Brian G. Verhey, 57, passed away Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, at his residence in Santa Cruz, CA. Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 26, at Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella. In honor of Brian, purple clothing was preferred. The family prefers memorial contributions to Hope Ministries.
Brian Gerry Verhey was born June 23, 1961, at Grinnell. He was the third of four children born to Ben and Joann Darlene (Van Rees) Verhey. Brian received his formal education at Sully Christian School and Lynnville-Sully High School, graduating with the Class of 1979. Brian was active in the marching band as a bass drummer during these years.
He moved out west and worked in construction in Colorado and New Mexico, before returning to Iowa where he began a 20-year career as a truck driver for his uncle at Rees Lease and later for Napa Auto Parts. Brian then worked in maintenance for Walmart, Pella Regional Health Center, and lastly for the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
Brian married the love of his life, Karmen Joyce Moorman, on July 20, 2005. They began an adventure together that would take them to almost every corner of the United States. Karmen worked as a traveling nurse, taking contracts every six months, which allowed them to move and explore the country. They made their home in the Midwest mostly in the summers and warmer climates during the winter. Brian and Karmen loved their time in California especially. Together they attended many state fairs, MLB baseball games, and loved the beauty of our National Parks. Brian loved Glacier National Park, Lake Tahoe, and their walks together on the beach. They led a blessed life together. Brian was a fun-loving “house Mom” and a wonderful uncle to his nieces and nephews.
In November 2018, Karmen took a contract nurse job in Santa Cruz, CA, where on Saturday, Jan. 19, Brian passed away unexpectedly at their home.
Those left to celebrate his wonderful life are: His wife, Karmen (Moorman) Verhey; mother, Joann Verhey of Pella; three sisters, Kathy (Duane) Heyveld of Pella, Connie (Mark) Roozeboom of Pella, and Kim (Brian) Ede of Staunton, VA; mother-in-law, Marlene Moorman of Newton; three brothers-in-law, Kevin (Lori) Moorman, Kendall (Natalie) Moorman, Kent (Debby) Moorman, all of Baxter; and sister-in-law, Kathie (Carlton) Saunders of Cedar Rapids; along with several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Brian was preceded in death by his father, Ben Verhey; his father-in-law, Bennie Moorman; and nephew, Jacob Moorman.
