Steven Farel , age 60 of Lena, IL, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. He was born August 5, 1957 in Belvidere, IL; the son of Norman and Shirley (Tessman) Farel. He attended Belvidere High School. Steve married Trina Shacklee on January 17, 1981; she passed on December 4, 2010.

Steve, or "Digger" as he was known, loved and cared deeply for his family and many special friends.  He will be remembered as someone who was always there to lend a hand and help anyone who needed him.  He was owner/operator of an excavation/grave digging company.  He was very active in the Freeport Eagles Club and was an avid pool player and enjoyed playing at home and in a league.  He was an accomplished guitar player and also loved hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle.

He is survived by his parents, Norman and Shirley Farel; two sons, Nick (Katie) Brown of Belvidere, Steven Keith Christian (Kristine Amenda) Farel of Lanark; daughter Ashley Farel of Lena; 8 grandchildren Erinna, Ericka, Janell, Teaghan, Alayna, Jasmin Marie, Zachary, and Karlene; brother, Norman (Cheryl) Farel,  sisters, Sharon (Fred) Thomas and Pamela (Tom) Johnson all of Belvidere; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; and good friends, Woody, Cecil, and Dave. He was preceded in death by his wife, Trina; infant son, Cory Joe; and nephew, Shane Farel.

A visitation will be held Monday, October 16th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home in Dakota, IL. The memorial service will be Tuesday, October 17th at 11:00 am also at the funeral home with Pastor Rick Bader presiding. Interment will take place at Gund Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in his name.