Lawrence Donald Vukelich

Obituary for Lawrence Donald “Vugy” Vukelich

Lawrence Donald “Vugy” Vukelich passed away on Friday, April 10th, 2026 at 6:00 AM at Copper Creek Memory Care in Litchfield, Illinois. Vugy was 93 years old.

Vugy was born on October 13, 1932, in Mt Olive, Illinois. He graduated from Mt Olive High School in 1950 where he played football and ran track. Vugy was a veteran of the United States army. He met the love of his life, Betty Lou Firley, in 1952 and they wed on September 13, 1953, at St Micheal’s Church in Staunton, Illinois. They remained together until Betty Lou’s passing in 2021.

Vugy spent most of his professional life as an auto dealer in the Los Angeles area selling luxury vehicles and sports cars. Vugy liked to share his encounters with celebrities like Eddie Van Halen and David Cassidy. His favorite sales job was for Merlin Olsen Porshe Audi in Encino, California where he enjoyed friendly competition with his fellow salespeople. Vugy also loved horse racing and often went to the track with Betty Lou. Vugy had an affection for nature, hunting and fishing.

Vugy savored good times and good friends. He lit up the room and had charisma to spare. He made friends even in the last days of his life. He was a lot of fun and was always ready with a joke. Vugy was an absolute original.

Vugy is survived by a son Anthony (Lorraine) Vukelich, a daughter Tracey (Karl) Bietz, three grandchildren: Anthony, Robert (Heather), and Jonas, and four great-grandchildren, Jacob, Kieran, Rain, and Milo. Survivors also include a brother John Vukelich and a sister Patricia Hewett as well as cherished nieces and nephews.

Vugy was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie (Marion) Vukelich and his sister, Rose Vukelich Byrne.

The family would like to thank the staff at Copper Creek Memory Care in Litchfield and Heartland Hospice for their loving and tender care of Vugy.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, April 16th from 10-11 AM at St John Paul II Catholic Church in Mt Olive Illinois. Mass will begin at 11:00 AM and will be officiated by the Very Reverend Thomas Hagstrom. Burial will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Mt. Olive.

Memorials are suggested to St John Paul II Catholic Church in Mt Olive.

Becker and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Anyone wanting to leave an online condolence may do so at beckerandson.com

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