Stephen Vela

Stephen Vela, 69, of La Salle, passed away peacefully at home on May 20, 2023.

A Celebration of Life will be June 10 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle. Burial will follow in St. Vincent’s Cemetery in La Salle.

Stephen was born in Chicago on November 21, 1953 to Lucio and Delores (Alvarado) Vela.  He worked at Caterpillar in Montgomery for 33 years.

He enjoyed golfing, gardening and hanging with his friends.  He was a great cook.  He loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.

Stephen is survived by his companion of 26 years Laurie Shipp of La Salle; two daughters, Stephanie (Kent Iverson) Vela of Ames, IA and Elizabeth (Kevin) Gier of Milwaukee, WI; two grandchildren, Wren and Duncan; one brother Paul (Susan) Vela of Kansas City, MO; four sisters, Teresa (Rick) Pavy of La Salle, Christine (Jerry) Happ of Decatur, Louise (Don) Rey of Kansas City, MO and Toni (Tim) Ellis of Rochelle; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Frank and Robert Vela; one sister Rae Pavy; and two nephews, Jason Happ and Jacob Pavy.

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