Verl George Rumsey, 79, of Bronson passed away Monday, January 13, 2025 at home after a lengthy battle with cancer.
A funeral service will take place Friday, January 17, 2025 at St. Mary’s of Assumption in Bronson at 10:30 a.m. followed by interment at Bronson City Cemetery.
A visitation will take place Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Dutcher Funeral Home in Bronson from 4:00-7:00 p.m. followed by a rosary at 7:00 p.m.
Verl was born October 24, 1945, in Bronson to Leah and Verl Rumsey.
The kindness and humility he displayed should be emulated by all and will surely be missed by the multitude of family and friends who loved him dearly.
Verl leaves behind his wife of 22 years, Connie, of Bronson. He was predeceased by his first wife, Kathleen, who passed away in 2001 and to whom he was married 33 years, and by his son, Scott, who passed away in 2018 (Scott’s wife Cheryl survives).
Verl’s surviving children and step-children include: Jim (Krissa) of Ann Arbor, MI; Dusty (Kevin) Smith of Auburn Hills, MI; Melissa (Dave) Nokielski of Debary, Florida; and Theresa (Mike) Holly of Lake Mary, Florida; Kevin (Tiffany) Rustad; Corey (Candra) Rustad; and Shelly (Rich Heath) Stevens. Verl was blessed with seven grandchildren and 10 step-grandchildren: Cayla (Tyler) Pitts, Chris (Taylor) Graham, Cole (Tabitha) Graham, Ella Rumsey, Josie Rumsey, Kailey MacCallum, Lindsey Smith, Jonathan Smith, Nalavae (Zack) Davis, Nayana (Donnie) Davis, Ashlee Losik, Chance (Haylie) Hicks, Blake Rustad, Kaden Stevens, Joren Stevens, Mike Heath, Paige (Johnny Johnson) Heath, and Richie Heath. He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Benton and Blair Pitts, Kai Graham, Oaklee Graham, and seven step-great-grandchildren. Verl is also survived by two brothers, Eddie and Pat, and many nieces and nephews.
Verl was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Kathy, son, Scott, and siblings: Norman (Mike), Ida, Betty, Vernon, Sharon, Ronald.
Verl led a life of quiet service that included being drafted by the U.S. Army in the 1960s where he served at Ft. Carson in Colorado. A long career caring for others as a school custodian followed. His keen observation allowed him to remember many details about those around him, and his sharp memory made it easy for him to share stories about the past, particularly stories involving visits to his beloved Detroit Tigers, outdoor adventures with his sons and brothers, playing pinochle, and the occasional trip to the casino.
Following Detroit Tigers baseball was a favorite pastime of his, and, more recently, the Michigan Wolverines. At some point, he became enamored with the Duke Blue Devils and added them to his list of favorite teams. Several of his family members remember deer and duck hunting with him and picking mushrooms in the spring.
Verl was no stranger to silliness, and made everyone laugh with his facial expressions–especially his eye rolls–and the way he threw his hands in the air when telling a story or doing his voices. He loved playing cards with his grandchildren, and a few of them especially enjoyed it when he taught them to play the card game Big Casino. Of course, those who know Verl will always associate him with his love of the Duke (John Wayne) and Westerns, in general.
All humans should seek to be as kind and gentle as Verl. He was quick to tell his children and grandchildren he loved them and that he was proud of them. And he was confident in his assurance that he, in turn, was loved by a God who was waiting to welcome him home.
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