Laverne R. Mousel

LaVerne Richard Mousel “Vern”, 93 of Rockford, Illinois passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023. Vern was a Valentine’s Baby born on February 14, 1930 in Elk Mound, Wisconsin to John and Agnes Mousel. Married to Mildred “Milly” Brehm on May 11, 1957. They were blessed with four children- Gary Mousel, Kathy (Doug) Reagan, Ron Mousel and Lisa Bruening. He was the cherished grandpa of Amber DalCollo (Evan), Mike DalCollo (Kristina), Amanda Bruening (Monique), Zachary Bruening, Samantha (Corey) Ellingwood and Emily Reagan. Also, great grandpa to Alisha Donely (Jamar), Sean Donely, Daniel Davalos, Charlotte DalCollo and William Ellingwood.

Vern served 2 years in the United States Air Force. He worked as a supervisor in the test lab at Sundstrand for 37 years. After retiring in 1991, he and Milly enjoyed traveling the country in their motor home and spent countless hours at their lakeside campsite at Woodhaven Lakes.

He was always happiest tinkering around the house and loved to work on cars. He also loved to work in the yard amongst numerous hostas and would always joke with the grandkids about the “jungle out there.”

Vern is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years; children; grandchildren; sisters Elaine (Sam) Sirovina and Marilyn (Craig) Auman; numerous nieces and nephews; sisters and brother in law, Theresa Knutson, Louise (Wayne) Davies, Sylvia (Ken) Kochersperger and Gerald (Donna) Brehm.

Predeceased by his parents, 5 brothers, Gerald (Barb), Reynold (Donna), John Jr., Bernard and David (Gloria); two sisters, Donna (Bob) Retrovich and Rita (Don) Smith; daughter-in-law, Dewyona Mousel; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Don) Skillings and brother-in-law Clifford Knutson.

The family would like to gratefully thank the nurses, doctors, and staff at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, OSF Home Health Care (especially Mario PT and Laura RN) and Rockford Fire and Ambulance. Their care of Vern over the last 3 months was excellent. We also thank Dr. Edison Lim and Katie Carlson, PAC.

A visitation will take place on Monday, March 27th, 2023, from 10:00 am until 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, 3004 Eleventh Street., Rockford, IL 61109. A Memorial Mass will take place following the visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Vern’s name may be made to the Rockford Rescue Mission or to St. Edwards Catholic Church. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory – Mulford Chapel assisted the family. Share online condolences and memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.