Virgil Carl Ewald, age 90, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Manor Court in Rochelle, Illinois.  He was born on February 4, 1934 in Ashton, IL, the son of Earl and Rosa (Hays) Ewald.  Virgil married Juanita Long in DeKalb on September 21, 1957, she preceded him on January 31, 2014.  Virgil served in the United States Army in Germany during the end of the Korean Conflict. .  Throughout his life, he was a farmer at heart, but he also worked for Swift Meat Packing, then Carnation both in Rochelle and eventually he was a maintenance supervisor for Superior Brands in Rockford. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three brothers: Harold, Howard, and LeRoy.

From 1972 to 1974, Virgil was the Worshipful Master of Alto Lodge 902, he was the Commander of the Rochelle VFW Post 3878 from 1987 to 1989 and he was the Commander of the American Legion Post 345 in the 1990's.  He was an active member of the Ashton United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed golfing and gardening.

Virgil is survived by his daughter, Pamela (Jonathan) Dahm of Oregon, IL; son, Eric (Lynne) Ewald of Dixon, IL, six grandchildren: Adam (Jennifer) Dahm, Laura (Trevor) Kittleson, Aimee (Landan) Nielsen, Stacey (Brandon) Dunphy, Abbey (Joe) Kelly, and Brent (Kim) Ewald; 11 great grandchildren: Dakota, Brooks and Kate Kittleson, Arlo and Annie Nielsen, Avery, Jackson and Carter Kelly and Madison, Karley and Braxton Dunphy; and sister-in-law, Marjorie Ewald of Rochelle.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Friday, December 13, 2024 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. There will be a Masonic service at 7:00 at the funeral home.

Funeral will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, December 14 at the Ashton United Methodist Church, 906 Richardson Avenue, Ashton with Pastor Jan Shaulis officiating.  Burial will follow at the Ashton Cemetery with military honors provided by the Eastern Lee-Ogle Honor Guard and the Army Honor Guard.  Memorials may be made in Virgil's memory to Eastern Lee-Ogle Honor Guard, the Ashton United Methodist Church or to Serenity Hospice and Home. Visit  www.UngerHorner.com to sign the online guest book.