Everyone at Cowsmo extends our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Verlo.
Verlo Jon DeWall, 81, of Shannon IL, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2023 at Swedish American Heart Hospital in Rockford. Born June 22, 1941, to John and Elva
DeWall, Verlo was raised in the Forreston area, graduating from Forreston High School in 1959. He was passionate about playing various sports, especially basketball. Following high school, he served proudly in the U.S. Army Reserve, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant.
On February 27, 1965, Verlo married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Ardath. The two established Shannondoah Holsteins and dedicated their lives to raising and showing registered Ayrshires and Holsteins. Verlo was a lifelong member of Holstein USA and various other dairy organizations and enjoyed serving as a judge at many local and state shows. For nearly 40 years, he served on the World Dairy Expo Board of Directors as well as the Dairy Cattle Show Committee. Verlo and his family also hosted foreign trainees over the years, sharing his passion for, and knowledge of, Midwestern dairy farming practices.
Verlo was a man of deep faith and worshiped at Prairie Dell Presbyterian Church, serving proudly in various roles within the church until his passing. Verlo had a great appreciation for a good joke and never missed an opportunity to make others laugh. He lived his life with a steadfast commitment to his family and his friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Verlo leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 58 years, Ardath, their devoted sons Steve (Mary) DeWall, and Jeff (Lori) DeWall, beloved grandchildren Alyssa DeWall, Seth (fiancé Amanda Zahm) Posey, Brooklyn and Bryce DeWall, siblings Donald (Marian) DeWall, Eldon (Elsie) DeWall, Leola Juergens, and Anita (Robert) DeVries, brother-in-law Alan (Sherry) Flack, and numerous nieces and nephews. Verlo was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Leonard and Lois Flack, brother-in-law, Kenneth Juergens, and sister-in-law, Charlene Krum.
Verlo’s family would like to thank the staff at Swedish American Heart Hospital for their care and compassion, as well as family friend Paula Plote-Krause for her support and thoughtful advice over the years.
Visitation will be held at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, 504 N. Walnut Ave, Freeport on Monday, February 27, 2023, 2 – 7 pm. Funeral service will be held at Forreston Grove Church, 7246 N. Freeport Rd, Forreston on Tuesday, February 28 at 10:30am, with Ken Renkes officiating. A memorial fund has been established. Please sign Verlo’s guest book and share a memory at burketubbs.com. Friends may contact Burke-Tubbs Funeral Homes, Freeport, for additional information.