Virgil L. Smith

Virgil L. Smith, 93, of Caledonia, IL passed away peacefully at home on December 29, 2024. Born December 22, 1931, to Franklin and Nellie (Ferwerda) Smith in Shopiere, WI. Graduated from Rockford West High School in 1949. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and started active duty in December 1950. He was promoted to sergeant in 1951 until his discharge in 1952. Later, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1958 and served in Okinawa before being assigned to the U.S.S. Bennington-CVS-20. He served in the Quarter Master Division until his discharge in February 1962. Virgil was married to Lorraine (Vester) Dunn from April 1971 until she died in 1992, was married to Shirley (Starkey) McKibben in November 1993 until she died in 2010, was married to Grace (Erickson) Gebhardt in July 2014 until she died in 2020.

Virgil was an accountant at Hartzog Aviation Inc. until the company closed. Later he worked at Carpet One as "The Carpet God" as his children lovingly referred to him. He enjoyed helping out his family with home improvement projects of all kinds. No job was too big or difficult for Virgil. His pastimes included watching all of his favorite Chicago teams, pitching horseshoes of which he was in several tournaments, fishing, camping, and even helping build houses with Habitat for Humanity well into his 80s.

Virgil had 11 stepchildren, 28 step-grandchildren, 14 step-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, three wives, sisters Carol Dmochowski, Phyllis Stima, Lois Vanderpal, and brother Allan Smith, stepsons Bobby Dunn and Dennis Dunn, stepdaughter's, Debbie Studler (Dunn) and Norine Mackey. His family would like to thank OSF Hospice and especially Lisa for the wonderful care and support, Assisting Hands caregivers Shannon and Keziah, and Kandace who gave extra special care in his last weeks.

Funeral Services will be at 11:30, a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2025, in Honquest Family Funeral home with Crematory, Mulford Chapel.  4311 North Mulford Road, Loves Park, Illinois.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 4 from 10:30 am until the start of the funeral service in the funeral home.  Burial will be a private service in Sunset Memorial Gardens.  Instead of flowers, donations will be made to a few of Virgil's most important charities.  

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