Joseph F. Verbrigghe

Joe Verbrigghe of Shawano, WI, unexpectedly passed away on January 19th, 2026.

Joe was born in Escanaba, MI on February 6, 1961 to parents Eugene and Donna (LeClaire) Holm. He married Chris Verbrigghe in Shawano, WI on September 27th, 2003.

Joe lead a life of great service. He served in the United States Army as a Corporal / Sergeant from 1981 - 1987. During that time he worked tactical security in Griessen Germany , Military Police, Personal security for General officers and Secret Security. He also worked as a jailer and dispatcher until he settled into his long time career of being a Patrol Deputy at the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department for 30 years. Joe semi-retired in 2018 and worked part time as a Security Officer at Theda Care Medical Center in Shawano, WI.

Joe lived life to the fullest! He loved fiercely, lived simply, laughed hard, found great joy in even the smallest things and lived a life of great service. The simple things brought Joe the most joy, He loved his Golden Retrievers Cody and Luke (and all who came before them), his birds and his bird feeders, a little coffee with his creamer, a good Bloody Mary, hot dogs from the concessions stand, planting more trees than he could count and endless hours of mowing his lawn and watering his flowers. Joe loved to laugh! The more inappropriate the joke the more he laughed, Joe also had a tendency to occasionally “misplace” his phone, keys and or wallet; sometimes they were found and other times they were not! Joe had one of the kindest hearts, If someone was in need, big or small he was there. He was there for others not for the recognition, but simply because he loved and cared about people. Last but not least, Joe loved his family, friends and community. Nothing brought him more joy than to have people over for a bonfire or dinner, just to simply be together. He loved spending time with all of his Grandkids. They all brought him so much joy. And boy, did he love his Bay Port Pirates and the Bay Port Pirate Community - he was known as their super fan! We lost a good one and he will certainly be missed by so many!

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Chris Verbrigghe; Step Daughter Ronda (Marc) , Stevens; Step Son Reed (Bridget) Nelson; Grandchildren Jack, Matt, Evan, Devon and Haven; Son, Aaron Verbrigghe; Son, Adam Verbrigghe; Sister, Kay Holm of Rock, MI; Brother, Tom Holm of Nashville, TN; Sister, LeeAnn (Verbrigghe) Pratt (Mike), of Escanaba, MI; Brother, Mike Verbrigghe (Ann) Verbrigghe of Kalamazoo, MI . Joe also leaves behind several nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.

Joe is preceded in death by his Mother, Donna (LeClaire) Verbrigghe; Father, Eugene Holm: Step-father, Marcel (Judy) Verbrigghe; Brother, James Holm; Father-in-law, Harvey Petska; Brother-in-law, Kevin Regalia.

The family would like to thank the Theda Care Medical team and Hospice for their medical care; support and kindness throughout Joe’s final days. The family would also like to express great gratitude to Kathy Meidam for taking care of Chris and Joe’s beloved Golden Retrievers, Cody and Luke while Joe was in the hospital. Last but not least, the family would like to also extend a heart felt thank you to George Lenzner, Shawano County Sheriff’s Department and the Shawano community for all of the love and support they have given to Joe and the family during Joe’s final days. Joe loved the Sheriff’s Department and the Shawano Community and they sure loved him!

Service will be held on February 28 at Hope Community Church on 302 Tristan Dr. in Shawano, WI, Visitation will be from 9am - Noon with Service beginning at Noon.