The Leader - March 27, 2023

Dr. Eufemio G. “Pepe” Verzola, 82, of Festus died March 24, 2023, at Crystal Oaks Nursing Center in Festus. After completing his internship in Milwaukee, Wis., and surgical residency in St. Louis, Dr. Verzola came to Jefferson County in 1972 to take over the medical practice of retiring Dr. E.J. Senn in Herculaneum. “Doc” continued his private practice for 44 years. He was a surgeon and member and past president of the Jefferson Memorial Hospital medical staff. He was a 45-year member of Our Lady Church in Festus, a longtime member of Elks Lodge 1721, a former member of the Festus-Crystal City Rotary Club and a member of the Philippine Medical Association of Greater St. Louis. He enjoyed golf, gardening, history, travel and attending his grandchildren’s events. Born Sept. 3, 1940, in Bangued, Abra, Philippines, he was the son of the late Venancia (Guzman) and Bienvenido Verzola.

He is survived by his wife: Virginia “Virgie” (Durante) Verzola; three sons: Dr. Edwardo (Rachel) Verzola of Festus, retired U.S. Army major Eric Verzola of Lansing, Kan., and Erwin (Pamela) Verzola of Festus; 12 grandchildren: Emmanuel, Ezekiel, Elijah, Durante, Lucia, Abra, Vianney, Francisco, and Avila Verzola, Pauline (Cameron) LaPresta, Gabriel Verzola and Nicholas Verzola; three brothers: Onofre (the late Elizabeth) Verzola of the Philippines, David Verzola of Los Angeles, Calif., and Dr. Alberto (Carmen) Verzola of the Philippines; and two sisters: Myrna (Robert) Glawe of Hawthorne, Calif., and Ofelia Mateo of Glendale, Calif.

He was preceded in death by two brothers: Eubulo “Bobby” (the late Cleofe) Verzola and Bienvenido (the late Betty) Verzola Jr.; and a sister: Segundina (Diosdado survives of Cerritos, Calif.) Deleon.

Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Friday, March 31, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main, in Festus. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 1, at Our Lady Catholic Church, 1550 St. Mary’s Lane, in Festus, officiated by Father Gregory Klump. Burial is in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to St. Pius X High School in Festus. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.