James P. Verkuilen

Jim was born on May 23, 1937, in Appleton, WI, the son of Peter Paul and Mary (Wigman) Verkuilen. He met Nancy Kettelkamp at Security Life Insurance in Denver, CO and they married on September 14, 1968, in Denver.

Jim was a 1955 graduate of Appleton West High School in Wisconsin, where he was known to everyone as “Red.” He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned a bachelor's degree in Actuarial Science. Jim held a long career as an Actuary for Insurance working for Roosevelt Insurance, Insurance Management Services and the State of IL. He was well-respected in the insurance industry.

Upon retirement he served as the Village President of Pleasant Plains for 12 years, making countless improvements to the village. He also served on the committee that brought Clayville Historical Site back to life. Jim was a member of the OFC, the YMCA, and Ducks Unlimited. In his spare time, he enjoyed golf, fishing, eating fish with his friends on Fridays, and rooting on the Chicago Cubs, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos and Braves Soccer. Jim enjoyed watching all his grandchildren’s activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Dale Abbott; siblings, Alice, Delores, and Bill; and one niece, Susan Washington.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Verkuilen of Pleasant Plains; two daughters, Amy (late, Dale) Abbott of Mt. Zion, IL and Lori (husband, Lance) Rogers of Eureka, IL; six grandchildren, Kaleb and Trey Verkuilen, Keeley Tinsley, Gabriella, Danielle, and Timothy Rogers; one sibling, Jeff (wife, Debbie) Verkuilen of Appleton, WI; many nieces and nephews; special friends, Pamela and Kim Schlicht of Pleasant Plains; and six exchange students to whom Jim was a father and grandfather.

Visitation and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 800 W. Main St., Ashland. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Daren J. Zehnle, J.C.L.,K.C.H.S., celebrant. Burial will follow at Pleasant Plains Cemetery. For those who wish to stream the Mass, you may do so by visiting https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/1450490734 after 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2022.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church, 800 West Main St., Ashland, IL 62612 or Relay for Life in honor of Dale, Susie and survivors, Lori, and Danielle, (website link to come).