Leroy E. Lipka

Leroy E. Lipka, 85, of La Salle, passed away November 26, 2021 in Lacon Rehabilitation and Nursing Home, in Lacon, with his wife Dorothy by his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Thursday in St. Patrick’s Church in La Salle with the Rev Thomas Otto officiating. Burial will be in St. Vincent’s Cemetery. Visitation will be in the church Thursday from 9:30 AM until time of services. The Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle is handling the arrangements. 

Leroy was born in La Salle on July 7, 1936 to Rudolph and Wilhelmina “Wilma” (Kleefeld) Lipka. He attended La Salle Public Schools and graduated from La Salle Peru Township High School. He married Dorothy Bacidore in St. Patrick’s Church on July 13, 1957. Leroy was a retired truck driver for Consolidated Freightways with Teamsters #722. After retiring, he worked as a janitor at Sears and the YMCA and as a baker at Piersons, Fourth Street Bakery, and Illinois Valley Food Center. Leroy served as a La Salle City Alderman for the 4th Ward, serving two terms. He was on the original board of directors for the Illinois Valley Youth Football League. He was very active in the LP Band Parents Club from 1972 until 1977. 

He is survived by his wife Dorothy of La Salle, two daughters; Mary (Ray) Sharpe of Peru, and Sharon (Kev) Varney of Bloomington, four grandchildren; Dr. Michelle (Joel) Vasquez, Randy (Heidi) Sharpe, Matthew (Marisa) Varney, and Megan Varney, four great grandchildren; Emerson and Camden Vasquez, Brooklyn and Bentley Sharpe.

He was preceded by his siblings; Lois Lipka, Phyllis Waskiewicz, Robert Lipka, and Lyle Lipka, one granddaughter; Jennifer Sharpe.

Pallbearers will be Ray, Randy, and Bentley Sharpe, Kev and Matthew Varney, Joel, Emerson, and Camden Vasquez.

Memorials may be directed to Illinois Valley Alzheimer’s Association.

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