Jacob "Jack" J. Verlare

Jack Verlare, 96, of Howards Grove, entered his eternal home on Saturday, January 27, 2024.

Jack was born on April 7^th, 1927 in Sheboygan, the son of the late Jacob (Jake) Peter and Mary (Hollander) Verlare. On January 3, 1952, he was united in marriage to the late Madalyn (Mic) Joan Ribbens Verlare at the First Christian Reformed Church (now Christ Community Church) in Sheboygan, of which he remained a lifelong member. Jack and Mic shared love and life together for 62 years. 

Jack grew up the son of Jake Verlare, a small business entrepreneur in retail groceries and poultry farming. Jack fulfilled his father’s dream in creating the Verlare’s Turkey Ranch. The ranch became one of the largest producers of milk fed Domes White Holland turkeys (Ja-Mar Brand), Capons, Ducks, and Geese in the Midwest. Jack went on to practice hobby farming with black and red Angus cattle and other livestock. He farmed to teach his family the virtues and values of self-sustenance, honesty, integrity in relationships, and that hard work helps to build strong character. 

Jack was a Navy veteran, serving in the Pacific Theater when WWII was peaking in the Marshall Islands. Having celebrated victory after his commitment to service, he returned to his hometown, and a land of freedom, purposed for exceptionalism. 

In addition to his turkey ranch, and hobby farming, Jack was also employed by Gabe’s Construction Company for over 40 years. He operated an 18-wheel long haul semi-truck, moving heavy equipment for gas, water, and communications line installations throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and other adjoining states. 

Jack served as both an Elder and Deacon in his church. He faithfully served his Lord and Savior deeply desired that everyone would come to be saved through faith in Jesus Christ. Jack was a strong supporter of the Christian Reformed Church, C.R.C. Home Missions, Back to God Hour, World Home Bible League, and many others. 

Jack was father to a wonderful family of four children. He will be fondly remembered as one who was wholly committed to his family and steadfast in his love of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Jack was matchless in his sense of humor, sometimes provocative and at other times witty. His personality was a custom fit and welcome presence among his many work associates at Gabe’s Construction. Their workdays were filled with sunshine and laughter from his antics. 

Jack kept a small but very close set of friends who knew him deeply and relied on him without reservation. Most importantly for his family, Jack was seen as someone who never wavered, always pointed to the cross, and completed his life’s journey as a faithful servant of his Lord. Jack will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. 

Those Jack leaves behind to cherish his memory include his four children, Jay (Denise) of Sheboygan; Mike of Colorado; Martha (Tom) Bahr of Sheboygan; and James (Tamela) of Colorado; nine grandchildren, Kim, Alison, Samantha (Justin), Jordan (Sara), Andrea (Justin), Garrison (Julia), Jacob (Piper) Sierra, and Amberly; nine great-grandchildren; a sister Mary Ann (Linse) Felten of Sheboygan; a sister-in-law Louise (Ken) VanKuiken of Illinois, and other relatives and friends. 

Jack was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife Mic. 

A Celebration of the Life of Jack will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, February, 24, 2024 at Christ Community Church, 428 Geele Avenue in Sheboygan. An Honor Guard committal will follow. Lunch will follow the committal. 

The Verlare family will greet relatives and friends at 10:00 am until the time of the service. 

In lieu of flowers, a Memorial fund has been established in his name for Christ Community Church and Christian Reformed World Missions.