Verlan Wilford Mussmann

Verlan Wilford Mussmann, known as Verlie, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day at the age of 92 at Parkview Haven Nursing Home in Deshler. He was born on August 15, 1932, to Ben and Edna Mussmann on the family farm near Ruskin. Verlie attended country school until the 8th grade and later received an honorary high school diploma from the military.

Verlie was the sixth of twelve kids. His brothers were: Orlin, Wilbur, Berwyn and sisters were: Hildreth, Norma, Wilma, Claris, Iona, Lucille, Lila, and Loretta.

Verlie married Janette Houtwed on January 24, 1953, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Ruskin. They had one child, David.

Verlie was drafted into the Army in 1952 and completed Boot Camp at Ft. Riley, Kansas. He then attended Leadership School, which allowed him to stay stateside until the birth of his son. During this time, the Korean Armistice was signed, which allowed him to avoid combat. Verlie was deployed to Korea and served in the Motor Pool as a mechanic and truck driver. After fulfilling his time in Korea, he was stationed in Hawaii until his honorable discharge, having reached the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Verlie began his career working for various farmers, driving a gravel truck, and joining a harvest crew. In the early 1960s, he and Janette bought a farm, where they raised crops, cattle, and pigs. In 1998, Verlie semi-retired when they moved to York, later relocating to Hebron to be closer to their son. A great passion of his was attending auctions, where he collected numerous treasures. Verlie was also proud to serve as a squad leader at services and veteran events. He and Janette enjoyed traveling, singing duets, and spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In 2010, Verlie suffered a stroke that left him with the loss of use on his left side. He lived at Courtyard Terrace in Hebron and later at Parkview Haven in Deshler. Verlie enjoyed activities such as putting puzzles together, playing bingo and cards, and playing horse races.

Verlie is survived by his son, David and wife Deb of Ruskin; grandchildren Kristi Beethe and husband Ben of Steinauer, Kelly Schuster and husband Jared of Tecumseh, and Trenton Mussmann of Ruskin; great-grandchildren Macey Pietzyk and fiancé Donavin of Omaha, Cameron Schuster and Kaityn Schuster of Tecumseh, and Trevor Pietzyk, Brayden Beethe, and Eve Beethe of Steinauer. He is also survived by his brother Berwyn and wife Millie of Eden, Idaho; sisters Lucille Nelson and husband Conrad of Lincoln, and Iona Biltoft of Ruskin; sisters-in-law Eleanor Stelzer of Lincoln and Rena Kellner of Fremont; and brothers-in-law Russell Schroeder of Davenport, and Allan Houtwed and wife Karen of York. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.

Verlie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Janette, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage; and his siblings Orlin, Wilbur, Hildreth, Norma, Wilma, Claris, Lila, and Loretta.

A Memorial Service will be held on January 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Abiding Word Church in Deshler with Pastor Ken Hart officiating. Full military honors will be following the service.

Memorials are suggested to Courtyard Terrace Assisted Living in Hebron or Parkview Haven Nursing Home in Desher.

Private family inurnment will be at Spring Creek Cemetery in Ruskin.