Kenneth L Verhoeven

Kenneth L Verhoeven, beloved father and grandfather, went to be with his Lord at 4:33 pm on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Hawthorne Inn.

   He was born May 12, 1935 in Hillery, IL to David and Rosa (Harrier) Verhoeven. He graduated from Oakwood High School in 1953. He married the love of his life, Joan Scarlett, on June 12, 1955 and they enjoyed 55 years together until her passing in January 2011.

  He served in the Army in 1958, as a mechanic, and was honorably discharged in 1964. He later reenlisted in the Air Force Reserves in 1979, as a jet mechanic and was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1983.

  He served in the Sheriff’s Assistant Patrol under two separate sheriffs in the late 60’s, early 70’s. He worked in several areas throughout his early career, including diesel mechanics and maintenance, before joining the Pipe Trades and becoming a union pipefitter through Local 157 and later, Local 293, from which he retired. Ken was a jack of many trades who earned certfications in automotive mechanics, locksmithing, and an associates degree from Purdue University. He was also a longtime member of Vermilion Heights Church until his health prevented him from attending. 

  He was a loving husband and father who showed his family by example what a good man is made of. He cared for his wife, his parents and mother-in-law, as health and age caused them to need more help, and was always there for his children until the end of his life. He enjoyed building and tinkering with all mechanical things. He loved his motorcycles and owned and rode one probably longer than he should have, until his health no longer allowed him that freedom.

  He is survived by three children who will miss him dearly: Winona Enos and Kenneth E. (Kimberly) Verhoeven of Danville, and Lorre (Jim) Tellone of Veedersburg, IN, grandchildren: Daniel Enos, Destiny Lake, Adrian (Tiffany) Verhoeven, Aja Verhoeven, Kayla Verhoeven and Kasey (Ashlyn) Verhoeven, and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother Robert and sister Sandra Shepherd (Dave). He was preceded in death by his parents, sons Patrick and Matthew and his brother Loral.

  The family would like to thank the wonderful CNAs, nurses and staff at Hawthorne Inn who not only cared for him this past year but loved him like family, and in doing so became our family. He will be missed more than words can say but is now whole and reunited with the wife he never stopped missing. We’ll see you again, Dad.

   Services are 1 pm Friday, January 20th with Pastor Raymie Gordon officiating, and a visitation prior from 11-1 at Kruger Funeral Home, 10 E Williams Street in Danville. Following the funeral, he will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery with full military honors by American Legion Post 210. In Ken’s memory, the family requests that you come as you are in casual attire please. 
   Messages and memories may be left on our website at www.KrugerCoanPape.com, or on the Kruger Funeral Home Facebook page. Donations may be made in Ken’s name to Grace & Truth Publishing.

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