Obituary
Gerald Daniel Ver Hagen
Gerald Daniel Ver Hagen 90, of La Crosse, Passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 27, 2023. He was born on May 19, 1933 to Henry and Rose Ver Hagen. He married Mary Lou Gunderson May 4, 1955 in Joliet, IL.
After being employed at the papermill, Gerald (AKA Jerry or Dutch) went on to a career as a tree trimmer for the city of La Crosse Forestry Department. After retirement, he tinkered in his woodshop making small wooden pieces he enjoyed giving people. Most of his life, he was either in the trees cutting branches or playing in the woodshop from the drops of wood someone would give him. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren and always enjoyed being with them.
Gerald was survived my six daughters: Sharon Miller (Colorado Springs, CO), Diane Cleveland (Steve), Jeri Ver Hagen, Joyce Low (Robert) (all of La Crosse, WI), Bonnie Ver Hagen (Katy, TX), Kari McConnell (Mitchell) (Lexington, KY), 20 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.
Gerald was preceded in death by Mary Lou Ver Hagen (wife), Rose Ver Hagen (mother), Janice Fogel (daughter), and several brothers and sisters.
The Family would like to thank all the staff at La Crosse Family Restaurant, Marge’s On Rose, Rosie’s Café, American Legion Honor Guard, First Presbyterian Church, and Coulee Region Cremation Group.
A memorial service will be held on June 8, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church 233 West Avenue South, La Crosse. Pastor Taylor Haley will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:30 until time of service at the church. Military Honors will take place at the church following the service. Interment will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in La Crosse .
Dutch! Ugh where do I begin u have been such a huge impact on my life I’ve known u since we moved here in 88 and u kinda took me in as one of the ones u kept an eye on always a beautiful smile on ur face never a bad word to say about anyone and always the best jokes and stories .. Thank you for teaching me so much over the years .. we joked about it all the time u taught me how to talk my way out of that very first screw up of mine lol .. remember Tina pops said if u scratch it u bought it so I drove his van home and tottalled it I felt horrible the next time I seen u u told me to tell pops hey Dutch says I don’t have to pay for ur van the agreement was when we left the dinner if I scratched ur van I buy it and we’ll pops I didn’t scratch it I totalled it so I guess u gotta replace it .. THE LOOK MY DAD GAVE U PRICELESS the memories u gave me priceless I love ya bud thank you for being such a positive role model in my life even after both parents were gone I’m going to miss you untill we see each other again please tell my parents and son how much I miss them .. rest easy my friend till I see u again
Tina Trueblood
Harland n Kathy Secor daughter ❤️
Dutch,
My salute to you sir! You were my source for insuring healthy trees on my property! We also had some great B.S. sessions!
My condolences to the family.