Obituary: Maurice "Rusty" VerHoeven

Maurice Wayne "Rusty" VerHoeven, 85, born to Pete and Anne VerHoeven on Aug. 24, 1938, passed away on Oct. 31, 2023, at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, Montana. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and countless memories that will forever be treasured by those who knew him.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 East Divide Ave, Bismarck. Visitation will begin one hour prior to service.

Interment will take place after the service at the Pilgrim Home Cemetery, Strasburg, ND.

Rusty was born and raised in Strasburg, ND and he moved with his family to Bismarck in later years. He enjoyed the Missouri River and spent his childhood exploring the natural beauty of his surroundings. He delighted in sharing stories of his adventures with friends and family, painting vibrant pictures of his youthful exuberance

Later in life, Rusty found his true happiness with the love of his life, Karen. Together, they embarked on a new chapter in the Lincoln, Montana, where they built a custom log home that became a warm sanctuary for all family and friends.

Rusty was entirely self-taught in playing the harmonica and guitar. His tunes filled the air with joy and provided a soundtrack to the memories shared with loved ones. Alongside his musical passion, Rusty's love for horses took him on adventurous rides through the rugged mountainous terrain, allowing him to bask in the wonders of Mother Nature. Rusty was a man who found solace in the written word. He particularly enjoyed his Kindle because he had access to any book he wanted. He could often be found engrossed in a book, losing himself in the worlds created by talented authors. Woodworking was another passion Rusty cultivated with great skill and artistry. His handmade creations and craftsmanship showcased his innate ability to transform raw materials into timeless treasures. But above all, Rusty held an unwavering love for his family and friends. You were never just a friend; you were always welcomed to be a member of his family.

Rusty is survived by children, Myra Stoop (Jim) of Deer Park, Wash .; Monty Snyder, Baldwin, ND, DeeAnn Rios, Lincoln, Mont., Darla VerHoeven, Great Falls, MT, Darcy VerHoeven, Mocksville, NC, Sondra Quinn (Steven) Lincoln, ND, and Holly VerHoeven, Lincoln, Mont .; 13 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren which he had an enormous amount of pride in. Rusty loved and treasured every one of them. Lastly, he is survived by a long-time friend Carol Christiansen of Great Falls, Mont., as well as many more extended family members and friends too numerous to mention.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen (Bailey) VerHoeven; his parents, Pete and Anne VerHoeven; sister, Esther VanVugt; brothers Bob and Gene VerHoeven; daughter Diane VerHoeven, and son Miles VerHoeven.

To share memories of Rusty, view the service livestream and sign the online guestbook, visit http://www.eastgatefuneral.com.