Winnifred Thorndyke VerHaagh (née Bersch) June 3, 1937 – May 27, 2025 Ormond Beach, Florida

Winnifred "Winnie" VerHaagh passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, at the age of 87 in Ormond Beach, Florida. Born on June 3, 1937, in Park Forest, Illinois, she was the eldest of six children of George and Molly Bersch.

Winnie is lovingly remembered by her children: Dan (Diane) VerHaagh, Mike (Loretta) VerHaagh and Anne (Jeff) Dean; and her grandchildren Dillon, Beth, Christopher, Mary, Joey, Isaac; and her 7 great-grandchildren.  Winnie is further survived by her siblings Mary Westring, Dan Bersch (Sallie) and many other beloved family members and close friends.

Winnie spent most of her life in Wisconsin, where she met her husband, Ted VerHaagh, in the late 1950s while they were both working summer jobs at The Northern Aire Resort in Three Lakes. They married in 1960 in Antigo, Wisconsin, and later moved from Milwaukee to Marinette in 1966. The couple lived in the twin cities of Marinette, Wisconsin, and Menominee, Michigan, until 1982 before relocating to Traverse City, Michigan then to Connecticut, to Crivitz, back to Marinette and then to New Berlin WI.

During their years in Marinette/Menominee, Winnie and Ted built a close-knit community, frequently hosting gatherings and bridge club events. Winnie was a talented potter and taught ceramics at the UW-Marinette extension. Her practical, beautifully crafted pottery, (bowls, plates, and platters in rich earth tones) is still treasured by many. In addition to her artistic talents, Winnie was a gifted gourmet cook. She catered family reunions and special occasions with unforgettable meals, and while in Traverse City, she ran a home-based bakery called Just Desserts. In 2006, she compiled her favorite recipes into a family cookbook titled Family Valuables, preserving her culinary legacy for future generations.
After Ted's passing in 2017, Winnie moved to Eugene, Oregon, where she lived with her brother David and his wife Ruby. Their companionship and caring support were a great comfort to her. In 2024, she relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, to be with her daughter Anne. Then, in February 2025, Winnie and Anne visited family in Ormond Beach, Florida, and loved it so much they decided to make it home. Winnie's niece Michelle and her husband Andy lived nearby, welcomed them warmly and were a great help during the transition.

Over the past year with many of Winnie's health challenges, Anne provided loving care with grace and dedication. She and Winnie shared many joyful experiences—traveling, attending concerts, and enjoying delicious meals together. Winnie often expressed how fortunate she felt to have such a devoted daughter.

Winnie will be remembered for her generosity, compassion, and warm-hearted nature. She had a deep appreciation for music, art, and beauty, and she enriched the lives of those around her with kindness and creativity. Her thoughtful spirit and joyful presence will be dearly missed.

A private celebration of life is being planned to honor Winnie's memory, with details to be shared with family and close friends at a later date.