Vernon Ronald Veit II (Sonny), a resident of Auburn Fields Memory Care facility died on November 24, 2022, a natural result of his aging process. He was preceded in death by his spouse, Marilyn Margaret Veit. Per his burial wishes, cremation with a family visitation will take place.
He was raised as an only child, but fathered and is survived by a large family tree. These branches include the Kristi (Paul) Elliott family, the Vernon III (Melody) Veit family, the William Veit family, the Heide Zeihmer family, the John (Marcy) Veit family, Joele Veit, the Jordan (Maggie) Veit family, as well as the John David Veit family from his first marriage. His sister-in-law Kathleen Richardson, his nieces Renee, Eve and Kim, and his nephew Ryan also are a part of this large family, as well as many close friends-too many to list here.
Early in life he participated in many competitive sports: football, swimming, and baseball were among his favorites. Later, he loved to play card games. He would win so often, many family games were a focus of letting anyone but him win, i.e. the card game "Burn Vern." Win or lose, Sonny was so charismatic that everyone wanted him around.
Sonny's life came with the right mix of tremendous wins and devastating losses, but he would tell you that all were simply "a shining example of God's grace and mercy." And he would tell anyone that would listen about how his Savior forgave even him and, "good news" Jesus would save them too. Sonny's redemption story is a story for all. He started generational blessings that his children still feel today because he consulted with Jesus wherever he walked; he talked about Jesus to whomever he stood next to; he prayed to Jesus with all those he sat with.
His family will remember him, not by all the things he got wrong, but by all the knowledge of Jesus that center their own lives today. You are loved Sonny and will be missed until we meet again on that last great day.
A chance to share stories and testimonies with the family will be on Sunday, November 27, 3:00 - 5:00 PM at Gephart's Funeral Home in Bay City. In lieu of flowers, please, consider making donations to New Life Missionary Church, whose pastor Jonathan Boyer prayed and cared for both Sonny and Marilyn until their last day.