Donald L. Verwers

Donald L. Verwers, 84, passed away on September 8, 2022 at Cedar Crest Retirement Community, in memory care in Janesville, Wisconsin.

He was born to Benjamin and Lauretta (Madoll) Verwers on October 4, 1937 in Lynnville, Iowa. Born into a farming family, grit, determination and craftsmanship were bred into him. From a young age, he showed unbreakable determination and strength contributing to his family farm by milking the cows in the early hours and as the sun set, never minding the elements.

After graduating from Kellogg High School, he married his first wife, Dona Cunningham, and they had a son Donnie. Shortly after this, they left the Iowa cornfields and headed out west towards the blue skies and ocean waves and their daughter, Deanna was born in the California sunshine. Although the union was not permanent, they made a strong parenting team in difficult circumstances, and their commitment to their children gave them the resolve to remain friends over the years.

In the summer of 1972, he was introduced to Joanie. At the time that they met, Joanie had two children, Tina and Tim Swanson. Don delighted to tell the story of their shotgun romance– always highlighting that within two months of meeting, they loaded all the kids up in the car, and hit the road to be married. They were married at the Chapel of the Flowers in Las Vegas in August of 1972. The following summer, Don & Joanie had a daughter, Jolynn.

In 1980 Don moved the family to Washington state. During these employment years, Don worked as a machinist for Lockheed & Boeing and was a mechanic for TOTE. He was incredibly skilled with his hands, and as a meticulous worker he could build nearly anything just by looking at it– his woodworking was true artistry. He was a fixer, a man's man, boisterous and unforgettable.

He enjoyed 20 years of Pacific Northwest memories with dear friends and family. His grandchildren have fond memories spending time at Papa’s cabin in Easton, WA where he taught important life lessons, including how to earn your money back after losing it by going all in, in a game of poker, by picking up endless sticks outdoors for quarters. More importantly in their formative years, he demonstrated the unequivocal love of a grandfather, he was ever present, an encourager, defender, and a friend.

After their time in Washington Don and Joanie moved on to enjoy many years of retirement in Las Vegas. During this time he remained enamored with all things Harley Davidson, was a master of jokes, and homemade vanilla ice cream. He was invested in spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Always greeting them with a beaming smile and a big squeeze, and his joy was tangible as he shared stories about them with anyone who took the time to stop by for a visit.

Above all, Don treasured his wife Joanie as the love of his life for 48 years until she passed away with him by her side in April of 2020. As he neared the end of a life well lived, his eyes still twinkled when he got to share a laugh over an off handed joke and even as age robbed him of his memories, it could not crush his fighting spirit. He was rough around all the edges and an absolute privilege to love and know.

Don is survived by children: Donnie (Dusty) Verwers, Tina Swanson, Deanna (Mike) Button, Tim Swanson and Jolynn (Chris) Labuguen. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren Daniel and Derek Verwers, Michael Button, Mariah, Sydney, and Benjamin Swanson, Mya and Nico Labuguen, and 3 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister, Saundra Backus; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife, Joanie Verwers; his parents; and his sister, Betty.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cedar Crest Retirement Home, or Agrace Hospice, both in Janesville, WI., in memory of Donald Verwers.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services

Janesville, Wisconsin

(608) 754-8700