Timothy Edward Vertrees Sr.

January 9, 1951 – February 16, 2026

Timothy (Vern–Butch) Edward Vertrees Sr. was born in Jackson, Michigan, on January 9, 1951, to Elmira and Henry Vertrees. He dedicated 30 years of service to General Motors at the Fisher Body Plant, where he was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and steady presence.

Vern is survived by his four daughters: Marlena Vertrees, Melissa Del Rio (Homer), Malinda Jones-Vertrees (the late Bart Jones), Annette Gamez (Joel), and the late Timothy E. Vertrees II. (Santos). He leaves behind twelve grandchildren: Brittany Waters (Dustin Woods), Jacob Waters, Sierah Del Rio, Mario Del Rio, Christian Vertrees, Kameron Vertrees, Marisa Vertrees, Emeliana Vertrees, Timothy Vertrees III, Lorelei Gamez, Amelia Gamez, and Ava Gamez. He is also survived by his sisters Robin Saxson, Wendy Aiken, Karen Emmons, and Sharon Seymour; his uncle Robert McCann; aunt Sharon McCann, his adored dog Star and many friends “brothers”, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his son, Timothy E. Vertrees II.; his mother, Elmira Gruenberg; special aunt Dolly Hunt and special uncle, Harold McCann, as well as great-grandmother, Mable McCann; sister, Pam York; brothers, Michael Gruenberg, Bill Gruenberg and best friend Tony Trevino.

Tim was a devoted outdoorsman who found his greatest joy in nature. He was passionate about hunting and fishing and especially cherished his days on his pontoon at Houghton Lake, where he taught his grandchildren to fish and appreciate the outdoors as much as he did. Tim took immense pride in being a father and grandfather—roles he embraced with love, patience, and humor. He was also a dad and grandfather to many outside of his immediate family, always extending his love, guidance, and steady presence to anyone who needed it.

He enjoyed visiting the casino, playing pool, and spending time with friends in the Upper Peninsula. Known for his lucky skunk hat and his ready smile, Vern was a true jack of all trades who could fix just about anything. His skills, his stories, and his warm, dependable presence will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home - Lansing Chapel at 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing 48912, on Wednesday, February 25th, from 11 am to 2 pm and then from 4 pm to 8 pm. Funeral service will follow at 12 pm on Thursday, February 26th, at Mount Hope Church on 202 S. Creyts Rd. Lansing, 48917.