Gerald D. "Jerry" Verwey

Gerald D. “Jerry” Verwey, 70, of Racine, Wisconsin, passed away at his home on September 28, 2026, in the loving arms of his wife, Linda.

Jerry was born December 4, 1955, in Racine, to Raymond E. and Jean A. Verwey. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved daughter, Shannon Lee Bennett. He is survived by his wife Linda (Nee: Mathieus); daughter, Kimberlee Nicole Banks; siblings Mike (Sandi), Sue Spielman, Jeanne, Ray (Traci), Jim, and Mark (Sue); and treasured grandsons Baylor, Mac and George Bennett, and Ryan Banks. He is further survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends who were too numerous to list, but each dear to his heart.

Jerry built a strong foundation of faith and community while attending St. Patrick’s Catholic Elementary School in the 1960s. He attended Jerstad Junior High and graduated from William Horlick High School with the Class of 1974.

Jerry served his country in the United States Army and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service from September 29, 1976, through October 10, 1978, while serving as a Strategic Microwave Repairman at DCS Station Vaihingen with the 587th Signal Company in Germany. His time overseas also fed his sense of adventure, giving him opportunities to travel with Linda and enjoy ski trips throughout Europe.

From an early age, Jerry enjoyed competition, sports, people, and life itself. Open and welcoming to everyone, he was always ready for a new adventures. Jerry made vacations with family and friends a priority and treasured the friendships formed throughout the seasons of his life.

Jerry carried that drive for learning and achievement throughout his life. He earned associate degrees in Robotics and Mechanical Engineering from Gateway Technical College and later earned a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the Milwaukee School of Engineering in May 2006. He also became a Six Sigma Black Belt while working with InSinkErator, Jerry retired in April 2016.

Jerry worked hard, played hard, and encouraged others to do the same. His humor and carefree nature brought an unmistakable liveliness to any event. He looked forward to the annual Wilbur Cup golf outing, bow and rifle deer hunt camps, and serving as grill master for the game roast at Johnson's Park, and countless family gatherings. He loved being surrounded by people and enjoyed bowling, golf, tennis, cards, baseball, football and fantasy football. He was always ready for a little friendly competition, and his booming voice and laughter could fill a room.

The loss of Jerry and Linda's daughter Shannon on November 30, 2022, cut him deeply. Then in May 2023, he was diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration (CBD) a rare Parkinson-type neurological disease that is known to affect only 5 in 100,000 people. There is very little known about this disease and there is currently no known cause and no known treatment or cure. It is a cruel disease that slowly steals them away. Jerry has been in hospice care for the past 10 months. When dementia struck he realized his life was only going to continue to deteriorate.

The symptoms of CBD primarily affect one side of the body, then progress to the other. Jerry’s brothers first noticed his difficulty in holding a golf club the way he used to, and he had trouble parking and staying on-point while driving. As the disease slowly progressed, he lost his ability to use his hands, walk, and even speaking became increasingly difficult. Once diagnosed, his brothers, cousins and friends helped him exercise and visited often to keep up his morale.

During the final weeks of his life, Jerry was exhausted, bedbound, and realized the disease was overtaking him. He was grateful to be surrounded by the love and care of Linda his wife of 50 years, their daughter Kimberlee-Nicole, and grandson Ryan.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the VA. The Veterans Caregiver Support team, Nurse Carolyn from Preceptor Hospice, and the extraordinary army of compassionate caregivers who made it possible for him to remain at home throughout the duration of this devastating disease.

Service Details

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 1:00 until 2:00 at Racine Assembly of God Church, 1325 Airline Road. A service will begin at 2:00 including military honors provided by VA American Legion Post 86, of which Jerry was a member. A Celebration of Life will follow. Please feel free to wear your favorite team sports attire.

In the fall of 2027 there will be a remembrance service at West Lawn Memorial Park where the ashes of Jerry and Shannon will be placed in a family memorial bench.

Memorial Suggestions

Please consider a memorial gift to Lavender for Hope. In 2025 Jerry and Linda opened Lavender for Hope LLC, with the vision to plant, harvest and sell lavender bouquets. Once profitable, donations will be made to support medical research for diseases that currently have no known cause and no known treatment or cure. A $5 gift will place a lavender plant in Jerry’s field this spring. Thank you.