Carl "Toby" LaFever

Carl “Toby” LaFever, age 51, left this world on May 13, 2025. He was born in Joliet, IL on August 16, 1973 to his father Carl LaFever and mother Joyce Mank (nee Eichelberger).

Toby lived a life that was not free of challenges. Some of those challenges were self-imposed, and some were not. Given the opportunity, he would freely admit that he was not undeserving of blame. However, he also deserved compassion. He struggled with many of the same demons that so many in our community struggle with in some form or another. He hit roadblocks and rough patches, and he enjoyed moments of beauty and peace. He became a father at an early age. He tried to make changes to benefit his family, and he experienced failures along the way. What cannot be doubted is that he loved them. He loved his children. He loved his family members. He loved his God, and he maintained his faith in the face of incredible pain and disappointment. He lost a child to a tragic motorcycle accident. He lost his freedom at times. He never enjoyed the security and comfort that comes with a “normal” life. Even still, he never lost his ability to smile. He never lost his desire for good things to come to those he loved. He never lost the simple pleasures that come with working with your hands while surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors. Toby did his best for as long as he could. One can question whether or not it was enough, but it was the best that he could do. He loved, he was loved, and he will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carl La Fever and Joyce Mank, and his son Brad J. LaFever.

Toby is survived by his children Carl “CJ” LaFever Jr. and Mandi LaFever; his grandchildren Thayer, Cylas, Ozdyn, Rhyler, Eli, Layton, Sophia, and Aliya; his sisters April and Jenny LaFever; his brother Brian Mank; his stepfather George Mank; his nephew Matt LaFever; and his niece Jessica Etheridge. Many other extended family members, friends, and loved ones, too numerous to name, also survive.

With consideration to the unexpected nature of Toby’s passing, in lieu of flowers, any donations made to the family to help defray the costs of funeral services would be greatly appreciated and can be directed to his sister April LaFever.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Wednesday May 21, 2025 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL 60435. Interment will take place at Saint Joseph Cemetery, 1500 N. Raynor Ave. Joliet, IL on Thursday May 22, 2025 with a Chapel Service at 11:30 am.