Richard Wayne Verke

Richard Wayne Verke Richard passed away on August, 7th 2014 at home with his family by his side. Richard Wayne Verke was born on November 12, 1944 in Northwood, North Dakota. He was the son of Calmer and Leona (Sorlien) Verke. He grew to manhood in Hatton, ND and attended North Dakota State School of Science and Aaker's Business College. Richard married the love of his life, Karen Ann Rice on August 5th 1967 at St. Johns Lutheran Church, Hatton. Richard's true passion in life was spending time with family and friends and being outdoors. He enjoyed watching Fighting Sioux football and hockey, the Minnesota Vikings, and Minnesota Twins. He loved watching western movies, preferably those with John Wayne, as well as several other favorite movies and TV shows. Friends and family liked playing cards and various board games with him. After becoming ill, he enjoyed annual winter trips to Florida to escape the cold ND winters. Richard had a wonderful sense of humor, was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone, and could always be seen with a big smile on his face. Richard retired from the Grand Forks Post Office at the age of 61, due to health reasons, after serving 28yrs. He had fun handing out tootsie rolls to visiting children. Richard is survived by his wife, Karen Ann children, Darin (Lavonne) Duluth, MN, Jared (Lynn), Shakopee, MN, Brad (Sondra) Drayton, ND; grandchildren, Jordynn, Devin, and Cody Verke, Aliyah Bartels; siblings, Clayton (Nikki), Baker, MT, Kevin (Melba), Elisha, Ark, Karen Mitzel, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Calmer and Leona Verke, sister, Bonnie (Donald) Vanadore, and brother, Arleigh "Bud" Verke. Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 11, 2014 in University Lutheran Church, 2122 University Ave., Grand Forks with visitation one hour prior to the service in church.