Virgil "Bill" Veach

Virgil “Bill” Veach, 93, of Aurora, IL, passed away on September 30, 2022. Born October 14, 1928, the son of Evelyn and Charles Veach, Bill was raised by his mom and stepdad, William Fredendall, in Aurora. He went to East Aurora High, then transferred to West High his sophomore year, where he was a percussionist in the band. It was there that he met a beautiful clarinetist named Mary, who would become his sweetheart, his fiancée and then his bride and life partner for 73 years.

When Bill was 17, he joined the Navy where he served as a medic for more than 20 years. He was stationed in Texas, San Diego, and South Carolina among other places. He served on 3 different naval vessels including the one on which John Wayne was filming In Harm’s Way! After retiring, Bill continued to serve his country by joining the Reserves.

Bill was a recovered alcoholic and served faithfully in AA with The Friends of Bill for 35 years, first attending meetings, then leading meetings and mentoring other members. This was his passion for years until Covid closed the meetings down. He remained lifelong friends with many from the group.

Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Veach; five children, Cathy (Dennis) Zoller, William, Paul (CarolSue), Dennis and Pam; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. He also has a brother, Joe Fredendall living in New York, as well as a huge extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Ginny (Charlie) Vogel and grandsons, Gregory Vogel and Michael Veach.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Family will receive guests on Friday, October 7, 2022, from 4 until 7:00 pm at Dieterle Memorial Home, 1120 S Broadway Ave, Montgomery, IL 60538. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 10:00 am at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 180 S Russell Ave, Aurora, IL 60506. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Montgomery, IL.

To watch the service, please click the following link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1665454477212731