The funeral Mass for William J. "Bill" Verdick will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday April 27, 2015, at the Church of the Resurrection with the Rev. Thomas Loomis officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday April 26, 2015, in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the church on Monday.

Mr. Verdick, 86, of Rochester was called to God Friday, April 17, 2015, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.

Bill was born September 23, 1928, in Mound Township, MN, the second son of William A. and Emma Depauw Verdick. Bill was raised at St. Joseph Orphanage in Wabasha, where he was known as "Neb" and became a beloved older brother to the many younger orphans. He was then hired as a farm hand on the Lehmann farm until the age of 18. After Bill graduated from Hokah High School, he joined the U.S. Air Force in September 1951, serving much of his duty in West Germany. When he finished his service, he hitchhiked home from the port in New York City back to MN. On a blind date, he met Margaret "Marge" (Gossman) Verdick, and the couple later married on June 30, 1956, at Saint Columban Church in Preston, MN. They farmed in Preston and Cresco, IA, before moving to Rochester. There, Bill worked at Crenlo for more than 30 years, where he made many friends. His beloved wife Marge died on June 20, 2009, and Bill lived at their home for his last years. He was a brief resident at Samaritan Bethany before being admitted to St. Mary's Hospital.

Survivors include his five children Mary (Michael) Daily of Lakeville, MN; William (Paulette) Verdick of Rochester; Jeanne (Rita Peterson) Verdick of Richfield, MN; Karen (John) Mozina of Rochester and Daniel (Elizabeth) Verdick of Woodbury, MN. He also is survived by nine grandchildren, Nicole, Matthew, Andrew, Bridget, David, Nathan, Laura, Olivia, and Zachary, and two great-grandchildren, Katryn and Kellan. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brother Wilmer.

Bill was a member of the Church of the Resurrection, where he ushered for more than 47 years and loved singing the many hymns over the decades he attended Mass there. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, and the weekly broadcasts were a fun part of family life. He had a green thumb, tending many indoor plants over the years, and planting flowers all around the yard each spring. Bill enjoyed games and sports his whole life, including baseball in his youth, "sockball" and horseshoes with his brothers-in-law, and bowling and golfing leagues with his co-workers. He had countless stories about being raised in an orphanage and his years in the Air Force. He had a great sense of humor and will be missed by his family and friends.

Online Condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome .com