Mike Verban

May 25, 2013, age 77. The Accordyman, Butch, Bubba was a creative, generous and innovative gentleman, always putting the well-being of his family above all else. After graduating from West Allis Central High School and an all too brief musical career as the leader of the Mellotones, Butch spent time in the military before returning stateside to marry his junior prom date, build a home with his own two hands (and a few power tools), start a family and begin a long career as a dabbler. Whether it was running a hardware store and custard stand, spinning classical records on college radio, coaching youth baseball, traveling the country supervising construction jobs or pretending to be a farmer in the Kickapoo Valley, Mike was always there for his immediate and extended family and many considered him "dad." Fiercely loyal to all his passions including sports, Mike was one of those who claimed to have sat through the Ice Bowl and actually did. After this storied career as a legendary Renaissance man, Mike retired to a life of leisure with his four loves: repairing and playing accordions, cutting grass on the golf course, his four grandsons, and his high school sweetheart Jean, with whom he was attached at the hip.

Mike is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean (nee Krecklow) Verban; sons David Verban and Nicholas (Erin Walsh) Verban; grandsons Nickolas, Coltrane, Michael, and Miles; daughters-in-law Julie Verban and Nicole DeLio; sisters Dorothy Finne, Mildred Owens, and Marianne (Robert) Sabow; and sister-in-law Eleanor Mathison. Special Uncle to Deb (Robert) Rydlewicz, Nancy (John) Trokan, Kathleen Peters, Karen (Jeff) Helm, Daniel (Mary) Krecklow, Jean Gulczynski, Mark (Chris Palazzolo) Finne, Royce Finne, Lori Baldwin, Mari Kay Visconti, Kim Pessell, Lisa DeLao, Robert Sabow, John Sabow, Robin McKenzie, Rene Smith, Nicholas Verban. Beloved godfather to Jennifer Mathison-Ohly. Also survived by a plethora of relatives who also referred to him as Uncle Mike. Special friend and accomplice in crime with Wally and Laverne Schmidt. Preceded in death by parents Mary (nee Markotic) and Nickolas Verban; brother Nickolas; brothers-in-law Arthur Finne, Robert Owens, and James Mathison; nephews Richard Mathison and Craig Peters.

Thanks to Dr. Diana Maas and Dr. Carlos Arce-Lara of Froedtert Hospital, and Horizon Home Hospice Care

Visitation at the Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, on Friday, May 31, at 12:00-1:45 PM. Funeral Service at 2:00 PM. Burial at Highland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, and in recognition of Mike's deep commitment to his grandsons, the family requests memorial gifts to the family, which will be distributed to organizations in which his four grandsons participate, including Wilson Park Youth Baseball, the Madison Youth Choir, and the Madison West High School Fine Arts program.