Robert C. Verhaeghe, 95, passed away at his residence on Friday, February 3, 2017. He was born in Racine, the son of the late Arthur and Elizabeth (nee: Vanhaverbeke) Verhaeghe, on May 27, 1921, his mother's 32 ^nd birthday (that should have taught her something).

Mr. Verhaeghe was educated in the schools of Racine: Beebe School,

McKinley Jr. High School, and Washington Park High School Class of 39. He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1943. Mr. Verhaeghe joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in 1942, and was called to active duty in 1943. He taught in the Marine Artillery School. He was discharged in 1946 as a First Lieutenant.

On September 9, 1944, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, the former Jeanette Louis Agerholm, after an eight year courtship.

She preceded him in death on September 25, 2009. Mr. Verhaeghe joined the Modine Co. in 1946 as an engineering trainee. He held various positions with the company and in 1984, after 38 years of service, he retired as Vice President of Engineering and Quality Control. Mr. Verhaeghe enjoyed hunting, shooting, fast pitch baseball, golf, volleyball, and gardening. He was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and the Modine 20 Year Club.

Surviving are his children; Patricia Paar, Jeffrey Verhaeghe, Jane (Eric) Schumann, John (Susan) Verhaeghe, all of Racine, and Judy (Terry) Vance of Scottsdale, AZ; thirteen grandchildren, Anthony (Audrey) Paar,

Kendra (Kurt) Korth, Sarah (Jim) Burns, Neil Verhaeghe, Benjamin (Daria) Schumann, Rebecca (Eric) Taylor, Elizabeth (Nick) Jahnke, Andy Verhaeghe, Riley Verhaeghe, Spencer Verhaeghe; Leah (Sam) Dominguez, Ty (Alexis) Vance, and Kelly (Steve) Huenink; nine great grandchildren Kate, Lauren, Amelia, Caroline, Sloan, Sienna, Dominic, Levi, and Hazel. In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Mr. Verhaeghe was preceded in death by his brother, George (Grace) Verhaeghe, and sister, Jeanette (John) Benicek.

Service Details

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held in the funeral home on Friday, February 10 ^th , at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Richard J. Molter officiating.  Full military honors will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorials to either HALO or the Agerholm-Gross Detachment #346.