Ronald "Ron" Gene McVeigh

Ronald Gene “Ron” McVeigh, 69, of Nauvoo, passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, as a result of a boating accident on the Mississippi River.

Ron was born on March 3, 1954, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Leslie Harold McVeigh and Margaret (Young) McVeigh Carlin. Ron was employed at Rite Price Lumber, later working as a carpenter for Ed Benner and himself, building and remodeling custom homes throughout the area.

Ron was a talented woodworker and mechanic and a true MacGyver, building or fixing just about anything he put his mind to. He spent his free time fishing, mushroom hunting and cutting firewood. He owned his own sawmill and made devices to simplify woodcutting and processing. All who knew Ron would describe him as a jokester, and perhaps a bit ornery at times. He remembered every joke he ever heard and was unapologetically himself.

Ron is survived by his son Myron (Tiane Sparrow) McVeigh of Keokuk; two daughters: Heather (R.K.) Bradley of Kahoka, Missouri, and Amy (Matt Hager) McVeigh of Fort Madison, Iowa; three brothers: James Harold (JoAnn) McVeigh of Wayland, Missouri, Larry Andrew (Julie) McVeigh of Hamilton, and Edward “Sonny” Van Velkinburgh of Kahoka, Missouri; nine grandchildren: Brandon (Haylee) Hymes, Brittney (Dan) Nadratowski, Kimberlie (Nate) Ludwig, Kelsey (Grady) Small, Leighton (Taylor) Bradley, Ashtin (Brayden) Smith, Gage (Dashyia Deal) Dodson, Garrett Sargent and Gannon Sargent; ten great-grandchildren with one on the way; special friend Margaret Londrigan and her children and grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: Marilyn Hodges, Mary Alice Brown, Susie (Leroy) Knoch, Lorraine McVeigh and Delane McVeigh.

Ron’s celebration of life will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023, from 4 to 7 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Carthage, Illinois.

Memorials may be directed to the funeral home for expenses.  

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