Xavier Vincent ''Bubba'' Vera, age 69, of Chilton formerly of Aurora, IL, has left this earth to be with our Heavenly Father on Thursday, February 16, 2023. He passed away suddenly at Theda Care in Neenah.

He was born April 19, 1953, in Aurora, IL to Francisco Jimenez Vera & Marion Ilene (Plote) Vera.

The loves of his life were undoubtedly his family. He was a big-hearted man who loved his family and friends unconditionally without limits.

His passions were cooking, fishing, telling jokes, being with family, eating lots of Mexican Food, and lots of road trips. He was always saying to everyone ''How you doing''. One of his favorite places to eat was Gario's Pizza in Montgomery, IL. He had tons of gatherings there with friends and family where he shared lots of memories and laughter with them. He would look through cards forever until he found the funniest one to give to someone.

When he was in college at Aurora University, he pursued his other passion, baseball. There he was scouted by MLB. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

He started working at the age of 14 at Bill's Restaurant in Montgomery, IL and continued there for over 30 years. He relocated to Wisconsin where he cooked at the Final Lap in Kiel for a few years.

Bubba is survived by three sons, his son, Rob (Kimberly) Holst and their children, Hailey and Ashley, his son, Daniel Vincent (Carissa) Vera and their children, Emery and Noah, and his son, Michael Vera; his sister, Antoinette ''Toni'' (Hector) Rodriguez; his brother, Michael M. Vera. Bubba is further survived by nieces; nephews; other relatives; and many friends.

Visitation: Family and friends may visit with Bubba's family on Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM at the Sippel Funeral Home, 2618 Altona Avenue, New Holstein, WI 53061. A time to share a story or two will start at 4:00 PM at the funeral home.

''So, Bubba, until we meet again, thank you for all your love, laughter, and memories''.

For further information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein (920) 898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net.