Milton "Milt" Frank Veck

Milton Frank Veck II (Milt) a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away on October 31, 2023, in Salem, Oregon from complications of pneumonia. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 8, 1943, to his parents, Florentine Rosalie (Horenkamp) and Milton Frank Veck. Growing up, his family moved from Louisville to Buffalo, NY where his brother, Frederick, was born in 1946. Then to Westchester, CA and finally settling in Tucson, Arizona, to take care of his grandmother. In Tucson, Milt was baptized at Our Savior Lutheran Church. He attended Rincon High School and graduated in 1961.

In the late 60s, Milton returned to California, where he met Mary Lynn Bradford whom he married on February 14, 1970, in Palos Verdes, California overlooking the ocean. Their love story spanned over five decades, and together they built a beautiful life filled with cherished memories. They raised their two daughters, Kristin Veck and Elizabeth Veck. He was a devoted father who shared his curiosity for the world and deep appreciation for family bonds.

After high school, he attended the University of Arizona and later in 1982 graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Electrical Engineering, but always considered himself an Arizona Wildcat. Following in his father’s footsteps, he worked as an Electrical Engineer at Hughes Aircraft in El Segundo, California, where he contributed his expertise to the Aerospace industry for 30 years. Milt had the privilege of attending satellite launches at Cape Canaveral and later field-testing the guidance systems he helped develop on Bradley Fighting Vehicles.

With Mary Lynn, he discovered a love for travel. Beginning with their honeymoon in Greece, they traveled the world together and later with their children and friends. Traveling allowed Milt and Mary Lynn to visit his brother Fred, sister-in-law Nancy and to get to know their children Christopher & Matthew. It gave them the opportunity to visit his extended Horenkamp family in Florissant, MO and her extended Bradford family in Salt Lake City, UT. In addition, many years of family vacations were spent with the Musillamis, who became an extension of his family.

In 1999, Milt retired, and they embarked on a new chapter of their lives, following the Musillamis to Oregon, moving to Aumsville and fulfilling their dream of living among the trees. By 2002, their daughters, and Mary Lynn’s mom, Elizabeth, were all in Oregon together. In 2004, they relocated to Silverton to be closer to their daughters, creating new memories in their scenic surroundings.

Milt had a curious mind and a deep passion for researching family genealogy which he inherited from his mother and shared with his daughters. When they traveled, Milt kept his golf clubs close and squeezed in a game in some of the most beautiful places in the United States. Additionally, he was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and never missed their games from Spring training to (hopefully) the post season.

Milt is survived by his wife, Mary Lynn Bradford; his two daughters, Kristin Veck and Elizabeth Veck; his brother Fred Veck, sister-in-law Nancy and nephews Christopher & Matthew; and his uncle, Alfred (Fuzz) Horenkamp. He will forever be remembered for his dry sense of humor, intelligence, and the enduring love he shared with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in eternal peace, and may his memory continue to inspire those who knew him.