Lambertus Gerhardus "Bert" Verhey

Lambertus Gerhardus “Bert” Verhey, 87, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at Arbor Springs. He was born on April 26, 1927 in Utrecht, The Netherlands to Johanna and Marinus Verheij. Bert obtained a business degree from St Ignatius University in Amsterdam and served in the Dutch army, fighting in the war for Indonesia’s independence from 1951 to 1955.

He immigrated with his bride Rita to the United States right after they married in 1956. There was a housing shortage in Holland which prompted the couple to relocate. Bert was a businessman and ultimately had his own cowhide exporting business which took him all over the world. In his spare time Bert enjoyed, family, painting, photography and travel. He and Rita took multiple cruises and thus befriended another Dutch couple that had immigrated to Australia and travelled with them on several cruises. He kept up friendships with many of his international customers.

He is survived by his wife, Rita; three children, Margaret (Doug Albaugh) Verhey, Martin (Bonnie) Verhey, and Rosemary (Chip) Bartlett; six grandchildren, Harrison and Peter Verhey, Julia and Evan Albaugh, and Alexandra and Trip Bartlett; and two sisters in the Netherlands, Riet Troquay and Ans deWit

Memorial services will be held Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. Family will greet friends following the service.

Memorials may be directed to Arbor Springs and HCI Care Services. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print