Lavern W. Adams

LaVern W. Adams, 103, of Rockford, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021.

LaVern was born in Lena, IL on August 30, 1917, the son of Charles and Mamie (Phillips) Adams. He graduated from Mt. Carroll High School in 1938. LaVern married Gwendolyn Fredrick on December 16, 1941 in Kohoka, Missouri. He proudly served his country in the U.S Army during WWII in the 3rd Armored Division PFC and 23rd Armored Engineer Battalion from 1941 - 1945. LaVern enlisted in Mt. Carroll, IL and was honorably discharged in Ft. Sheridan, IL. After his service, he was employed at Sears a short time, then at W.T. Rawleigh’s of Freeport and Chrysler of Belvidere for 15 years, retiring in 1980. LaVern enjoyed fishing, playing pool, dancing and listening to music, attending concerts and music festivals, reading, playing card games, bingo and gardening. He grew Concord grapes and made his own homemade grape juice. The grandchildren still talk about Grandma and Grandpa’s famous applesauce made from their apple tree. Most of all, LaVern enjoyed his time spent with family and loved ones. He will be dearly missed and remain in our hearts forever.

LaVern is survived by his children, Karen (Jerry) Nelson and Judith “Judy” Bufalo; grandchildren, Dan (Aimee) Nelson, Craig (Cindy) Nelson, Doug (Violet) Nelson, Paula (John) Berg and Michelle (Bufalo) Merryman; great-grandchildren, Liam, Claire, Sarah, Nathan, Kate, Mia N., Joseph, Gianna, Mia B. and Mikayla; sister-in-law, Ramona Frederick; first cousin, Lois Paulsen; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents; wife, Gwendolyn (the love of his life for 62 years); son-in-law, Paul Bufalo and siblings, Ralph, LeRoy, Cecil, Virginia, and Theora. The family would like to extend many thanks to the staff of Anam Memory Care and Heartland Hospice for their kindness, care and compassion.

A walk-through visitation will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be in effect to allow 25 guests at a time. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. with Military Honors to follow. Those wishing to view the service via Zoom at 3:00 p.m. may join using ID code: 898 9361 4950 and password: 123. Cremation rites will be accorded. Final resting place will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Freeport, IL at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be established.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com