June 2014

Elsie Ruby Rice, age 94, of McHenry, formerly of Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Ottawa with Reverend David Daniel officiating.  Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. Monday morning at the church.  Gladfelter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Rice was born January 30, 1920 in Ottawa to Fred and Maude (Snedden) Buehler. She married Richard Rice May 9, 1943 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ottawa, IL. He preceded her in death September 23, 2005. Elsie is survived by two sons, James (Barb) Rice of Broken Arrow, OK, and Jerry (Nancy) Rice of Cary, IL; four grandchildren, Christopher Rice, Sharon (Steve) Snow, Laura (Paul) Valaitis, and Janet (Andrew) Vance; six great grandchildren, Anna and Claire Snow, Julia, Amelia, and William Valaitis, and Madeline Vance; and several nieces and nephews, including her special nieces, Judy (Chuck) Love and Julie (Paul) Strehl. Also surviving are several great nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Rice, her parents, a brother, Arthur John Buehler, and a sister, Evelyn Buehler.

Elsie was a lifelong member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and retired from Illinois Bell Telephone Company after many years.  She enjoyed spending time with her great grandchildren and watching movies and the Cubs.

Memorials may be directed to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ottawa or JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington, Il.  To share a memory or sign the guestbook, please visit www.gladfelterfuneralhome.com or Gladfelter Funeral Home on Facebook.

Elsie is laid to rest in the Garden of the Ten Commandments.

Elizabeth (Nickle) Garrison, 86, of Ottawa, died on Sunday June 15, 2014 at the OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2014 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Dave Davies, Pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, at the funeral home.

Elizabeth was born on May 6, 1928 in Ottawa to Charles and Nettie Bell (Martindale) Nickle. She married Verneal Garrison on June 1, 1945 at the First United Methodist Church in Ottawa. He died on December 2, 2010.

She is survived by a daughter, Suzanne (Doug) Carroll, of Powersite, MO, a son, Gary Wayne (Gail) Garrison, of Covington, GA, a granddaughter, Amy (Jim) Williams and 2 great-granddaughters, Laney and Olivia Williams.

Elizabeth is laid to rest in the Garden of the Prayer.

James Barr, 81, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

In honoring Jim’s wishes he will not be having any services. Ottawa Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with his arrangements.  Private services were at Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL.

James was born February 25, 1933 in Ottawa, Illinois to Glenn and Tenney (Moore) Barr. He married Elaine Tasi on October 18, 1952 at First United Methodist Church in Ottawa.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine; four children, Wayne (Judith) Barr of Walnut, Karen (Chuck) Eiben of LaSalle, Larry Barr of Florida, Pat (Robert) Zachary of Ottawa; two sisters, Donna Seibert and Phyllis Harper; nine grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

James is laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.

Have you ever heard the story, the one about the man who was raised in Brooklyn, NY? It’s a romantic comedy of sorts. If told correctly it’s one of the greats. To be exact it’s more of a collection—probably the greatest collection of short stories that were never written down. Unfortunately, we who heard them didn’t quite have the recall skills of the Greeks, nor the timing of a master story teller. Because you know how stories are, they’re all about timing. Well this guy, Rob Ullstrom, had impeccable timing. The best joke teller you’d ever hope to run in to.
Perhaps I can refresh your memory? You know the one where the guy, this fast talking tough guy, the toughest guy in New York, is drafted and sent off to Vietnam? The one where he loses his leg in combat loses his opposite big toe on the stretcher as it’s taken off the field. The one where he survives. He comes home with a Purple Heart. Where, upon his return, he runs around Long Island and Queens with a crew of maniac friends, surviving everyday and laughing aloud for being alive.
How about the one where he moved to Florida? About how he fell in love with a woman named Pam. How they went to their favorite beaches every day, Madeira and Treasure Island, shopped at John’s Pass and befriended minor league ball players, baseball and hockey alike. How the two of them ran around in a frenzied state of fun and love along the Gulf Coast, making memories of every moment.
If you recall, they left Florida. They moved to Ottawa, Illinois after a while to be closer to family. They were married on September 2, 1984. But the fun didn’t stop there. Perhaps you overheard? At a bar or barbeque, a garage or on the golf course? Around town or around a Christmas Eve fire?
Oh you’ve heard some? Then you know. Know what? Oh I’m so sorry to be the one, the one to tell you. I’m no good at timing—not like Rob Ullstrom anyway. No one is. You see—Rob passed away on Thursday, June, 12, 2014. He did have a great life. It’s true, a full life. I wish it could’ve gone on for many more years too, but it seems God was getting bored and needed a good story teller at the table and Rob had to accept. After all, it’s not easy turning down the Lord, even for the toughest guy from New York.
Rob was born to Felix and Dorothy (Johnson) Ullstrom on November 24th, 1947 in Manhattan, New York. He is survived by his love, his wife, his partner in crime of 29 years, Pamela Kaye (Bower) Ullstrom. Rob joined his only son, Robbie, for Father’s Day this year; Robbie passed away in August of 2013.
He was the best uncle and Godfather out there and his nephews and their families loved him dearly. They are Michael McGrath (Quintana) of Glendale, CA, Stephen McGrath (Mandi) of Downers Grove, IL, Mark McGrath (Claudia) of Los Angeles, CA, and Kevin McGrath (Casey) of Ottawa, IL, and his great nieces and nephew, Reed McGrath, Elle McGrath and Olivia McGrath. He is further survived by his sister-in law and brother-in-law, Gary and Deb McGrath of Ottawa, IL, aunt and uncle, Wayne and Karen Bower of Ottawa, IL, and a host of many, many friends, too many to count or name.
And so it is, with great love and humility, that we welcome you to a viewing at the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa, IL, between 3 and 6 p.m., Sunday, June 15th, 2014 to celebrate the wonderful life of our husband, uncle, and cherished friend. A religious service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, June 16th, at the Mueller Funeral Home officiated by Father Mike Driscoll. Burial will follow with full military rites at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa, Illinois. Pallbearers are Michael, Stephen, Mark and Kevin McGrath, Gary McGrath and Wayne Bower. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Richard Gelbuda, Tom Shea, Bill Sipula, Pete Cerillo, Kevin Hamilton, and Rich McCurdy.

Robert is laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.

Mabel Leona Behringer, age 97 of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, May 25, 2014 at the home of her son in Osseo, Wisconsin.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 14, 2014 at Gladfelter Funeral Home with Pastor David Davies of First United Methodist Church officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.  Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Mabel was born May 12, 1917 in Mendota, Illinois, a daughter of Albert and Elizabeth (Ryan) Sterchi.  She married Donald Elmer Behringer July 9, 1938 in Miles, Iowa.  He preceded her in death April 28, 1987.  Surviving are two sons, Donald A. (Jan) Behringer of Osseo, Wisconsin and James K. (Susan) Behringer of Booth Bay, Maine.  She also leaves a brother, Doug (Mary) Sterchi  of LaMoille; a sister, Marjory Mudge of LaSalle; grandchildren, Donald, Daniel and Douglas Behringer, Elizabeth (Bill) McKillip, Michael Jehu and Kathy Gran; ten great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by a brother, Ralph Sterchi; two sisters, Betty June Sterchi in infancy and Jean Bauer.

Mabel was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Ottawa.  She was also a member of AARP.  Mabel enjoyed quilting, knitting and craftwork.  She dearly loved her family and was proud to have managed her own household till the age of 95!  Memorial contributions may be directed to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund.

Mabel is laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.

Carter E. “Gene” Sarver, 75, of Ottawa, died on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2014 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa with Rev. Duane Kaufman, officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Gene was born on August 24, 1938, in Princeton, to Carter and Dorothy (Johnson) Sarver. He received his degree in Civil Engineering from Bradley University. He was co-owner of Vegrzyn Sarver & Associates, and a registered professional engineer and land surveyor. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He married Donna Rossetto on Nov. 23, 1963 at St. Joseph Church in Marseilles.

Gene was a member of the Ottawa Rotary Club, American Legion Post 33, the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce, Ottawa Boat Club, Deer Park RC Flyers Club, Illinois Valley Radio Control Club, and the Streator R/C Flyers. He was a former board member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Ottawa Boat Club. A life-long tennis player, he was a member of the former Illinois Valley Racquet Club. He could often be found at the courts either playing tennis or cheering for his grandsons.

Gene is laid to rest in the Garden of Devotion.

Gladys I. Lewis, age 93, of Ottawa, formerly of LaSalle and Dayton, passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at the Ottawa Pavilion.  Funeral services will be held at Noon Friday, June 6^th at Gladfelter Funeral Home with Reverend Duane Kaufman officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to service time Friday at the funeral home.  Pallbearers will be Terry and Dennis Tisdale, Harvey and Cody Blue, Tim Gage and Pat Gash.  Honorary pallbearer will be Ricky Blue.

Gladys was born June 7, 1920 in Ottawa, Illinois, a daughter of Douglas and May Foley.  She married William Gash, who preceded her in death.  She later married Forrest Lewis who also preceded her in death.  Surviving are her children, Sheila Blue of Marseilles, Bill Gash of Peru and Barbara Blanford of Buda; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and fourteen step-great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, George and Otha Foley and two sisters, Ermil Carlson and Verna Grafton.

Gladys was a member of the Shooting Park Road Baptist Church in Peru.  She was a retired housekeeper in the OB department at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley.  Gladys was a member of the Dayton Women’s Club.  She enjoyed playing cards and dancing.  She was known for her quick wit, and always had a joke to tell.  She dearly loved her family, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gladys is laid to rest in the Garden of Hymns.

Bruce Crum, 65, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at the Morris Hospital.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, May 31, 2014 at Ottawa Funeral Home with a procession to Oakwood Memorial Park for a committal service immediately following. with Rev. Duane Kaufman officiating. Visitation will be Friday, May 30, 2014 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home.

Bruce was born July 2, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois to Harry and Nora (Pernini) Crum. He married Janice Broughton, in Woodstock, on August 28, 1981. She passed away July 11, 1999. He married Kathie Dyer on May 24, 2013 in Ottawa.

Bruce served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was self employed. He was a member of the Twin Rivers Rider’s Club, NRA, Seventh Day Adventist Church in Sheridan, and the Ottawa Moose Lodge.

He is survived by his wife; two sons, Dominick (Laurie) Crum of Ottawa, Marrico (Patty) Crum of Sandwich; a daughter, Nikki Bre of Dallas TX; four grandchildren, Travis, Bethany, Taylor, and Dani; a great-granddaughter, Dahlila; a brother Harry (Sandy) Crum Jr. of Marseilles; and a sister Sandra (Koukla) McLaughlin of Princeton.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his first wife Janice Crum.

Motorcycle enthusiasts, friends, and associates are encouraged to ride their motorcycles in the funeral procession.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Bruce is laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.