Laverne E. Aspling

LaVerne E. Aspling
(January 10, 1936 – July 7, 2021)

LaVerne E. Aspling , of Galesburg, IL, went home to be with His Lord, Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at 8:20 am at OSF St. Mary’s Hospital in Galesburg, IL.

LaVerne “Verne”, was born January 10, 1936, in Rockford, IL, to LeRoy and Edith (Kullberg) Aspling. He graduated from Rockford’s East High School in 1954. After serving in the U. S. Navy, he went on to earn Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education, with emphasis on Industrial Arts and Drivers Education. He married Carolyn (Eversole) Aspling, of Shelbyville, on February 10, 1968.  From 1985 to 1997, Verne and Carolyn owned and operated Academy Driving School in Rockford, IL, where he taught people of all ages how to drive.

Verne was raised in a Pastor’s home. He learned about Jesus and trusted Him as his Savior at a young age. Showing God’s love to those around him and being active in ministry was important to him throughout his lifetime. LaVerne will be remembered for his friendliness, his laughter and his hospitality to everyone he met. He was genuinely interested in people and listened to what they had to say. At the time of his passing, he was an active member of Community Baptist Church in Bradenton, FL, where he participated in choir, orchestra and puppet ministries.

After his service in the U.S. Navy, Navy Reserves, and Coast Guard Auxiliary, Verne maintained his love of water by boating and waterskiing.  Since retirement, he has spent most winters in Bradenton, FL, enjoying the ocean. He used his industrial arts skills for wood-working, carving and making shell creations.   As an avid reader, he always carried a paperback book in case he needed to wait somewhere with time to read. He enjoyed being outside and rode many miles on his bicycle.

His greatest joy was sharing 53 years of marriage with the love of his life and watching his children and grandchildren grow. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, 2 daughters, Lisa (Jeff) Warren of Ankeny, IA, and Wendy (John) Sitenga of Palatine, IL, as well as his 6 grandsons: Grant, Trent, and Bryant Warren, Isaac, Adam, and Marcus Sitenga. Preceding him in death are his parents, brother, Glenn Aspling, and sister, June VanHise.

Services will be held at Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, in Shelbyville, IL on Saturday, July 10, 2021, with visitation at 9:30 am and a brief memorial service at 10:30 am.  Graveside committal will follow immediately at Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL with Military Honors by the Shelby County Honor Guard.  Memorial gifts may be given to Community Baptist Church of Bradenton, Florida.