Verle Frank Ver Dught was an only child born to David and Cora DeBruyn Ver Dught. He was born on October 12, 1911, at Pella, Iowa. He attended the Pella Public Schools and graduated from Pella High School with the Class of 1929. While in high school he played basketball, baseball, football and participated in track, earning a varsity letter in each sport all four years. Verle enrolled at Central College in Pella where he attended for 3 ½ years. While at Central College he also participated in all four sports and lettered in each sport all three years except for basketball; he was, however, a member of the "Wonder Squad" in basketball for four years. Verle's father, a double amputee below the hips due to diabetes passed away in 1933, and his death prohibited Verle from continuing his education at Central College. He then entered his insurance business, known as Lautenbach and Ver Dught Insurance. On March 7, 1935, he was united in marriage with Hilda Valida Chrisman, whom had met on a blind date. They were married at Historic Valley Junction in Des Moines, Iowa; trust, honest and good communication were attributes of their special marriage. Verle and Hilda became the parents of two daughters: Sally Jo, who was born on May 31, 1936 and Margaret Kay, who died soon after birth on September 8, 1940. In April of 1944 Verle enlisted in the United States Navy. Verle served in the Pacific as a landing craft operator aboard the USS Haskell and made three landings on the enemy held islands, in Okinawa, Leyle Gulf and the Philippines. After serving in the Pacific, he was transferred back to the United States to Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts where he took a course in disposal of war surplus goods. Lt. Verle Ver Dught was honorably discharged at Minneapolis, Minnesota in March of 1946. Following his discharge Verle returned to Pella and continued in the insurance business. Verle ultimately purchased the business which became his life's work and continued to own the business until his retirement in 1974. During this tenure Verna Van Dyk was a significant contributor to the success of the business. Verle was dedicated to his country and devoted to the community of Pella. He served as a Commander of the Pella American Legion of World War II and continued to be a member of the Van Veen-Van Hemert American Legion Post No. 89 for over 60 years. He was the oldest, living member of the Pella Masonic Lodge No. 55 A.F. and A. M. and was also a member of the Des Moines Lodge where he attained the rank of 32nd Degree Mason. Verle was a charter member of the Pella Noon Kiwanis Club and a charter member of the Pella Community Hospital Board of Directors. At the age of 12 Verle began playing golf. He solicited door to door to make the Pella Golf & Country Club a reality and ultimately became a charter member of the present country club. Verle, along with his wife, Hilda, were both past golf champions at the Pella Golf & Country Club. Verle continued to enjoy the sport until he quit at the age of 92 years. Verle had been a faithful, loyal member of the Second Reformed Church in Pella where he was baptized and made profession of his faith in March of 1926 and supporter and contributor to Central College. Verle contributed to the new cross country course at Central College that was dedicated to his wife, Hilda, his great-grandsons and him. Verle was also responsible for starting a scholarship fund at Central College for students in the Science Department to aid students in their studies. Verle and Hilda enjoyed traveling together to Holland, France and Germany and loyal to their heritage; following their retirement they enjoyed a winter home in Mission, Texas, where they could pursue their favorite sport, golf, and a 'happy hour' in Mexico. Hilda passed away on July 20, 2006, at the age of 91 years. Verle was able to continue to reside in his residence in Pella until he passed away early Monday morning, November 23, 2009, following a short stay at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella. He attained the advanced age of 98 years, one month and 11 days. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Hilda, his two daughters, Margaret Kay in 1940 and Sally Jo Cook, who died on July 8, 1991 at the age of just 54 years; his parents, David and Cora Ver Dught, and his parents-in-law, James and Hattie Johnson Chrisman. Those who will cherish his memory and remember his genuine and generous spirit are his four grandchildren: Cristi Elaine and her husband, Charles Puyear, of Pella, Iowa; Dr. Rory Lee of Denver, Colorado; Rhonda Linn Kincaid of Springfield, Missouri; Laura Jo Cook of Jefferson City, Missouri; twin great-grandsons: Micah Puyear of Pella and Joshua Puyear and his wife, Linnae of Boulder, Colorado; a great-grandson, Jeremiah Casada of Springfield, Missouri; and one great-great-granddaughter, Madison Casada. Family, institutions and the community of Pella, Iowa were lifetime recipients of Verle's generosity.


Memorials may be designated for the Hospice of Pella Comfort House

Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home