Ernest Arthur Veer

Ernest “Ernie” Arthur Veer, 90, of Freeport, IL, passed away Tuesday December 2, 2025, at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, IL. He was born March 5, 1935, in Freeport, IL, the son of William and Myrna (Dyson) Veer. Ernie married Shirley Holland on May 8, 1955, in Freeport, IL. Shirley passed away July 24, 2024. Ernie served in the United State Air Force for 10 years. Helping people was Ernie’s passion. He was a counselor at Jane Adams Mental Health, the Soujurn House, and Anderson Rehab Hospital. Ernie’s other passion was music, and he was very talented. He loved to sing and play guitar, especially with his band, Ernie Veer and the Midwestern Gentleman. Along with his wife, Ernie was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Freeport.

Surviving are his six children, Lucille “Lucy” (Michael) Cali of Freeport, IL, Ernest Charles “Chuck” (Tammy) of Freeport, IL, Melodie Strong of Freeport, IL, Duayne Veer of Freeport, IL, Sherrie (Jeff) Willis of Freeport, IL, and Loretta “Lori” Rundall of Freeport, IL; eight siblings, Neva Barthel of Freeport, IL, Ralph “Doug” Veer of Georgia, Beatrice “Peachy” Dean of Tennessee, Grace Heck of Orangeville, IL, John Veer of Arkansas, Charity “Chat” Sullivan of Freeport, IL, Samuel “Sam” Veer of Freeport, IL, and Ronald “Ron” Veer of Freeport, IL; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, two sons-in-law’s Rodney Strong and Robert Rundall; five siblings, William “Bill” Veer, Franklin “Frank” Veer, Karl Veer, Charles “Bud” Veer, and Rosemary “Rosie” Quintero; four grandchildren, Robert Strong, John Willis, Lisa McQueen, and Tonya Love; and one great-grandchild Kylee.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Monday December 8, 2025, at the First Church of the Nazarene, Pastor Rachel Smith officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Ernie will be laid to rest next to his wife at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established in Ernie’s memory.