Stephen "Steve" Gerbode, 61, of Lena, IL passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2020 in Rockford, IL. He was born on August 22, 1958 in Rockford, IL to John and Sally (Barber) Gerbode. He graduated from Lena-Winslow High School in 1976, and also graduated from Highland Community College. Steve married Mary Dick on January 8, 1982 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lena, IL. In 1985, Steve joined the police force and retired as Lieutenant in October, 2013 from the Freeport Police Department.

Steve was very proud to protect and serve the community of Freeport. He was a member of the Lena Lions club, the Treasurer of both the Lena Lions Club and the Lena Community Center Board. Steve loved working on and riding ATVs and was very active in the local ATV forums. After retirement, Steve worked part-time at Full Throttle Powersports in Lena.

Steve is survived by his wife Mary of Lena, their children; Stephanie (Zach) Amborn of McConnell, IL, Bill (Aleisha) Gerbode of Stevens Point, WI, and Robert (Casey) Gerbode of Lena, IL, and five grandchildren; Caleb and Brenden Amborn, Nathan, Arianna, and Oliver Gerbode, his mother; Sally Gerbode of Lena, brothers and sister; John (Sandy) Gerbode, David (Joy) Gerbode, and Mary E. Gerbode, his father-in-law Robert (Linda) Dick, a special Uncle Ken (Carol) Gerbode, and several nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his father John, nephew Jason Gerbode, and his mother-in-law Rose Mary Dick.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Freeport, IL.

A visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, March 20, 2020 at Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

Father Ken Anderson will officiate the services.

In light of recent events, instead of a luncheon following the services, the family plans to hold a celebration of life at a later date for those who are unable to attend Steve's services. Steve always loved to be surrounded by his friends and family.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at the Lena Burial Park.

A memorial has been established in his memory.