LaVerne Stanley Henshue

Fitchburg-LaVerne S. Henshue, age 82, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2014 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Verne was born on November 19, 1931 in Madison, Wisconsin to Stanley and Hattie Henshue. He met the love of his life, Phyllis Engelhart, when they were only 14 years old and married her on August 9, 1952. They were soul mates from the beginning. They shared a wonderful love story for over 61 years of marriage, bringing 6 children into their world. Their home was filled with faith, love, security, and joy. The circle of life continued to grow with the births of 18 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was a patriotic man who had a strong love for his country and proudly served as a member of The United States Army from 1951-1954. He was stationed in the United States and in Germany and shared so many interesting stories with his family that will be cherished forever. Verne was an entrepreneur who had the courage to start up several businesses and proudly built Henshue Excavating, Inc. as a successful underground sewer & water contractor. He was greatly trusted and respected by his customers and employees. Verne was a handyman who could fix anything. He would walk in the door with his toolbox in hand and could craft up a solution to any problem. He was his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s biggest fan no matter what the activity as well as a fan of the Badgers and Packers. Verne was a man of strong character. His faith and family always came first. His love for his family was unconditional and beyond measure. His family will cherish the memory of his infectious laugh and the ever-present spring in his step. He was a happy and positive man who felt tremendously blessed. His faith never faltered. He prayed for so many. Verne and his beloved wife, Phyllis, were a team throughout and spent much of their lives caring for others. Their thoughts always centered on how they could make someone else’s life brighter. He was a brave, courageous, and honorable man. His family couldn’t be more proud of his will to live and his fight to stay with us for as long as possible. The family expresses sincere appreciation to their neighbors who looked after them daily, Dr. David Gronski at Dean Clinic, the nurses and doctors at UW Carbone Cancer Center, and Agrace HospiceCare for their wonderful care of Verne. He was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #531 and the American Legion. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his six children, Kathleen (Michael) Heminger, Gary (Veronica) Henshue, Susan (John) Schuchardt, Ronald (Sandra) Henshue, Tracy (Tim) Traeder, Thomas (Katie) Henshue; 18 grandchildren, Andrea (Dave Kennedy) Henshue, Brandon (Amanda) Wood, Melissa Henshue, Christopher (Jenna) Henshue, Jonathan (Krista) Henshue, Jennifer (Kevin) Sill, Erik (Ashley) Schuchardt, Cory (Morgan) Schuchardt, Brad (Ashley) Schuchardt, Brittany (Adam Mescher) Henshue, Kristina Henshue, Brady, Mackenzie, and Peyton Traeder, Gabby, Sophie, and Farrah Henshue; 6 great-grandchildren, Kaelyn Edge, Ella, Avery, and Kendyl Schuchardt, Brooklyn and Harper Sill, Baby Boy Schuchardt due in April. He is further survived by his sisters, Bernadine Ihus and Marie (Elmer) Ross. He was preceded in death by his parents; Stanley and Hattie Henshue, granddaughter; Katherine Schuchardt, Father & Mother-in-law; Herbert & Lorena Engelhart. A Mass of Christian of Burial will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PARISH AT THE ST. JAMES CHURCH, 1128 St. James Ct., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. A private family burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Monday, Feb. 17, 2014 and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Verne will be deeply missed. To the moon and back – to infinity and beyond. Thank you for your gift of wisdom, guidance, advice, understanding, protection, and unconditional love. Your spirit lives on in us. Your legacy is buried deep within us. You are a part of us and we a part of you. We love you always and forever. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road (608)442-5002