Service Details
PUBLIC visitation will be on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. PRIVATE family services will follow in the funeral home at 11:00 am with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials to St. Lucy Church, “Best Friends Animal Sanctuary” of Utah, or to “Guiding Eyes For The Blind” have been suggested.
Racine – Elaine Josephine (nee: Carls) Verhegge, age 82, passed away peacefully at Ridgewood Care Center on Monday, January 24, 2022.
Elaine was born in Racine on June 15, 1939 to the late Henry E. and Margaret M. (nee: Tasquin) Carls. She was a 1957 graduate of St. Catherine’s High School. Elaine was united in marriage with the love of her life, James F. Verhegge, on September 13, 1958 in Holy Name Catholic Church. Jim passed away almost one year ago to the day on January 25, 2021.
During her working career, Elaine was employed with Council House of SC Johnson Wax for over 26 years and by DeKoven Foundation for 12 years. Elaine & Jim were longtime, loyal & active members of the St. Lucy Catholic Church community where they actively attended daily mass. They enjoyed turning & revolving together with the Circle 8 Square Dance Club for over 20 years. They loved animals, had rescued countless numbers of strays over the years and welcomed them into their home with open arms. Above all, Elaine & Jim loved spending time with their entire family, especially their grandchildren. They are now at peace and back together again.
Surviving are their children, Joyce (Tim) Hempel, Dave (Donna) Verhegge, Pam (Shawn) Fellion and Dawn (Steve) Tuma; grandchildren, Christine (Andy) Spaulding & Sarah (Travis) Nielsen; Kevin, Craig (Danielle) & Jordan Fellion; Lauren & Matthew Tuma; 7 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Richard Verhegge; sister-in-law, Eileen Carls; nieces, nephews, church family & friends – too numerous to mention all by name. In addition to her parents, Elaine was greeted in Heaven by her loving husband, Jim; brother, Ray Carls; sister-in-law, Cindy Verhegge; nephew, Don Carls; and by Jim’s parents, Frank & Ann (nee: Carmen) Verhegge.
PUBLIC visitation will be on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. PRIVATE family services will follow in the funeral home at 11:00 am with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials to St. Lucy Church, “Best Friends Animal Sanctuary” of Utah, or to “Guiding Eyes For The Blind” have been suggested.
Jim Zewen says
To Plaines family;Hi! I am a parishioner at St Lucy s and really liked Elaine a lot! Enjoyed the talks we had! She gave great hugs! Heaven has gained another angel! Condolences to you all! Rest in peace Elaine.
Julie Carls-Mohrbacher says
Dearest Aunt Elaine,
I have wonderful memories of times past with you and our family get-togethers; times that I would love to have back, if possible. God bless your soul as you reunite with Uncle Jim, Grandma and my Dad, among so many others. My thoughts and prayers are with those you leave behind, as we mourn our loss. Thank you for being a part of my life ~ Most Sincerely, Your Goddaughter, Julie
Phyllis Duchesneau says
My deepest sympathy to the family
Mary Langenfeld says
My thoughts and prayers are with Elaine and Jim’s family. My sympathy to all of you at this sad time.
Ellie Orth says
My condolences to Elaine’s family.
Ron & Mary Carls says
Our sympathy goes out to Joyce, David, Pam & Dawn. A very devoted family, taking such good care of their parents, making sure their needs were met during their final years. I met Elaine on our first day of high school. By chance I sat next to her in the cafeteria and we became inseparable friends going through our teenage years together. We were both dedicated Liberace fans listening to his music together. When she started dating Jim, the four of us had so many good times together double dating. Thank you Elaine & Jim for many happy memories. You will both be in our hearts forever.
Pamela Zenner-Richards says
Elaine was often in my thoughts over the years and will continue to be so. She was so helpful to me when I was working. She and Jim both were compassionate, caring people – the kind the world needs more of! Grateful and thankful for their lives! Blessings to family.
Anonymous says
My sympathy & prayers to all. Elaine & Jim & family we’re our neighbors. They lived behind us. We went to Saint Lucy’s church & our children all went to school there. We shared many good times together. May she RIP.
Gerry Lipor (Cerny) & family, Ft Myers, Fl says
Elaine & Jim & family we’re are neighbors who lived behind us. We all were members of Saint Lucy’s Church. Our children attended St Lucy’s school. We shared many good times together. I still have and make many of Elaines recipes. Our prayers and sympathy to her wonderful family. May she RIP