Leo L. Aerts

Wrightstown – Leo L. Aerts, age 72, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025. He was born on August 14, 1953, son of the late Alfred and Dorothy (Klika) Aerts.

Leo was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing and taking hunting trips out west with his buddies. He was a true farmer at heart, staring early on with his pig farm with his brother Ron. Leo hauled cattle for many years and enjoyed his regular trips to the sale barn, auctions and fairs. He loved taking rides and checking out what all the local farmers were doing and how they were expanding.

You could find Leo every morning having breakfast at D&G Restaurant in Greenleaf with his friends. He also spent many hours playing sheepshead, cribbage and taking casino trips.

You could tell how much Leo loved you by how he teased! He was a great person to talk to, and it wouldn’t take long in a conversation to usually hear his famous saying “WTF”. We take comfort in knowing he is now at peace, no more suffering, and with his beloved Nikki and Mary.

Leo is survived by a sister, Rose (Don) Coenen; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ron Smith, Mary Aerts, Tom (special friend, Nancy) Verbeten, Jim (Beth) Verbeten and Mike (Katie) Verbeten; special niece, Kim (Marvin) Winkler and their children, Payton and Preston; numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.

Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Verbeten-Aerts; very special daughter, Nikki Verbeten; his parents; siblings: Ronald Aerts, Mary Smith, Carol (Mel) Liebergen, Jerry (Bonnie) Aerts, Norma Aerts and Dennis Aerts; father and mother-in-law, Gerald and Dorothy Verbeten; brother-in-law, Steve Verbeten.

A time of visitation will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025 at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home Freedom Location, N3972 Columbia Ave. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. In honor of Leo’s favorite meal, a brunch will be shared at 11:00 a.m. He will be buried at St. Mary Cemetery, Kaukauna.

A special thank you to Violet Meadows Assisted Living, especially Joanne, Ashley and all of his friends there for all of your loving care and compassion. Thank you also to Cassandra, Leo’s speech therapist, and Gary, Joe, Dan, Jim, Rose, Derek and Jennifer for your love and friendship. A great big thank you to all of Leo’s family and friends who came to celebrate his 72nd birthday party in August. Leo enjoyed the day tremendously and seeing all of you. Lastly, from all of Leo’s family and close friends, a most sincere thank you to Leo’s niece Kim and her family. Your love, time and dedication to his needs over this last difficult year have been amazing. Thank you for caring so well for our beloved Leo.