NEIL VERBONCOUER

Neil Walden Verboncouer passed away October 17, 2024 at his home in Appleton, WI.  Neil was born to Ambrose and Gertrude (Wiltzius) Verboncouer on April 13, 1941 in Kewaunee, WI.  He attended Holy Rosary School and Kewaunee High School.  In 1959, Neil began his military duty with the Navy.  He worked in the engine room, and played trumpet in the Navy Band, and served as quartermaster.  On the USS Randolph, his final appointment, he served as head of the navigation team.  Following his honorable discharge from the  Navy, Neil married his high school sweetheart, Rachel Schultz on October 26, 1963.  They moved to Appleton, Wi.   Neil continued his education through an apprenticeship with Allis Chalmers, which culminated in a decade long employment ranging from machinist to foreman. Neil continued to gain skills and knowledge throughout his career by taking technical classes, gaining certifications, as well as a number of related correspondence courses.  Hertel Machine Corporation was the next place of employment, which proved to be a pivotal point in Neil's career.  The proprietor, Ed Hertel, became a lifelong friend and mentor to Neil, giving him responsibility of the shop operations and allowing him to grow tremendously.  It was during this time that Neil and Rachel had their only child, daughter, Valerie.  Neil later began his own business; NV Industries, where he designed and built machines for many of the companies in the area.  Upon retirement, Neil devoted much of his time to performing jazz music on trumpet, trombone, and saxophone.  He was involved in a number of local bands, and performed all over the state of Wisconsin for many years.  

Ever since high school, Neil's leisure time was anything but leisure.  He very much enjoyed the challenge of taking something that didn't work; cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and tractors, and figuring how to fix them and make them work.  This interest led to the purchase of 40 acres in the late 1970's that became known as The Woods.  A cabin and pole building were built to serve as a workshop as well as a retreat for the family.  Once grandchildren came along, Neil shared his methods with them; teaching them how to work together, problem solve, construct a plan, and persevere.  It was during these work times that the kids were taught a new vocabulary when trying to operate machinery that didn't comply. In our family these terms are referred to as Neil-isms, including Miserable, Dizzy, and Dirty Pup.  Once the work of the day was done, there were always stories, laughter,  peanuts in the shell, and unlimited root beer.  The memories and lessons learned have helped our family to heal since Neil's passing, and given us a shared purpose to continue his legacy.

Neil is proceeded in death by his parents, Ambrose and Gertrude, his brothers Marold and Gale, sister Gloria, and his beloved wife of fifty-six years, Rachel.  He is survived by his daughter Valerie (Joseph) Green, and his grandchildren; Devin, Sophia, Oliver, Jacinda Green

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 900 Geiger St., Neenah, WI.  A visitation will be held at church from 9:30 until the hour of the service.