Velda J. Baal, 92, of Freeport, passed away, Sunday June 14, 2026, at Manor Court of Freeport. Velda was born January 14, 1934, in Freeport, the daughter of Rudolph and Phoebe (Ditsworth) Klenz. Velda married Donald G. Baal on February 14, 1954, in Ridott, IL. They were happily married for 59 years. Donald passed away March 25, 2013.

Donald and Velda farmed for 25 years, before moving to Pecatonica, IL. In 2021, Velda moved to Liberty Village Estates, in Freeport, IL. Velda worked at Amerock in Rockford, IL, for many years. After retirement, Velda cleaned houses.

Velda enjoyed playing cards, putting puzzles together, and playing bingo. She was a lifetime member of the FW Auxiliary of Pecatonica. She attended New Life Bible Church in Winnebago, IL, and Park Hills Church in Freeport.

She is survived by her son, Stephen (Bonita) Baal, of Freeport, daughter-in-law Brenda Baal, of Mt Morris, IL; granddaughters, Michele Baal, of Freeport, Kimberly (Jeff) Scace, of Lena, IL, and Emily Baal, of Mt Morris, IL; grandson Justin (Cassie) Baal, of Pekin, IL; great grandchildren Koble Baal, Maddison Baal, Mayson Baal, and Bennett Baal, of Pekin, IL.; sisters, Betty Borgmann, of Forreston, IL. and Darlene Greenfield, of Ridott; and brothers, Vern Klenz, of Dixon, IL, and Allen Klenz, of Freeport.

Velda was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; son, Charles Baal; and her parents; brothers, Kenneth Klenz, Gerald Klenz; and sisters, Marjorie Klapp, Phyllis Ackerman.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am on Friday June 19, 2026, at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. Visitation 9:30 am until the time of service. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established in Velda’s memory.