Harry Daan Verhoog passed September 30, 2018. He was born in Zwanenburg, Netherlands June 3, 1939 and moved to Chicago in 1958 with his sister Alice. Uncle Don sponsored him, Alice, Jack and other kids that came over after the war. He lived with Don initially and had his first job at a gas station on the South Side. He took that opportunity and what a life he built! He met the woman of his dreams, enlisted in the Navy, put himself through UIC, worked his way up the ladder at Anixter/Wirexpress. He then filled in the details with his wonderful family, a home in Evanston, a successful career and a strong community. He was the guy who was always there for you. He would help you solve your problems while not judging you for having them. He led by example and encouraged all of us to be better people. He was loved and respected by all who knew him-really liked by those who just met him. None of that ever went to his head.
He retired President of Wirexpress and then began life with cancer. Tackling that like all his challenges with tenacity, wit and acceptance. As a family we were able to focus on living life to its most in each moment as it was. He passed away comfortably at his daughter’s home in Corrales, NM. He had time to visit and eat good food. He had time to express and receive pride and love individually. His family was able to care for him. His only regret was he couldn’t stick around longer. He was looking forward to the next adventure and meeting up with loved ones.
Harry left behind a sense of wellbeing to all who remember him, an infectious attitude of acceptance and the echo of his magnificent laugh and smile. In addition, wife JoAnn, sons Brent Verhoog and Alex Gebresellassie, daughters April Jaglo, Zemen Abebe, Jennifer Verhoog, son-in-law Michael Jaglo, and grandchildren Grace and Ben Verhoog, Dawit, Noah and Naomi Alemayehu as well as many close friends and family.
Please go to www.CaringBridge.org/visit/HarryVerhoog for more information.