Alfred Charles Verschoot
courtesy photo
Alfred Verschoot
ABSAROKEE — Alfred Charles Verschoot was born Dec. 30, 1935, to Albert and Anna Lee (Horsford) Verschoot at McCone City, Montana, near the Fort Peck Dam where Albert was working.
Al, (nicknamed Pearl), grew up near Circle, Montana, graduating from Circle High School in 1954. He joined the Marines and served between 1954-1957.
Al worked at various jobs including ranches in the Bozeman area and the Flying D near Sheridan; Montana Fish and Game checking stations in the fall; and as a dude wrangler at Canyon Village in Yellowstone Park, where he met his future wife, Sandy, a Dude Heaver (waitress) at a square dance.
Al and Sandy were married in Ravenna, Ohio, on June 20, 1964. While in Ohio, Al worked with the machines at Lamson and Sessions that stamped out nuts and bolts. A daughter, Laurie, was born while they lived in Ohio.
In 1967, Al and Sandy moved to Ronan and started their small farm/ ranch operation with cattle, wheat, barley, and alfalfa. In 1993 they sold their place west of Ronan and moved to Absarokee, to be closer to family, especially their young grandchildren. While in Absarokee, Al delivered newspapers for the Gazette, did mechanic work and drove a school bus.
Al’s passions were gardening, cooking, playing cards and horses, especially his last horse, Diamond.
Al passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 30, his birthday. Al’s wife of 52 years, Sandy; daughter, Laurie (Eric) Sutphin of Worden; granddaughters, Jacinta of Oakland, California and Calysta of Billings; brother, David (Vesta) Verschoot of Richey, Montana, and many nieces and nephews, survive him.
Al was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather; brothers, Albert Jr., Allen (Babe) and Charlie.
Memorials may be sent to St. Jude or Immanuel Lutheran in Absarokee.
A memorial service was held 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Absarokee.
Arrangements are by Cremation and Funeral Gallery. Condolences can be sent to: www. cfgbillings.com through “Our Families.”
