John Henry Veches, age 79, of Silver Creek, was welcomed home by the open arms of his Lord and Savior on November 1, 2026, All Saints' Day.

Memorial Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 22, 2026, at Silver Creek Community Church with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow the service at Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Cloud Veterans Affairs Hospice Unit.

John Henry Veches, a man of many names, was born on June 23, 1947, and was welcomed home by his older brother, Bobbie, and sister, Ruthie. Soon after, Charlie, David, Rick, and Julie completed the family. Jack struck out on his own and worked on the farm of Norman and Bernice Schermer, who treated him like another son. And because he was part of their family, he met the love of his life, Linda DeBoer, at Silver Creek Reformed (Community) Church. This started his life-long walk with Jesus who called him Son.

Before they could marry, Specialist Five Veches was deployed to Vietnam where he proudly served his country as a combat engineer in the Army's Big Red One Division. He came home to marry his sweetheart where he earned the name "Hon" on November 26, 1971.

Jack became a father in 1973 when Stacy (Ryan) joined them. Karen (Matt) and Terri (Jeff) followed. He held different jobs to help raise his family, working passionately at each of them. He ended his career as a first-rate welder.

Throughout that time, he learned how to fix almost anything. Jack put this knowledge to use as he eagerly helped his friends and family whenever they were in need. When not working, Jack enjoyed being outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. (A bit of thin ice one winter changed his name from Trapper John to Swampwater Jack.)

He was promoted to Papa in 1994, when the first of eight grandkids was born: Samantha (Max), Megan (Caleb), Alissa (Christian), Jenna (Erik), Emily, Natalee, Adelinn, and Michael. He even opened Papa Daycare for a few years that specialized in wagon rides, homemade french fries, and popcorn under the tree. In 2024, Papa earned his next promotion to Great-Papa when first Myles, and two years later Maisie, joined the family. His grandkids were the apple of his eye.

In 2005, Jack had his first diagnosis of cancer. Throughout the next 21 years, he fought against three other types of cancer, earning him the name Tough-As-Nails. His quick wit and sharp sense of humor made him a favorite of those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be missed by his many friends, and especially by his family. Breathe easy, Pops. We love you.