Laverne J. Lani

LaVerne J. Lani, age 82, longtime Rockford resident, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2014 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Preceded in death by parents Paul and Caroline (Castiglioni) Lani. Survivors include his children, Pamela (Gary) Coleman and Brian (Julie) Lani; his grandchildren who were the lights of his life, Christopher (Kelly) Lani, Jacqueline (Walter Guy) Lani and Stephanie Coleman; his sister and brother-in-law, Louise and George Milne and aunt, Ann Linn. Vern graduated from Rockford West High School (1949) and DePauw University (1953). He served in the US Army (1953-1955). He was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity for over 60 years. Vern was employed as a marketing administrator for Ingersoll Cutting Tool Company for 40 years. A lifelong performer of music, he played the accordion, organ and most recently, the keyboard, entertaining many throughout his life. Immediately prior to and after his retirement, Vern became a skilled woodworker crafting furniture for the use and enjoyment of family and friends. Special thanks to the many caregivers and friends at Bellevue Assisted Living, to the loving family at Ziggy's and to the staff and volunteers at Unity Hospice.
Funeral Service will be held this Friday, April 11, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel 3910 N. Rockton Ave, Rockford, Illinois with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in LaVerne's name at Unity Hospice, DePere, Wisconsin. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com