EXELAND, Wis. – The small, close-knit community of Exeland, nestled in the rolling hills of Rusk County in northwestern Wisconsin, has been plunged into profound sorrow following the heartbreaking loss of Verity Mae Zesiger, a 5-year-old girl whose short but radiant life was filled with love, laughter, imagination, and an unwavering spirit that left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. Verity passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, in St. Paul, Minnesota, leaving behind her devoted parents, Seth and Ashley (Novak) Zesiger; her beloved brother, Lyle; and a community that is struggling to comprehend how such a bright light could be extinguished so soon. Though her time on this earth was far too brief, the joy, creativity, and faith she shared with those around her will echo through the hearts of her family and friends for generations to come.
Verity was born on April 29, 2021, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, a small city about 60 miles north of Exeland. From her earliest days, she was a child of extraordinary warmth and curiosity. Her parents often described her as a “little sunshine” who could brighten any room with her smile. She was not just a daughter; she was a source of constant wonder and delight for her family. Her brother, Lyle, adored her, and the two shared an unbreakable bond—spending their days playing, exploring, and creating their own little world of adventure. The family home, which had always been filled with laughter, now bears a silence that is almost unbearable.
Affectionately known to her family as “Little Squish,” Verity was a strong, courageous, and loving child with a personality that made her truly special. She had a vivid imagination that knew no bounds. She would spend hours drawing, creating her own handmade books, and decorating anything she could find with colorful markers and stickers. She loved small, beautiful things—butterflies, shiny stones, wildflowers—and she had a particular affection for Minnie Mouse, princesses, and superheroes. She proudly embraced the nickname “Super Snap,” which she gave herself, believing that she was a hero in her own right—a hero who could snap her fingers and make the world a better place.
But it was her love for music that truly defined her. Verity had a natural gift for creating her own songs, often singing with excitement and passion. She would wake up in the morning humming a melody, and she would fill the car rides to school with her own compositions. Her family cherished the moments when she sang about her faith and God’s love, her voice clear and unburdened by the weight of the world. Her favorite song, “Jesus Calms the Storm,” held a special place in her heart. She would sing it with such conviction that even the most skeptical listener could feel the peace she found in those words. It was a reflection of her deep, innocent faith—a faith that, even at five years old, was genuine and powerful.
Verity shared a special bond with her mother, Ashley, who remembers her daughter as a constant source of encouragement. “She would come up to me and say, ‘Mom, you’re doing a great job,’” Ashley recalled. “She didn’t just say it; she meant it. She was the most empathetic child I have ever known. She would notice when someone was sad, and she would go over and put her hand on their arm and say, ‘It’s okay. I’m here.’ She was so small, but her heart was so big.”
She also shared countless adventures with her brother, Lyle, her friends, her cousins, and her extended family. Whether they were building forts in the living room, catching fireflies in the summer evenings, or simply sitting together on the porch watching the sunset, Verity’s energy, kindness, and excitement for life made every moment meaningful. Her laughter was contagious, and her love was unconditional.
The circumstances of Verity’s passing have not been publicly disclosed, and her family has requested privacy as they navigate their grief. The family has expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received from the Exeland community and beyond.
A Community United in Grief and Remembrance
The news of Verity’s death has sent an overwhelming wave of grief through the Exeland community. Exeland is a small town of fewer than 200 people, where everyone knows everyone, and the loss of a child is felt by all. The local grocery store, the post office, and the church have all posted messages of condolence, and a memorial has been established on the town’s main street—flowers, stuffed animals, and a hand-painted sign that reads: “Super Snap, forever in our hearts.”
One neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “Verity was a little ray of sunshine. She would wave to me every time she saw me, and she would always ask how my day was. She was such a bright, curious child. I can’t believe she’s gone.”
Another community member, a teacher at the local elementary school, said: “She was in my class last year. She was always so full of energy, so eager to learn. She loved show-and-tell, and she would always bring something she had drawn or made. She had a gift for making everyone feel special. We are all heartbroken.”
The Zesiger family has received an outpouring of support, from meals to flowers to prayers. A GoFundMe page has been established by a family friend to help with funeral expenses and to create a scholarship in Verity’s name at the local elementary school, to support students who demonstrate the same spirit of creativity, kindness, and courage that Verity embodied. The page has already raised over $10,000 in just two days.
The Funeral: A Celebration of a Beautiful Life
Funeral services for Verity Mae Zesiger will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Exeland Rod and Gun Club Pavilion in Exeland, Wisconsin. Visitation will precede the service, and the family has invited all who wish to pay their respects to attend. Burial will follow at Windfall Cemetery, where Verity will be laid to rest in a quiet, peaceful plot overlooking the fields she loved to explore.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Verity Mae Zesiger Memorial Fund, which will support children’s music and art programs in the Exeland area—a cause that would have been close to her heart, as she loved nothing more than creating and singing.
In a statement, the Zesiger family said: “Verity was our little superhero. She taught us that even the smallest among us can make the biggest difference. She taught us to love, to laugh, and to never stop believing in the goodness of the world. We will miss her every single day, but we know that she is now in the arms of Jesus, singing her favorite songs and drawing pictures for the angels. We will carry her in our hearts forever.”
A Legacy of Faith, Creativity, and Love
Verity Mae Zesiger lived only five years, but the impact she made on her family, her friends, and her community will last a lifetime. She was a child who loved deeply, sang freely, and created endlessly. She was a child who believed in the power of kindness and the beauty of the world. Her legacy is not one of sadness, but of inspiration—an example of how to live with joy, faith, and an open heart.
Her mother, Ashley, shared a final thought: “Verity would want us to be happy. She would want us to remember the songs, the drawings, the laughter. She would want us to keep creating, keep singing, keep loving. That’s how we will honor her. That’s how we will keep her alive.”
Conclusion
The passing of Verity Mae Zesiger is a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on the Exeland community and all who knew her. She was a precious child—a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a niece, a cousin, and a friend. She was a creative spirit, a courageous heart, and a soul full of faith and love.
To the Zesiger family—Seth, Ashley, and Lyle—we offer our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. Your loss is immeasurable, and your grief is shared by a community that will never forget your daughter. May you find comfort in the knowledge that Verity’s life, though short, was filled with purpose and love.
Rest in peace, Verity Mae Zesiger—our “Little Squish,” our “Super Snap.” You are loved. You are remembered. You are forever a blessing.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Exeland Rod and Gun Club Pavilion. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Windfall Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Verity Mae Zesiger Memorial Fund at any local bank.
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