Verle W. Burhenn, 82, of Ashton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 16, 2011, at Franklin Grove Nursing Home. Born on June 18, 1928, in Rochelle, the son of Wilbur and Ilia (Ewald) Burhenn. He married Ruth E. Brunsberg on January 29, 1949 at the Reynolds United Methodist Church in rural Ashton. He graduated from Ashton High School, class of 1946 and also from Hopkins Business College in Dixon, IL.

Verle loved life, his Lord, his church and his family. He lived on his family farm at the corner of Reynolds and Brooklyn Roads his entire life and was a member of the Reynolds United Methodist Church, which he could see from his kitchen window. He served in many roles at the church over the years, but none more important than trustee and usher. During his life he worked on the family farm, then as an insurance agent and finally as crop adjuster up until the last year of his life. He loved to work, especially as a crop adjuster helping other farmers. He served as road commissioner and township supervisor for Reynolds Township, and was a member of the Masons of IL, Holcomb Lodge, Freeport Consistory, Tebala Shrine, and Ogle County Shrine Club. Affectionately known as "Papa" by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he loved to spend time with his family. He enjoyed making jokes and never knew a stranger.

Survivors include daughter, Katherine (Bill) Foster of The Villages, Florida; sister in law Eleanor Hoffman of Franklin Grove, IL; brother-in-law Jerry (Necee) Reinders of Gilmer, TX; grandchildren Amber (Jon) Recker of Fort Wayne, IN, and Zachary (Lori) Foster of Pecatonica, IL; great grand children Ethan and Cassidy Foster; special friends Pastor Alan and Linda Meyer; and many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the Franklin Grove Nursing Home and staff, and Passages Hospice. Predeceased by his wife, Ruth E. Burhenn; parents Wilbur and Ilia Burhenn; sister Betty Reinders; sister-in-law Ethel Denison; and brothers-in-law, Neal Denison and Everett Hoffman.

Service at 10 AM, Thursday, April 21, at Reynolds United Methodist Church, Ashton with Rev. Alan Meyer officiating. Burial in Ashton Cemetery. Visitation from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, with a Masonic Service at 7:30 PM, at Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. Sixth St., Rochelle, and from 9-9:45 a.m. Thursday at the church. The family requests memorials to Reynolds United Methodist Church.