Brad Verken Sr., age 68, passed away on May 2, 2023, at his home. He was born June 8, 1954, to Erwin L.
and Nancy L. Verken. He went to school in Sparta until the age of 12, and then continued school in
Kenosha, Wisconsin until the age of 17. At 17 went into the service and received his GED. He served
from 1971-1973 and was honorably discharged. On November 26, 1983, Brad and Julia (Johnson) Verken
were united in marriage in Union Grove, WI at Julia’s parent’s home and spent just short of 40 years
together. Brad went on to work for Union Grove Village for several years until he and Julia moved to
Black River Falls, WI in 1993 where then he worked at McDonald’s for almost 20 years in the
maintenance department, and also at IGA in the dairy department.
Brad is what many people would describe as a ‘simple man’ that just enjoyed the effortless things in life.
He liked sitting around the campfire when he brought his family camping, bird watching, old Western
movies, strictly wearing only pajama pants, watching his Wisconsin teams: The Badgers, Brewers, and
Packers, and woodworking. He collected John Deere tractors, history facts, and coins. Brad will be
deeply missed by his friends and family.
He is survived by his wife, Julia; daughters Colleen (Stacy) Wood, Amy (Nate) Rogstad, and Angela (Troy)
Trachta; son, Bradley Jr. (Justene); grandkids, Aaron, Sam (Olivia), Hunter, Haley, Tanner, Preston, Ryder,
Khloe, Karson, Anna, and Clarrisa; great-granddaughter, Lainey; brother in law, Randie (Shelly) Johnson;
sisters in law, Debbie (Dan) Brown and Sandie Johnson; lifetime friend, Danny Jamison; four-legged
companion, his cat, Gertie; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Brad is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Leo and Shirley Johnson; and brothers, Randy and
Wendel.
Funeral services for Brad will take place Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at the Torgerson’s Funeral
Home. Dan Brown will officiate. Visitation will take place at 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. A
committal service will follow at the Upper Beaver Creek Cemetery.
The Torgerson’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-284-4321.
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