Rochelle

Tyler Louis Smith, 23, passed away Saturday, September 15, 2018. Tyler was born September 12, 1995 in Rochelle, the son of Sandra Halsne and Keith Smith.

Tyler was a 2014 graduate of Rochelle Township High School, where he played football all four years. He graduated in 2018 from Western Illinois University with a degree in criminal justice and a minor in homeland security. Tyler had recently been accepted to the San Jose, CA Police Academy and had recently moved to California. Currently, he was serving with the Illinois National Guard. His hobbies included being a DJ, playing and watching football, and hiking. He loved to be outdoors; the ocean and mountains are part of what brought him to California. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears and San Jose Sharks. Tyler always had a smile on his face that lit up the room. He was regarded by friends as the glue that brought them all together.

Tyler is survived by his parents, Sandra Halsne and Keith Smith of Rochelle; maternal grandmother, Janet Halsne of Rochelle; three sisters in St. Louis, Keisha Tate, Adrienne Morris-Harris, and Tara Smith; a brother and sister in Rochelle, Erica and Kevin Smith; uncle, Tyrone (Sharon) Smith of St. Louis; aunt, Pam Lambert of Rochelle; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tyler is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Francis "Butch" Halsne; paternal grandmother, Annie (Dave) Hygrade; paternal grandfather, Jesse Smith; and a cousin, Tyrell Smith.

Visitation will be from 6-9 P.M. Friday, September 21, 2018 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6 ^th St. in Rochelle.

Additional visitation will be from 9-11 A.M. Saturday, September 22, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rochelle. Funeral service will follow the visitation at 11 A.M. at the church with Pastor Greg Hoffmann officiating. Interment will follow in Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle. Military rites accorded by the Eastern Lee-Ogle Honor Guard and the Illinois Army National Guard. A memorial has been established. Please visit www.UngerHorner.com to sign the online guest book.