Gerardus (Gerard) Verbraak

Gerardus (Gerard) J.  Verbraak, 89, a resident of Bettendorf, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, surrounded by family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2022, from 4-6 PM at the Valley Inn, Pleasant Valley.  Per his wishes,  cremation rites have been accorded.  A private family burial will be held at a later time.

Gerard was born on October 10, 1933, in Ziest, Netherlands.  He was the son to Cornelis and Anna Catharina (van Kaam) Verbraak.

Gerard married Maria Terhorst in Gendringen, Netherlands, on August 16, 1960.  Gerard, Maria and their three-month old son immigrated to America, arriving in New York on a cold Winter day,  in January of 1962.

Gerard and Maria had some good times and some difficult times but made a good life in America.  Gerard worked for himself as an electrician and after he retired, he continued working at Riverbend and then later at the Blood Bank.  Gerard loved  birds and squirrels and always made sure they had plenty to eat.  He enjoyed making bird feeders and at one time sold his copper bird feeders at the Farmers Market.  Gerard watched the World Cup game between the U.S. and The Netherlands and was excited the Dutch won!  He loved going for drives and of course a good whiskey seven drink.

Survivors included Gerard's children Raymond Verbraak and Ingrid (Bob) Redecker and grandchildren Brock and Joey Redecker.  His sister Maria (Ria) and Anthonius (Ton) Arts,  Netherlands and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife,  parents, brothers Adrianus (Ad) & Cornelia (Corry) Verbraak and Johannes (Johan)  & Liesbeth( Bets) Verbraak.

The family would like to thank Genesis Hospice for their care the past two weeks.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.