ROCHELLE — David Michael Lepperd, born March 4, 1955, Rochelle, passed away at his home March 12 after a courageous battle with renal cancer. David lived in Rochelle his entire life, graduating from Rochelle Township High School in 1973. He retired from the Illinois Toll Highway Authority in 2006 after 28 years of service. Following retirement he operated Lepperd Wildlife Service until 2022. David was an avid outdoorsman and motorcycle enthusiast. He trapped the waterways of Ogle County and the surrounding area for over 50 years, developing many friendships with local farmers. He loved building and riding motorcycles, and all sports.

He traveled extensively to watch his son, Nicholas, play college football, and his grandson, Xavier, play baseball. David married his best friend, Darla Ann (Field) Lepperd Aug. 9, 1985.

He is survived by his spouse, Darla, children, Nicholas (Samantha Wells) Lepperd, Gabrielle Lepperd, grandchildren Xavier Lepperd, Ryatt Lepperd and Remi Lepperd, siblings Thomas E.

Lepperd II, Jerome Lepperd and Anne (Joe) Scriven. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Edwin and Regina Cecco Lepperd. A private celebration of life for family and friends will be held later in spring 2023. The family asks that if so inclined donations be made in David's memory to the Nachusa Grasslands, 2075 Lowden Road, Franklin Grove, IL 61031

www.nachusagrasslands.org