Gary Lee Vervoren

Gary Lee Vervoren, age 80, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home, in the presence of his loving daughters. Gary was born on June 28, 1944, to the late Liel and Marcella (Eger) Vervoren in Green Bay. He was a hard worker, working for the Southern Pacific Railroad for his entire career. It brought him to Arizona where he lived for over 42 years, then he returned to the Green Bay area. While in Arizona, Gary pursued his passion for weightlifting. He won several trophies, medals and holds a world record in his weight class. He gave those trophies to the Boys and Girls Club of Arizona. At one point, Gary opened his own gym. In addition to his passion for weightlifting, he had a passion for classic cars. He would work on them and get them show ready and then take his cars (and his girls) to numerous car shows, including Iola. Gary’s favorite car, and the one he owned the longest would be his corvette. He would say he had owned more cars than a used car lot and sold more properties than a realtor! His humor and energy will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughters; Michelle Lee (Scott) Unsinn and Gina Lee Vervoren, grandchildren; Travis (Pattie) Vervoren, Marissa (Nathan Watermolen) Vervoren, Kyle Kocha, Katelyn Kocha and Krina Kocha. Gary is further survived by his great grandsons, Philip and Finn, brother, Stewart (Diane) Vervoren, sister in law, Betty Lou Vervoren, nieces, nephews, other relatives as well as friend and former wife, Linda (John) Plouff and especially his good friend, Lynn Sniegowski, Tuson Arizona. 

 Gary is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Clayton Vervoren and good friend Dick Sniegowski.

In keeping with Gary’s wishes, a private family service was held. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at St. Vincent ICU for the wonderful care given to Gary and his family. Also, a thank you to all his neighbors for the help they gave Gary, to Marv Thiry for his help with all the car projects and especially to Josh and Erica Errer and their family for the friendship.