Freeport – Lavern D. Steele, 87, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2015 at home. Lavern was born on September 23, 1927 in Freeport, IL. He was the son of Wilbur and Mildred (Ottenhausen) Steele. He served his country in the United States Army during WWII. Lavern married Elaine Pfile on May 14, 1949 in Freeport, IL. He was employed by Burgess Battery in Freeport for 43 years. He was then employed by Malcolm Eaton Co. and retired in 1992. Lavern enjoyed fishing and NASCAR races, gardening and maintaining his lawn. Lavern raised rabbits and was also known as a hair-raiser. He was a lifetime member of the Rabbit Breeders Association and he enjoyed showing and raising Palomino rabbits as well as attending many rabbit conventions and fairs.

He is survived by 2 sons: David (Judee) Steele of Ridott, IL. and Duane (Sue) Steele of Cedarville, IL. 7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 1 sister in-law Nancy Steele of Freeport, IL. and a special friend Betty of Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife on April 13, 2008, daughter Lynnette Edler and granddaughter Shawna Edler also 1 brother Norman Steele.

Graveside services will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens on Friday, February 20, 2015 at 2:30PM Cremation rites were accorded.

Pastor Steve Barr will officiate.

A memorial has been established in his name for the Illinois Rabbit Breeders Association.

A special thanks to the entire hospice care staff at Monroe Hospice, and to Barb Saldecki his caretaker from Lutheran Social Services.