LaVerne Emerson Michael, 83, of Eleroy died Sunday, April 9, 2023 at SSM Health Monroe Hospice Home after a 5 month battle with myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood cancer.  Jesus came to take him home to heaven and be reunited with his wife Sandy on Easter.  What a joyful celebration he got to witness that day.

Born December 27, 1939 at home in rural Dakota, Stephenson County, he was the son of Emerson and Arlene (Resh) Michael.  He graduated from Orangeville High School in 1957.  He served in the United States Air Force from September 19, 1957 until his honorable discharge on September 18, 1961.  He was an early warning radar specialist at Thule Air Force Base, Greenland; Osceola Air Force Station, WI; and K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Marquette, MI.  On August 21, 1960, he and Sandra Gross were united in marriage at Grace Evangelical Church in Orangeville.  He worked as a mechanic, shop foreman, and salesman at Murphy & Gustafson John Deere implement dealer in Freeport and retired after 40 years service.

He was a member of Salem United Church of Christ and was a member of the Salem Shepherds.  He was a founding member and past president of Illinois Chapter C-2 Stateline Wingers Gold Wing Road Riders, and enjoyed many club rides with his wife.  He was a member of the Lena Lions for over 50 years, past president, and was honored as a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Surviving are his son Todd (Inger) Michael of West Salem, WI; daughter Michele (Dr. David) Kapp of Perryville, MO; seven grandchildren Rebecca Michael of Beloit, WI and Everett Michael of West Salem, WI, Joel (Emily) Kapp of Eureka, MO, Alyssa (Slade) Kenagy of Cameron, MO, Faith (fiancée Grant Grove) and Sara (Eli Yamnitz) and Jacob Kapp all of Perryville, MO; three great-granddaughters Violet and Sophie Kapp, and Allie Kenagy; two sister-in-laws Beth Ann Faust of Florence, MT, and Beverley Miller of Brown Deer, WI; and special friend Sharon Hummermeier.  Preceding him in death were his wife, parents, sister Marilyn Engel, and an infant grandson Seth Michael Kapp.

Visitation will be Friday, April 14 from 4pm until 7pm at Walker Mortuary, Freeport and Saturday, April 15 from 9am until 10am at the Salem United Church of Christ, Lena in rural Eleroy.  Funeral service will be 10am Saturday at Salem United Church of Christ with Rev. Christopher Ham & Rev. Randal Nicholas officiating.  Burial will be at the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport.  A memorial has been established in his name.   LaVerne's family invites friends to share a story or light a candle in his honor at www.walkermortuary.com