Laverne C. Killen

LaVerne C. Killen, 86, of Cherry Valley, IL passed away Friday, January 15, 2021. He was born July 30, 1934 in Eau Claire, WI, the son of Marshall and Myrtle Killen. LaVerne was raised in Altoona, WI, and relocated to Rockford after his high school graduation. He was drafted and served 2 years in the United States Army. He was employed at Sundstrand Aerospace for 43 years in the machine maintenance department, retiring in 1998.
He married Beverly (O’Connell) 63 years ago and together they raised 4 children, David (Suzanne) Killen of Mequon, WI, Roger (Diane) Killen of Elkhorn, WI, Sandra (Jim) Schroeder of Sun Prairie, WI, and Jim (Wendy) Killen of Orland Park, IL.
He was a family man who enjoyed the great outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping. He was a scoutmaster, softball coach, and talented woodworker. LaVerne was a member of UAW Local 592, Baltic Lodge and Moose Lodge of Belvidere. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and enjoyed the Chicago Cubs. Once retired, he often spent summers at their lake home in northern WI where he enjoyed entertaining his grandchildren and left them with many cherished memories over the years with boating, fishing, tubing, and campfires. LaVerne was a proud Grandpa to his grandchildren Elena (Dustin) Gearhart, Max Killen, Alyssa (Keith) Bry, Stephanie Killen, Brad Killen, Chris Schroeder, Leah Schroeder, Zoe Killen, and Paige Killen. LaVerne had a soft spot in his heart for his great-granddaughter Kinley Bry, who always made him smile, along with Caden, Kieran, and Kolton Bry, Evan and Claire Davis.
LaVerne is survived by his wife, Beverly; his four children, their spouses, and grandchildren; brother, Glen Killen of Cases Grande, AZ; sister, Shirley Wight of Machesney Park, IL; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and longtime friend, Orville Larson of Altoona, WI. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Walley Killen, sister-in-law, Joyce Killen, and brother-in-law, Ed Wight.
Our family would like to give a special thank you to the Mayo Health System, especially Dr. Michael Rentzepis and his compassionate staff, along with OSF Hospital and Clinics, Northwood’s Care Centre and Heartland Hospice for their support and care given to LaVerne and our family.
A private Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Edwards Catholic Church, 3004 11th St, Rockford, IL 61109 Friday, January 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. If you would like to join, the family has requested you do so via Zoom using id: 810-290-6045 passcode: 123. Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Please share condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.