May 18, 1934 ~ October 5, 2013
Francis J. “Fran” Vereyken, 79, of Essexville, our loving, gentle and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away on the evening of Saturday, October 5, 2013 at McLaren Bay Region. Fran was born in Hampton Twp. on May 18, 1934, the son of the late Henry and Margaret (Doyen) Vereyken. Fran was known for his great laugh, which will be deeply missed. He worked for Arnold Janitorial Sales, where his popcorn will be missed as well. Fran enjoyed tractors, gardening, and most of all, spending time with those he loved. Fran leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 58 years, Pat; children, Jude (Steven Crawley) Vereyken and Jill (Don) Ferris, along with Lorraine (Ken) Burke, whom he accepted as his own. He was “Gramps” to Emily Burke and step-grandpa to Arista and D.W. Ferris. Fran also leaves behind his siblings, Henrietta (Jim) Hensler, Jim (Racine) Vereyken; friend and brother-in-law, Louis “Jim” Czuba, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Fran’s family will be present to receive visitors on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until his 10:00 a.m. Celebration of Life at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. Cremation will follow. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Arnold, friends and co-workers: Kevin, Star and the entire Arnold Janitorial Sales family; friends: Dick & Beth, Mary & Russ, Angie, Gene, Vi & Ken, Barb & Ray and Jane, along with the card club members, and the entire staff of McLaren Bay Region for their caring help and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Fran may be directed to McLaren Bay Region or Bay Medical Care Facility. In remembrance of Fran, the next time you watch Judge Judy, please think of him. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.
Our dear friend will be missed. We feel fortunate enough to have had the time we had with Fran. He was so gentle, kind, considerate, and special. Fran and wife, Pat were great hosts. We were invited to play “Dominoes” on so many occasions. We would arrive at their home and Fran always came out on the porch to greet us. He had hugs ready and warm welcoming words. We ate together and then we would start playing the game. This game allowed us plenty of time to chat and we were all good at it. We had a heck of a time remembering whose turn it was, with all the friendly chatter and teasing. He was such a great person. He left his daughters and wife and close brother-in-law who will feel the void as much as we will. He will never be forgotten.
Ray & Barb C
To Pat, Jude (Judy), Jill and spouses/kids,
We are so sorry to hear of Fran’s passing. You will all miss him dearly. Many memories from your years on Wagner Rd. May your good memories bring you peace in the days, weeks and months ahead .
Helen and Mary Smith
Dear Pat, Judy and Jill,
I am so sorry for your loss of Fran. He was always so kind. Whenever I go past the old restaurant, I think of you and him, which is almost daily. May God give you His peace.
Where do I begin ….. Except when I think of Fran Vereyken, I can still here his laugh and see his smile. I will never forget the look on his face when Jill and I bashed his new trail blazer and he helped us fix a Hummel we accidentally broke . He was always full of life, loving , caring, and someone who will be dearly missed. Love to Pat, Judy, and Jill. May peace that passes all understanding be with your family right now. Much love, Kathy (Close) Rulli
To Pat, Jude, Jill, Skip and Jim (my dad),
I know this is a sad time for all of you. Goodbye is such a difficult word, yet at the same time, I can’t think of Uncle Fran without smiling. He was always a light of our times in Michigan. Things I think of when I remember him:
* I always thought I had the coolest Godparents EVER. Uncle Fran was just so much fun. I loved the fact that he and Aunt Pat were mine and my brothers had other Godparents ;o)
* His big, fun giggle-laugh. I still hear it in my mind. Nobody else laughed like Uncle Fran.
* My brother (when he was little) asking the question, “Are you my dad or are you that other guy?” I always remember thinking how much Uncle Fran and my dad looked alike.
* How much my three-year-old son, Shane, adored Uncle Fran’s tractor collection. I can still see him riding on Uncle Fran’s lap down the farm lane on an old tractor.
* Uncle Fran’s stories. When Uncle Fran told a story, he was so animated, and you knew there was a good laugh coming. I loved his storytelling.
* His hospitality. He was just so much fun.
I think, in the end, it’s the testament to a life well lived that those who knew you cannot think of you without smiling. No doubt, Uncle Fran is giving the saints and angels a good laugh as he unpacks his suitcase in heaven. Either that, or he’s telling them a lively tale.
Love to all of you. I wish you peace even in your sad moments. Uncle Fran was a special gift.
Lisa Wingate
Pat and Family, as part of the Brewster Inn Family I’m honored to have been a part of both of your lives. Fran was loved by all of us. May you all find peace during the time.
Darla Pembroke
Pat, Judy, and Jill,
I am so sad to hear about Fran. He was such a great guy and always so good to me growing up.I loved his laugh.
I am sorry I cannot be there in person. Know that you and your family are in my thougthts and prayers at this difficult time.
Carol Corbin
Pat, Judy and Jill,
Sorry to hear about one of our great neighbors (when we were on Cecelia ct.) passing away. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Bob and Judy
I know what it means to lose someone you love so much but the memories are strong and will always be with you.
Fran was such an easy going guy, so friendly and easy to get to know. One of the best.
Love and prayers
Gene and Irene
Lit a candle in memory of Francis “Fran” Vereyken
Pat,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Fran was an such a kind man, with such gentle, thoughtful ways, I know he is missed by all. I loved his laugh and easy going nature. Please try to remember the great 58 years you spent together and that he will always be with you. Love and Prayers, Renae Kerr and family