LaVerne R. Stodden

LaVerne R. Stodden, 80, of Aurora, formerly of La Salle, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on June 25, 2026. 

Visitation will be 5-8:00 PM Thursday, July 2, at the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle. Cremation rites will follow. Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 AM Monday, July 6, at St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Green Creek, IL with Rev. John Eustice officiating. Burial will follow at Green Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be in the church on Monday from 10:30 AM until time of services. 

LaVerne was born in Effingham on May 10, 1946 to Francis and Ruth (Gruel) Stodden. He married Jane Hammer on September 19, 1970. LaVerne grew up on the family dairy farm. He and Jane moved to La Salle where LaVerne worked with Sundstrand for over 40 years. After his retirement, LaVerne worked as a funeral attendant with the Hurst Funeral Home for 10 years before moving to Aurora to be closer to his daughters. 

LaVerne was a member of St. Patrick's Church in La Salle. He had a passion for recycling and loved reusing and repurposing. 
Family came first to LaVerne. He never met a stranger and treated his friends like family. He was always there to help others. LaVerne had a strong faith and a firm belief that God would provide.

LaVerne is survived by his wife, Jane of Aurora; two daughters, Sara (Garret) Pasowicz of Lemont and Melissa Roberts of Aurora; five grandchildren, Gwen, Samuel, Evelyn, Paige, and Georgia; his niece, Beth (Ryo) Fujinuma and their son, Kazuo; nine siblings, Joyce Stuckey, Janice (Walt) Townsend, Doris (John) Wiedman, Charles Stodden, Leo (Rosario) Stodden, Melvin (Sara) Stodden, Wayne (Pat) Stodden, Lorraine (Steve) Mozley, and Renee (Joe) Harris; a sister-in-law, Dana Stodden; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings, Albert Stodden, Lois (Dean) Debolt, Norma Jones, and Mark Stodden; sister-in-law, Connie Stodden; and brother-in-law, Robert Stuckey.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

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