James "Jim" Anton Verkuilen, 74, of Pickerel, passed away peacefully at his home in the loving arms of his family on Sunday November 29, 2009 following a brief illness. He was born on August 26, 1935 in Little Chute to Anton and Verona (Sigl) Verkuilen. They preceded him in death.

He married his wife of 53 years, Corrine "Cubby" Pennings on June 6, 1956 in Little Chute. In 1963 Jim and Cubby followed their dream and moved "up north" to Pickerel where they owned and operated Verkuilen's Sandy Beach Resort and Supper Club on Arbutus Lake for 26 years. They developed life long friendships with local residents from Forest and Langlade counties and with vacation goers throughout the Midwest who flocked to their resort's beautiful "slice of heaven" to enjoy Jim's dry wit and contagious sense of humor.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim loved fishing, hunting, gardening and spoiling his grandchildren. In recent years he especially enjoyed the close knit friendships he developed with his daily "coffee klatch" where he continued his tradition of witty world views and entertaining banter.

One of the highlights of his life was a 1994 cruise to his beloved Alaska where he and Cubby spent time visiting and enjoying the many sights including his favorite town, Homer.

In addition to his wife of 53 years, Cubby, he is survived by five children; Terry Verkuilen, Pickerel, Steve (Lisa) Verkuilen, Wausau, Kelly (Randy) Jaje, Pickerel, Cyndee (Scott) McClintock, Atlanta Georgia, Christy Verkuilen (Ron Pizl), Antigo. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren including Josh Verkuilen, Neenah, Chad (Casey) Jaje, Antigo, Megan Jaje, Pickerel, Cameron and Kayte McClintock, Atlanta, Georgia, Courtney Powell, Pickerel, McKenzie Pizl, Antigo, Jason Springer, Pickerel, and one great grandchild Kayden Jaje, Antigo; as well as three sisters Marion (Bob) Smaxwell, Appleton, Judy (Bob) Payne, Neenah, Peggy (Todd) Muenster, Crandon, and his "best friend" and brother John "Jack" Verkuilen, Appleton; and numerous nieces and nephews.




Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Verona Verkuilen; a grandson Michael Springer; and a daughter-in-law Debra (Springer) Verkuilen.

A Funeral Mass in celebration of Jim's life will be held on Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Pickerel, with Rev. Roger Strebel, officiating. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 until the time of services. Bradley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

In leiu of flowers a memorial is being established in Jim's name.

Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com.

Services