Verl Vette

Memorial services to celebrate Verl's life will be held on Monday, November 11 at 11:00 AM at the
Horan & McConaty Chapel at 1091 S. Colorado Blvd. Luncheon reception immediately follows.

Verl Vette was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle. Verl is survived by his sons, Paul Vette Terri Vette, Nicole, Michelle, Ryan, and Brandt, Michael Vette Andra Vette, Kristopher, and Lara, and Kevin Vette Karen Bridges, Kyle, and Anne's daughters Kelley Bachman Karl Bachman, Colin, and Jeffrey and Amy Cordova Johnny Cordova, Jared. Verl is also survived by his brother Marvin Vette, and sisters Marolyn Kay Kinnie, Rebecca Bien, Thelma Lee Rogers, Wilda McLinden and Cheryl Fournier. Verl had 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren with 2 great-grandchildren on the way! Sadly hours before Verl passed, his oldest grandson, Jeremy, also passed in San Luis Obispo, California.

Verl was the oldest of eight children, and grew up on a farm in Kansas. It was here that he acquired his hard work ethic and discovered his knack to fix things as he tinkered with farm equipment. After marrying his junior high sweet heart, Darlene, he started his first job as a mechanic. Soon after, their family began to grow with the arrival of the first of their 3 sons, Paul, followed by Michael and Kevin. As Verl worked on cars, his love for the automotive industry grew. When he was afforded the opportunity, he purchased a Chrysler franchise that he named Dodge City. Throughout his time with the Chrysler Corporation, he was able to travel the world with Darlene, where they acquired a deep love for food, art, music and culture, which they passed along to their children and grandchildren.

Verl sold Dodge City in 1990, to enjoy an early retirement. A few years later, on April 23, 1996, he lost the first love of his life, Darlene, to cancer.

After Darlene's passing, Verl immersed himself in his children's and grandchildren's lives. He hosted more retreats in Breckenridge, traveled the country for soccer tournaments, vacationed with his siblings, travelled Europe, and made every holiday a true celebration. Many of those survived by Verl agree that some of the warmest holiday moments were spent sitting around the dinner table, exchanging timeless stories of the past.

Verl struck love once more, when he met the second love of his life, Anne. They married in 2000 and shared 13 beautiful years together. Verl and Anne's most favorite moments were spent with their children and grandchildren. They also loved to dance, to go to Anne's art shows, to travel, and to have afternoon "tea" time in their own home, enjoying their beautiful view. One of their favorite daily activities was to do the crossword puzzle in the paper. Anne would make a copy and work off the copy, and Verl worked his off the paper. It became a fun "race" each day to see who would get the puzzle done first for the day! As long as Verl and Anne were together, they were happy. They had 13 beautiful years together before Anne passed away on August 1, 2013 after a long fight with ovarian cancer. And one of the lasting results of their time together is a beautiful extended family who love each other and are honored to be part of the same family.

Verl was always active philanthropically and with community events. Earlier In his life he was a member of the CADA Colorado Auto Dealers Association, and the NADA National Auto Dealers Association. He was also a patron of the Denver Art Museum.

Verl passed away from pancreatic and liver cancer a few short months after Anne passed. He was grateful for the support and love he received while he was sick. He maintained a positive attitude throughout and his humor held strong until the end. Verl never failed to express his love to every family member and friend who was at his side. The family is so thankful for how Verl loved each one of us, giving us his very best. We love him more than words can say, and we are deeply saddened by his passing. Yet, we have hope knowing that he is no longer suffering and is with the Lord in heaven. The family counts their blessings for the dear memories we have with Verl. He will remain in our hearts forever and we know he is in a better place.