1924
Louis
2011
Louis Joseph Verme
January 24, 1924 — March 9, 2011
Louis Joseph Verme passed away on March 9, 2011 in Rochester, NY after a brief illness. He was 87 years old.
Lou (formally Luciano) was born in New York City on January 24, 1924 to Sicilian immigrants Arcangelo and Vita (Costa) Verme. His family moved to a farm in Flemington, NJ when he was three years old, and it was there that he developed his love of hunting and the outdoors. Shortly after graduating high school, Lou enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. As a member of the Fourth Marine Division, he saw extensive action in the battle of Iwo Jima and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during combat. After the war ended, Lou served as an MP for one year on the island of Okinawa, Japan.
Once home, Lou attended Michigan State University where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Forestry in 1950 and a Master's degree in Wildlife Management in 1953. He was hired by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as a wildlife biologist at the Cusino Wildlife Research Station in Shingleton, MI. Lou became biologist in charge at Cusino a few years later and he remained at this position until his retirement in 1988 after 36 years of service.
During his career, Lou was a noted and respected authority on whitetail deer. He authored over 70 scientific research articles and presented his work at many national and international wildlife conferences. In addition, he received numerous awards for his work, including international recognition by The Wildlife Society for best research article of 1982. Lou also wrote and published the popular book Hiawatha's Brothers about the natural history and wildlife of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
In 1957, Lou married Marquette, MI native Rose Marie Barr. They had two children, Ann Verme (Andy Martin) of Minneapolis, MN, and Thomas Verme (Nancy Ciavarri) of Rochester, NY. His beloved Rose Marie preceded Lou in death in 2008. Lou is also survived by his sister Rose Mazzucco of Middlesex, NJ, brother and sister-in-law Jack and Martha Verme of Potomac, MD, and sister-in-law Mary Ann (Barr) Wilmers of Gaylord, MI, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Lou loved bird hunting and continued to hunt through his 85th year. He also enjoyed Yankee baseball, Spartan basketball, Packer football, entertaining conversation, and a good martini. He and Rose Marie traveled extensively, including several trips to Europe as well as Australia, New Zealand, and Africa. Lou celebrated his 87th birthday this past January on safari in Tanzania with his son and daughter-in-law, at which time this photo of him was taken.
A memorial service is planned for June 4, 2011 at Bowerman Funeral Home. Visiting time will be from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. The Alger County Veterans Council and American Legion Honor Guard will conduct military honors at 6:30 and the memorial service will follow the Veterans. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to The Nature Conservancy, P.O. Box 6014, Albert Lea, MN 56007. On the memorial check, please reference: Memorial tribute to Louis J. Verme, account 11013236, zip code 49862.
Lou (formally Luciano) was born in New York City on January 24, 1924 to Sicilian immigrants Arcangelo and Vita (Costa) Verme. His family moved to a farm in Flemington, NJ when he was three years old, and it was there that he developed his love of hunting and the outdoors. Shortly after graduating high school, Lou enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. As a member of the Fourth Marine Division, he saw extensive action in the battle of Iwo Jima and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during combat. After the war ended, Lou served as an MP for one year on the island of Okinawa, Japan.
Once home, Lou attended Michigan State University where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Forestry in 1950 and a Master's degree in Wildlife Management in 1953. He was hired by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as a wildlife biologist at the Cusino Wildlife Research Station in Shingleton, MI. Lou became biologist in charge at Cusino a few years later and he remained at this position until his retirement in 1988 after 36 years of service.
During his career, Lou was a noted and respected authority on whitetail deer. He authored over 70 scientific research articles and presented his work at many national and international wildlife conferences. In addition, he received numerous awards for his work, including international recognition by The Wildlife Society for best research article of 1982. Lou also wrote and published the popular book Hiawatha's Brothers about the natural history and wildlife of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
In 1957, Lou married Marquette, MI native Rose Marie Barr. They had two children, Ann Verme (Andy Martin) of Minneapolis, MN, and Thomas Verme (Nancy Ciavarri) of Rochester, NY. His beloved Rose Marie preceded Lou in death in 2008. Lou is also survived by his sister Rose Mazzucco of Middlesex, NJ, brother and sister-in-law Jack and Martha Verme of Potomac, MD, and sister-in-law Mary Ann (Barr) Wilmers of Gaylord, MI, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Lou loved bird hunting and continued to hunt through his 85th year. He also enjoyed Yankee baseball, Spartan basketball, Packer football, entertaining conversation, and a good martini. He and Rose Marie traveled extensively, including several trips to Europe as well as Australia, New Zealand, and Africa. Lou celebrated his 87th birthday this past January on safari in Tanzania with his son and daughter-in-law, at which time this photo of him was taken.
A memorial service is planned for June 4, 2011 at Bowerman Funeral Home. Visiting time will be from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. The Alger County Veterans Council and American Legion Honor Guard will conduct military honors at 6:30 and the memorial service will follow the Veterans. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to The Nature Conservancy, P.O. Box 6014, Albert Lea, MN 56007. On the memorial check, please reference: Memorial tribute to Louis J. Verme, account 11013236, zip code 49862.
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