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Jeffrey Lynn Velde

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Southern Illinois University

Jeffrey Velde Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 30, 2012.

JEFFREY LYNN VELDE Jeffrey Lynn Velde, 70, died September 25, 2012 at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach. Mr. Velde was born in Peoria, Illinois, September 23, 1942 and grew up in Bradford, Illinois. He moved to Pekin, Illinois and went to college at Southern Illinois University and during this time started his career in the car business with his father, Lynn Velde. He met his wife Patty and they were married on April 8, 1967. They have two daughters, Carri and Tricia. The Veldes moved to Vero Beach in July of 1976 and purchased Arnold Ford, which later became Velde Ford. Originally located at 1395 US 1, in 1999 they purchased and renovated the original Wal- Mart building at the corner of Indian River Boulevard and US #1, where they are still located today. Mr. Velde was an active supporter of the Vero Beach community, whether it was sponsoring the local little league or supporting the Vero Beach Fighting Indians. He joined the National Hot Rod Association in 1969 and started his drag racing career in the Stock classes advancing through Super Stock, competition and eventually the Pro- Stock Division. During this time he won numerous awards and set records which eventually led to his induction to the NHRA Hall of Fame in 2008. Mr. Velde had a passionate love for golf, where he was a member of Bent Pine Golf Club, and a Golden Chief booster for the FSU Seminoles, attending as many home games as he could each season. Survivors include his wife Patty Velde of Vero Beach, daughters Carri (Joe) Grass of St. Augustine and Tricia Velde of Vero Beach, brother Gary Velde of Vero Beach, sisters Kimberly Monroy of Boca Raton and Jennifer Velde of Orlando. Grandchildren: Jacob and Carson Grass; Zander, Tanner and Chandler Velde. Mr. Velde was preceded in death by his father, Lynn Velde, mother, Sylvia Velde and infant daughter, Stacy Lynn Velde. Contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960. SERVICE: A Celebration of his Life will be held 2:00pm Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at Central Assembly of God, Vero Beach with the Rev. Larry Boan officiating. Arrangements by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory Vero Beach. An online guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com Paid Obituary

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Recent Activity

September 24, 2021

John Cunningham posted to the memorial.

October 22, 2012

Dwayne Thurman posted to the memorial.

October 12, 2012

John Cunningham posted to the memorial.

12 Entries

John Cunningham

September 24, 2021

Everything I drive by the Ford dealership I think of yku buddy!

Dwayne Thurman

October 22, 2012

Once in a great while a person comes alone in your life that will impact it in a special way. I meet Jeff in 1974 when I went to work in his dealership. He taught me everything I knew about a race car, I had a 65 mustang that I started racing with Jeff, Later he bought the dealership in Vero Beach, With much proding,LOL he pursuaded me to come there, I raced there as well, We went to Bradenton every sat night if he wasnt in a NHRA event ,I always went with him to him him at those events, To say I respect him and miss him would be an understatement, This man was a True friend, One who will go to war with you, I loved him as my own brother and one day I know in my heart I will meet him again, R.I.P. Jeff I love you Buddy

John Cunningham

October 12, 2012

Hello to the Velde Family
Jeff and I spent time in Illinois together at the race track back in the early 1970's I continued my racing career which basically paralleled his and even in the same class many times. We also had a good time together thru the years. We lost touch and then I moved to Vero and discovered by accident his dealership. I thought it might be his and went into the dealership about a year ago and he remembered everything we did together..race tracks and NHRA records.
I saw Jeff only about 8 weeks ago for the second time and he told me how serious his cancer was. We did not have a chance to speak much that day but he asked me to come back which I did but he left a message for me telling me he would call me back to the store but then I never heard from again. I drove by today to check on him and they told me of his passing. Jeff I know will be missed by all both in his circle of friends and especially his family. So my heart goes out to all of you and especially you Patty. I am sure we met at the track...I was there in Byron Illinois when Jeff won the 10K Bracket racing....never forget it. Never will forget him either!

jill strollo

October 5, 2012

Jeff sold me a car years ago. I didn't know he raced at the time. My family also raced. He must have seen the fire in my eyes, the he sold me a thunderbird and was fast. I smoked many a tire with that car. May you rest in peace Jeff Velde. You were a good man.

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John Arnold

October 3, 2012

I had the opportunity to meet and provide benefits to Velde Ford for 10 years. Jeff was one of the people I always looked forward to seeing. I saw him as very strong and his illness and passing comes as loss for many.

HENRY DANA

October 2, 2012

PATTY, Sad to hear of JEFF's passing, spoke to him on the phone a few years ago.Hope he and BUDDY can catch up again.Found some photos of testing at Moroso,Buick PRO Stock

Judy Newlun Smith

September 30, 2012

Patty, my sincere sympathy to you and your family. You will truly be in my thoughts and prayers having gone through this sadness myself.

September 30, 2012

Patty, we are very sorry to hear about Jeff. We have many fond memories of our cousin.
Bruce and Bob Meythaler

Warren Rich

September 30, 2012

I worked in the parts dep't for 9 years as a driver. Mr. Velde always asked how I was doing. He was a true gentleman and I'll remember him with kind thoughts

Barbara and Tom Hicks

September 30, 2012

Pat and Girls, We are so sorry to hear about Jeff. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you at this sad time. He will always be with you in your hearts and watching from above.

Todd & Tammy Plants

September 30, 2012

We wish to express our sincere condolences to the entire Velde family. Sharing your sorrow as we fondly remember Jeff.
May memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Our prayers are with each of you.

September 30, 2012

So sorry to hear about Jeff. I worked for Jeff for 9 years and we always had a lot of fun. Condolences.
Rick Hess

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