In 1966, William G. “Bill” Verst founded one of the largest private companies in the region, Verst Group Logistics. But aside from his obvious business acumen and success, Verst was long known as a man with a deep commitment to his family, community and education.
Verst died on Monday, his family by his side, at Carmel Manor in Fort Thomas. He was 85.
“To me, dad has always been a hero, a mentor — he was like a best friend,” says Paul Verst, one of Verst’s seven children and president and CEO of Verst Group Logistics. “He took me under his wing when I was young — he did that for each of us. He knew we had different talents and he brought those talents out in each of us.”
Verst grew up in Wilder, the eldest of 16 children. He would go on to become a councilman, marshall, police chief and judge pro-tem of that city.
Bill Verst
“Bill was very good friends with my father and we always had a fondness and respect for the Verst family,” says Rep. Dennis Keene (HD 67). “Bill was very important to Northern Kentucky and particularly Northern Kentucky University. He will be greatly missed.”
Among the friends who reflected on Verst, was prominent Northern Kentucky banker, Mer Grayson.
“When I think of my friend Bill Verst, I think of ‘class,’ says Grayson. “From the way he served the community, to the family that Bill and Betty raised who continue to represent the Verst tradition with class.”
Committed to education — for his family and his region — Verst served as past chair of the Northern Kentucky University Board of Regents and its Chair Emeritus.
“Bill Verst was a giant in our community, a man who gave generously of his time and talents while also raising a family and building a business. He helped guide not only our University, but also our entire region, to a brighter future. The NKU community sends its deepest sympathy to his family and friends.” says Amanda Nageleisen, NKU spokeswoman.
Paul Verst says his father — and mother — always made sure their children had the best education they could. He says they assured that their grandchildren would have the same, setting up an educational endowment for each grandchild.
A veteran, Verst served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the Elks Lodge #2753, Catholic Order of Foresters, American Trucking Association and the St. Joseph Holy Name Society. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Baumann Verst.
He was preceded in death by his son William J. Verst, parents William H. and Gertrude Verst, his brothers Jack, Jim, Ed, Tom Raymond and Ronald Verst.
He is survived by his children Paul (Sue) Verst, Cheryl (Greg) Popham, Connie (Jim) Stadtmiller, Milissa (Jim) Schack, David (Patty) Verst, and Lynne (Matt) Shank; daughter-in-law Barb Verst; 27 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; siblings Leo (Fran) Verst, Rita (Bill) Burkart, Joyce (Tony) Franzen, Donna (Joe) Kramer, Dick (Mary Ann) Verst, Jerry (Gayle) Verst, Justin (Connie) Verst, Kathy (Larry) Sheanshang and Margie (Mark) Gallo; and his sisters-in-law Marti Verst, Joan Verst and Janet Verst. Visitation will be Friday, June 24, 10:15 AM to 12:15 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Cold Spring, KY followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 12:30 PM. Burial will take place at St. Stephen Cemetery, Fort Thomas, Kentucky. The Dobbling, Muehlenkamp & Erschell Funeral Home is serving the Family.
Memorials are suggested to the William G. and Elizabeth A. Verst Endowed Scholarship for Distinguished Scholars at Northern Kentucky University, 100 Louie B. Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY, 41076; Carmel Manor, 100 Carmel Manor Road, Fort Thomas, KY. 41075 or Newport Central Catholic High School, 13 Carothers Rd., Newport, KY 41071.
“He was a great business leader, he loved giving back to community. If anybody asked a favor he was there to help out,” says Paul.
