It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Lee Bell, 88, of Chana, Illinois, born on December 21, 1937, in Ohio, Illinois, to the late Henry and Dorothy (Holler) Bell. Surrounded by his family, Don peacefully departed from this world on April 28, 2026, at Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford, Illinois.

After graduating from Rochelle Township High School in 1956, Don began dating his future wife, Loretta (Long). Don and Loretta were married on August 18, 1962, at the First Presbyterian Church in Rochelle, IL, embarking on a 63-year marriage and adventure. Together, they built a life and family centered on faith, family, work, and community.

As a young man, Don took engineering coursework at the University of Illinois. As he began his 43-year career as a journeyman union Carpenter, he also served in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years. He loved his country and was proud to have served in the military. As a carpenter, he worked on countless construction projects - large and small - always taking great pride in his work and achieving excellence. Don enjoyed mentoring apprentice carpenters and was always willing to share his know-how with others. For the last 15 years of his career, Don worked as a carpenter at Northern Illinois University, serving as the carpenter's foreman during the last several years. Don was a member of the Rochelle Presbyterian Church since 1965, serving as an Elder, a Deacon, and a chaperone on youth go-and-serve trips. Over the years, he volunteered his carpentry and design skills to work on Church repair and renovation projects.

Don's love, commitment, and pride in his family were strong. He was ever-present at family gatherings and at the many sports, music, and other school events. He had a deep love of farm and rural life, consistently working outside, in the yard and in fields, pastures, and woods. Don and Loretta took their kids on many camping trips to National Parks in the western states. He pridefully continued to handle his own mowing, snow removal, and other work. He loved horses and always kept at least one on his property to the very end.

Don is preceded in death by his parents; one son, John Bell; and four siblings, Berniece Brown, Jim Bell Sr., Jean Spartz, and JoAnne Huftalin. Don is survived by his loving wife, Loretta Bell of Chana, IL; one son, Bob (Michelle) Bell of Geneva, IL; one daughter, Linda (Cory) Keilman of Rochelle, IL; and daughter-in-law, Jody Bell of Mahomet, IL. He is further survived by one brother, Glen (Rose) Bell of Rockford, IL, and a brother-in-law, John Huftalin of Rockford, IL. Don will be dearly missed by his entire family and his six grandchildren, Karly Keilman (Nolan Turner, fiancé), Kayla Keilman, Audra Bell, Wyatt Bell, Evan Bell, and Ethan Bell.

In honor of Don's life, a visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th Street, Rochelle, IL. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, at the First Presbyterian Church, 1100 Calvin Road, Rochelle, IL, with Pastor Mark Hughey officiating. The U.S. Army and the Eastern Lee-Ogle Honor Guard will provide military honors. Following the funeral, a burial will follow at Lawnridge Cemetery, 1701 8th Avenue, Rochelle, IL. Friends and family are invited to gather and pay their respects and share memories of this kind and thoughtful man who touched many lives. Don's memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He is now at peace in the arms of his Savior.

Visit www.ungerhorner.com for the online register book.