John Edward Veland

John Edward Veland, 90, of Daniel Island, South Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

Born on October 30, 1935, in Livonia Township, MN. John was a son of the late Hilder Victoria (Wilson) Veland and the late Harry Gabriel Veland.

John spent his childhood running free in Minneapolis, MN. He loved playing football or any games that his friends would make up in the city, especially near Minnehaha Falls where he was known as “The Happy Hooligan.” He graduated high school and served as a medic in the U.S. Army while stationed in Post WWII Germany. He attended college at the University of Minnesota and eventually graduated from Mankato State where he met his first wife, Kathy. They had 3 children. The family lived in Mobile, AL.

John spent 30 plus years at Ingalls Shipbuilding where he worked in procurement until he retired. He loved his family and his routines and made us all laugh at least once a day. He was a man of integrity, trust, dependability, honor, consistency, and had an overall joyful presence. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family … kids, in-laws, grandchildren and extended family.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Harry Gabriel Veland and Hilder Victoria (Wilson) Veland; and brother, Harry Douglas Veland.

John is survived by his son, John Veland (Adrienne), grandchildren Kaleigh, Gabe, and Micah; daughter, Cherilynn Veland-Panko (Steve); grandchildren Collin and Wesley; son, Todd Veland (Deborah Lee); grandchildren, Rylee and Sophie; and other extended family.

A private veteran ceremony will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN at a later date so that he can be laid to rest by his brother and U.S. Naval pilot, Harry Douglas Veland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a local veteran’s organization, Boys and Girls Club of America, or Fisher House in Charleston.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, Mount Pleasant, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-884-3833.