stories of how they visualized and constructed the bar, and the joyful efforts that went into its Grand Opening in 1984.

Dad was a man of endless talents, and throughout his life held titles of Artist, Musician, Draftsman, Visionary, Carpenter, Craftsman, Concrete Business Owner, Bar Owner, and our Mr. Fix It, but above all titles he held, he was most proud of "Dad" and "Grandpa Bill".
Dad is survived by us, his 3 daughters, along with his grandchildren, who were his entire world; Emily (Eric) Rayer (Eli and Evie), Marnie (Chris) Castillo (Theadora), and Libby (Dave) Lutz (Liam and Lilly); his ex-wife and close friends, Sharon and Mike Trinkner; his siblings and sisters-in-law, Dave Verbruggen, Pam Van Gompel, Robin Verbruggen, Danny (Billie) Verbruggen, and Kenny (Karen) Verbruggen. Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Casey and Mary Jane Verbruggen, his brother, Lee Verbruggen, and his sister-in-law, Pat Verbruggen. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and cousins.

Dad, you were a legend. We will remember you always through the art that hangs on our walls, and the endless projects crafted by you within our homes. You will be remembered by the music we play, and the late-night toasts we will share, with a Hamm's in hand. Oh, the stories we will tell about your eccentric views on, well, nearly everything.
Until we meet again, we will miss you. Every. Single. Day.

With love, Em, Marn and Lib

We look forward to a Celebration of Life in the new year at the former Ryan's Bar (Wellspring at The Cross Church) for family and close friends on February 28th.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that donations be made to Wellspring at the Cross Church, or that you simply share an act of kindness in remembrance of our sweet Dad.