John Verwey
March 16, 1949 ~ December 24, 2025
Resided in: West Fargo, North Dakota
John’s service will be livestreamed below at 12:00 PM on Friday, January 2, 2026:
John Patrick Verwey passed away on December 24, 2025, at SMP St. Catherine South Care Center after a battle with vascular dementia.
John was born March 16, 1949, in Grand Forks, ND to William and LeNora (West) Verwey. He grew up in Mapes, ND. In 1964, his family moved to Nekoma, ND. John graduated from Nekoma High School in 1967 and from the University of North Dakota in 1971 with a degree in Industrial Technology.
On May 29, 1971, he married his high school sweetheart Marlys Kay Wilhelmi in Nekoma, ND. They lived in Nekoma, where he was employed at the Stanley R. Mickelsen ABM Site. While living in Nekoma they welcomed two daughters, Heidi Kay and Heather Lynne.
In 1976, the family moved to Bismarck where John was employed by Montana Dakota Utilities until his retirement in October 2008. After his retirement, he was employed by Bismarck Public Schools as a substitute teacher. In 2018 John and Marlys relocated to West Fargo to be near family.
He had a lifelong love of sports. In his youth, he participated in football, baseball, basketball, and wrestling. As an adult he enjoyed basketball, handball, racquetball, softball, curling and golf. He also spent time behind the plate as a softball umpire. He especially enjoyed officiating the McQuade charity softball tournament. He enjoyed attending Bismarck High School sporting events and supporting Heidi and the BHS Demonettes and Heather and the BHS cheerleaders.
He loved cheering on his grandsons Devin and Aiden at their football, hockey and baseball games. He was an avid West Fargo Baseball and West Fargo High Packers baseball and hockey fan. He was a jack of all trades including plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and woodworking. He enjoyed his time hunting with his friends and family, especially his nephews.
In May 2024 he became a resident of SMP St. Catherine South Care Center where he resided until his death. We will forever be grateful for the loving care both he and Marlys received from the staff.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years Marlys; his daughters Heidi (Dave) Wolf, West Fargo and Heather Skogen, Grand Forks; his grandsons Devin and Aiden Wolf, West Fargo; siblings Jan (Ed) Kouba, Bismarck, Jim (Becky) Verwey, Valley City, Gary (Patti) Verwey, Fremont, CA, Dawn (Don) Roppel, Fairdale, Judy Dietz, St. Paul, NE; brother-in-law Jim (Faye) Wilhelmi, West Fargo; furry companion Mollie, many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and LeNora Verwey, in-laws Louis and Jessie Wilhelmi, son-in-law Matt Skogen, brother-in-law Scott Dietz, niece Tawnya Roppel, very special cousin Laurie Jo Cavanaugh, and his furry companions, Missy, Bailey, Thelma, Louise and Maggie.
In honor of his favorite teams, the LA Dodgers and the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux, we encourage you to wear Dodger Blue or UND Kelly green attire.
Memorials can be directed to Memory Cafe of the Red River Valley, Fargo; Central Dakota Humane Society, Mandan; or the 701 Award at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.
Services
Visitation: Friday, January 2, 2026 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Lutheran Church of the Cross, West Fargo
1402 16th St E
West Fargo, ND
Celebration of Life: Friday, January 2, 2026 12:00 pm
Lutheran Church of the Cross, West Fargo
1402 16th St E
West Fargo, ND
I am so sorry for your loss of John. It was a pleasure to know him. My deepest condolences to you all. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers that time will heal the gap that he is leaving in your family.
Dear Marlys and family, I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a great neighbor when we lived in South Bismarck, and from that I knew what a great husband and father he was as well. Our prayers and sympathies are with you all. #gosioux
– Gary and Lynda VerDouw
Rest in peace, John, your work on earth is done. Well done, faithful servant. 🙏🕊️
friend. Prayers and love
to you as you navigate the loss of John.
Julie Dullea-Wagner
St. Catherine South
Marlys and family
Sorry to hear about John’s passing. We were close cousins growing up so have many good memories. The years go by too fast and we lose touch. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I want to add to the beautiful words already shared speaking from my own experience with John. He was a kind man and a true example of a helpful neighbor—someone who looked out for others, offered help without being asked, and expected nothing in return.
With heartfelt condolences,
Dena M Baker
Home and free at last, John.
You were such a constant and consistent source of love and support for your family and always so very proud of each one of them! And how you delighted to bring a smile to most anyone’s face!
Marlys and family, so sorry and may you all find strength as you move forward.
Prayers for you all.
Dave Jundt
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. As one of my high school classmates, he was full of fun, mischievous and an all around good guy. He would never hesitate to help you or others if needed. He was a friend indeed. Rest in peace, John. God bless.
My deepest condolences to John’s family and friends.
I only met John a few times, usually between games we were umpiring. But I told John that his daughter (Heidi) is friend of mine and he instantly lit up. I think it was impossible for him to talk about his girls without a smile on his face.
Marlys & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you rest in peace John.
Jody & Laura Brorby
My deepest sympathy to John’s family. We worked together for many years at Montana Dakota Utilities. May your memories bring you comfort.
I have fond memories of John through our MDU retirement breakfast club meetings and chats!! A kind, friendly man with a warm smile! Also, FLC with you Marlys and John, some years ago! My thoughts, love and prayers are with you during this sad time. Peace be with you.