Walter Gerard "Jerry" Verhalen III's Obituary
Walter Gerard “Jerry” Verhalen III was born in Dallas, TX on November 15, 1945 and died at home in Richardson, TX on June 23, 2023 at the age of 77.
Shortly after Jerry was born, the family moved to Hope, Arkansas to help run the family basket company. That began a boyhood of fishing, squirrel and rabbit hunting and bike riding with his buddies, making friends which would last a lifetime.
Jerry graduated from Hope High School and studied Business at Henderson State College in Arkadelphia, Ark. Coming back to Dallas, Jerry worked at Republic National Bank as a securities trader in the Trust Department. During the Vietnam war, Jerry was drafted by the Army and served as a Medical Technician in the 325th Medical Detachment.
When he got out of the service, Jerry found his career and true calling, working in the insurance industry. Jerry was a great salesman. He was known for the high level of service and care he gave to each of his clients. Jerry won many awards throughout his career, but he was most proud of becoming a Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Round Table.
Jerry’s wife, of 52 years, Betty and sons Matt and Brian were the joy of his life. Family was everything to him. He loved cheering for the boys at all their activities when they were young, and loved watching them as they grew their company after they both graduated from college. With everything he did, he would always have Betty at his side.
Jerry loved the water, loved their boat “Our Turn”, and enjoyed many fun weekends with both his family and his “lake family” on Dock 14 on Lake Texoma. Jerry enjoyed cooking and loved grilling out. He passed on this love to Brian, and they always enjoyed cooking together, especially during the holidays. Jerry also had a passion for aviation. Matt developed the same passion and the two of them loved going to airshows and talking shop about all things aviation. Finally, Jerry loved golf! He developed a passion for golf at an early age, and even started the golf team at Henderson State. Jerry passed on this love of golf to both of his sons and had fond memories of playing with them at Oakridge Country Club, or just watching a tournament on TV.
Jerry’s life-threatening health issues began in the mid 1980’s, issues which he would endure over the next 40 years. His tremendous love for the Lord and his family gave him the strength to battle bladder cancer, multiple bouts with kidney cancer, a heart attack, double by-pass surgery, diverticulitis, diabetes, macular degeneration, and finally total renal failure which led to the past year on dialysis. Jerry was a fighter and survivor.
Jerry was a cherished husband, father, son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, father-in-law, colleague, and friend. Of the many titles he bore, his most recent title of “Pop” was one of his favorites.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Walter Gerard Verhalen Jr. and Kathryn Verhalen.
He is survived by his wife Betty, sons Brian (Cara) Verhalen, Matt (Jill) Verhalen, grandchildren Grant and Molly, brothers Brad (Cindy) Verhalen and Mark Verhalen.
Family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00PM Monday, July 10, 2023, at Restland Funeral Home.
Funeral services will commence at 10:00AM on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church of Richardson. A reception at the Church will immediately follow the service and precede interment in Restland Memorial Park.
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