Joseph Nelson La Rue, 85, of Rockford, IL, passed away en route to his home on Friday, January 3, 2025 in Janesville, WI. He was born October 14, 1939 in Corning, Arkansas, the son of Thomas and Pearl (Thomas) La Rue. He proudly served in the United States Air Force. Joe married the love of his life, Donna Borcherts, on October 27, 1961. He was an Iron Worker and Business man. Joe loved being in his garden and his yard. He attended and was active at Breakthrough Church, where he would love to tell stories of his past. He was very supportive and always gave sound advice. Most of all, Joe adored his family and spending time with grandchildren.
Joe is loved and missed by his wife, Donna; children, Renee (Shane) Casey and JoAnn (Everett) Bross; grandchildren, David (Felecia) Casey, Rebecca (Jeff) Kohl, Kara Molitor, Jordan (Kelsey) Casey, Timothy (Devin) Casey, Hanna (Tristan) Mcnew, Michaela (Gregory) Johnson, Josiah (Jenna) Casey, Sarah (Elijah) Cunningham, Kailey Casey, John (Sara) Bross, Andrew Bross, Rebecca Ebiala and Mohammed Ihonde; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Jace, Gemma, Zachary, Caitlin, Timothy, Addison, Anna, Charlotte, Jayson, Ella, Finley, Leah, Joshua, William, Gabriel, Owen, Piper, Lainey, Jorden, Amara and Jamari; numerous nieces and nephews; special nephews, Phillip (Kim) La Rue and Nathaniel (Gaye) La Rue and special niece, Sandra (Billy) Davis. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Maizel La Rue-Baxley, Yuvawn La Rue-Brown, Joyce La Rue- Blanchard, Pauline Lily and Wilma Lily; brothers, Thomas La Rue, David La Rue, Doyne Lily, Chester Lily and Lester Lily.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Breakthrough Church, 415 N. Church St, Rockford, IL 61103. A burial with military honors will take place at 11:30 a.m. at Willwood Burial Park, 7000 W. State St, Rockford, IL 61102. Donations may be made at https://gofund.me/86bcd1c8
