Raymond "Paul" Verden, age 67, a resident of Wheaton, IL, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 22, 2018. He was born July 30, 1950 in New Albany, Indiana, to Merle Lee Verden and Norma Ruth Scott.

Paul grew up in the Midwest where his father's engineering work transfers allowed him to experience small town and farm life. Although he was a natural athlete, his Texan mother encouraged him to cultivate the arts and he grew into a talented pianist who had a repertoire of many classical to ragtime works. Few knew that he also raised exotic fowl and had a hog operation, a hobby that was 200 strong, while in high school in Fulton, IL. He supported himself through college, graduating first from Mount St. Clare College (AA Music) and later, Iowa State University (BS Bacteriology, 1978). While attending university he met Laura Knowles of Glen Ellyn, IL, and they were married on July 19, 1980. After graduation, Paul worked for over 15 years in laboratory quality assurance for the food industry, passing his CQE in quality assurance. His work took him to Gruenstadt, Germany, where, for 4 years, he and Laura lived in nearby Hessheim, a dorf near the Deutsche Weinstrasse. They embraced their German experience and quickly became willing tourists. Their first daughter, Jana, was born during their last year in Germany.

In 1994, and at middle age, Paul changed his career direction, to the medical field. He returned to university and completed a certificate program and boards in Cytology (Univ. of Wisconsin Milwaukee Medical School). Paul and Laura moved to Wheaton in 1996 with their two young daughters, Jana and Kirsten. As his chosen career needs evolved, Paul later earned an additional certificate in Molecular Biology (Michigan State Univ.) For the past 10 years, Paul worked as a Cytology and Molecular Supervisor in the medical laboratory of UroPartners LLC. He was a member and past president of the Illinois Society of Cytology and a certified CAP inspector.

Paul's vibrant personality and sense of humor uniquely reflected his joy and deep respect for life. He was the heart of his family, as well as his extended family and work family. He also modeled an uncharacteristic soft spot for cats. Paul strongly believed in 'paying it forward', and many benefited from his energy and generosity. He was a devoted father and husband who imparted his love of life on his family. In his last travels, he returned him to Germany where, along with his family and siblings, they united to attend the wedding of his youngest brother in 2016.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Knowles Verden; two daughters, Jana Verden (Jared Rosa) and Kirsten Verden; brothers Tom (Linda) Verden, Karl (Patricia) Verden, and Scott (Julia Hillebrand) Verden; and sister, JoEllen (Jack) Jackson. He is also survived by his aunt Mildred Verden, mother-in-law Dolores Knowles, two sisters-in-law and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law.

Visitation will be held at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL, on Sunday afternoon, April 8, 2018, from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Reverend Jay Moses will officiate at a memorial service at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Morton Arboretum would be appreciated. The donations should be addressed to: The Morton Arboretum, Development Department 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532. or online at www.mortonarb.org