February 2015

Michael J. Mente, 65, of Ottawa, died on Thursday morning, February 19, 2015 at OSF Medical Center in Ottawa.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 23, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Corey Krengiel, St. Columba Church, officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, at the funeral home.

Michael was born on March 16, 1949 in LaSalle to Valentine and Rena (Tamborini) Mente. He was a graduate of St. Bede Academy and IVCC. Michael married Jackie (White) Branson on December 16, 1995 in Ottawa. He was the owner of MJ’s Pub and Grill in Oglesby and former owner of the Vermilion Inn, Photo Press and Jac’s Convenient and Cafe. Michael was a member of the National Guard for 6 years as well as the Elks Club and various other organizations throughout his life. Michael enjoyed golf, spending time with family and friends, working in his yard on his green machine with neighbors, loved music and in his former years he was a band member of Kracker Barrel Komplex.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie, of Ottawa, 2 stepsons, Brian and Kevin Branson, of Ottawa, 1 brother, Robert (Charlene) Mente, of Oglesby, sister-in-law Shari White, of Ottawa, nephews Chad Mente, of Oglesby, Neil Mente, of Arizona, Ricky White, of California and nieces, Leigh-Ann (Joe) Soucie, of Aurora, Tara Leigh (White) Kubiak, of Ottawa, Alexandria (Seth) Dale and Bianca White of California and Halee Mente of Oglesby as well as several great nieces and one great nephew.

He was preceded in death by his son Christopher Mente and his parents.

Pallbearers will be Chad Mente, George Kasap, Tim Armstrong, Stan, Steve & Rick White.

Memorials may be directed to Easter Seals or Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Michael is laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

Melva Hartshorn, age 91, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, February 14, 2015 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Funeral services celebrating her life will be held Friday morning, February 20, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Gladfelter Funeral Home with Pastor Curtis Starner of Erven Avenue Baptist Church of Streator officiating.  Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. till service time Friday morning at the funeral home.  Pallbearers will be Sean, Dustin, and Doug Tellefson, George and Shane Sater, and Michael McConville.

Melva was born November 27, 1923 in Sheridan, the daughter of Harry and Pearl (Kniffin) Brady.  She married Herbert “Tony” Hartshorn October 14, 1950 in Ottawa.  He preceded her in death December 10, 2001.  Melva is survived by her children, Richard (Helen) Hartshorn of Streator and Marlene (Greg) Tellefson of Ottawa; four grandchildren, Loretta (Tim) Coplin, Michele (Michael) McConville, and Dustin and Sean Tellefson; one great grandson, Zach (Christina) Coplin; one great great granddaughter, Aubrey Coplin; and a sister, Thelma Grace Bartel of Las Vegas, Nevada.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul and Wendell and two sisters, Vivian and Anna Louise.

Melva was a member of the First United Methodist Church.  She was also a member of the Ottawa Women of the Moose.  She was retired from Blackley Cleaners.  Melva loved flowers, red roses being her favorite.  She was also a devoted Cubs fan.  Family was of the utmost importance to Melva and she cherished her time spent with her grandchildren.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Melva is laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

Loretta (Hetelle) Magelli, 88, of Ottawa, Illinois passed away Saturday, February 14, 2015 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral Ceremony will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, February 19, 2015 at Ottawa Funeral Home with Rev. Gene Owsley officiating. Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at Ottawa Funeral Home. She will be buried in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Loretta was born August 9, 1926 in Ottawa, Illinois to Peter and Mary (Niehaus) Carrier. She married Kenneth Hetelle January 4, 1947; he passed away November 12, 1980. She then married Stephen Magelli August 16, 1984; he passed away June 22, 2006. She worked for Luminous Dial, Seneca Shipyards, Libby Owens, Carson Pierre Scott restaurant, the Elks, and was a house wife for many years. During her life she enjoyed dancing, bowling, bingo, fishing, and she loved listening to big band music. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Ottawa and was active with many women’s groups.

She is survived by three children, Carol (Reg) Ator, Mark (Anne) Hetelle, and Kathy (Ron) Hermann; one step-son, Steve (Nancy) Magelli; one step-daughter, Roslyn (Mike) Fulmer; seven grandchildren; four step grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; numerous step great-grandchildren; one brother, George (Mary) Carrier; one sister, Lillian Roether; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Kenneth Hetelle and Stephen Magelli; three brothers, William, Harold, and Richard Carrier; and one sister, Elma Heminover.

Pallbearers will be Mike Ciesielski, Mitch Hetelle, Dave Martin, Ron Hermann, Mark Hetelle Jr, and Brandon Serna.

Honorary pallbearers will be Max Hermann, Drake Hetelle, Ethan Hetelle, and Marty Magelli.

Memorials may be directed to her family.

Loretta is laid to rest in the Garden of Devotion.

Phyllis Rafalski, 84, of Ottawa, IL (and formerly of Sarasota, FL) died Friday afternoon, February 13, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa while surrounded by her family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, at St. Columba Church in Ottawa, with The Reverend David Kipfer, Pastor, officiating. Interment immediately following the Funeral Mass will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Visitation will be on Tuesday February 17, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Liturgical Prayers commencing at 4:10 p.m.

Mrs. Rafalski was born on August 1, 1930, in Ottawa, to Harold and Minnie (Mitchell) Chalus. She was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School (Class of 1948) and worked for many years at the LaSalle County Courthouse (until her retirement). She was married to Harold James Rafalski for 60 years; the couple wed on May 23, 1953 at St. Patrick Church in Ottawa.

Love, devotion, compassion, humor and happiness are the characteristics that Phyllis was best known for during her remarkable life which she shared with, her large extended family and many, many friends. She was a beautiful lady inside and out.

Mrs. Rafalski is survived by four children: Hollis “Holly” (Gene) Grobe of Ottawa, Robert (Kristi Blumhardt) Rafalski of Greenwood Village, Colorado, Rita Rafalski of San Diego, California, and Carol (Steve) Aubry of Ottawa; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one brother, Ronald (Linda) Chalus, of Utica. She was preceded in death by her husband (who died one year earlier on Saturday, February 15, 2014); her parents; one sister, Marilyn (Roger) Laatz; and one brother, Julian “Sonny” Chalus.

Pallbearers will include her only grandson, Brandon Aubry, as well as her brother Ronald Chalus, Jack Burnside, Ben Diss, Brent Moore, and Kim Redlich. Honorary pallbearers will include her six grand-daughters: Lauren Aubry, Madison Aubry, Kristin (Grobe) Burnside, Megan (Aubry) Diss, Kayla (Grobe) Moore, Anna Rafalski, and Haley Larson.

Memorials may be directed to St. Columba Church or COPD Foundation.

Let nothing disturb you. Nothing frighten you. All things are passing. God is unchanging. Patience gains all. Nothing is lacking to those who have God. God alone suffices. – Saint Teresa of Avila

Phyllis is laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Hope.

Muriel E. (Reynolds) White, 88, of Morton Grove, formerly of Ottawa, died on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at Silverado Senior Living in Morton Grove.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2015 at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd in Oakwood Memorial Park, with Rev. David Davies, Pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be follow. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Muriel was born on October 3, 1926 in Ottawa to John Richard and Edith M. (nee McNamer) Reynolds. She married Stanley L. White on June 14, 1952, at the First United Methodist Church in Ottawa. Stan and Muriel met while singing in the choir at the First Methodist Church. Muriel received her Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State University, and was a kindergarten teacher at Jefferson Elementary. She was a member of The First United Methodist Church and the Reddick Mansion Association.

Muriel is survived by a daughter, Nanette (Edward) White-Yong, of Sycamore, and one niece Barbara (Jim) Christmann, three nephews, Rob Reynolds (Joy), Tom Reynolds, Jim Reynolds, all of California. Muriel is also survived by four great nephews, Matt (Norah) Christmann, Cameron Christmann, Steve Parker and Paul Reynolds, four great nieces, Allison(Oleg)Kosyak, Brittaney Reynolds, Julie Reynolds, Dawn Reynolds and Shannon Rousselo. Muriel also has three great grand nephews, Alexander and Michael Kosyak, Danny Williams, and four great grand nieces Sophia and Ruby Christmann, Allison and Emily Williams.

Muriel also has cousins Don Reynolds, Bill Reynolds, Andrea Reynolds, Melanie Reynolds and Paul Reynolds all of Virginia, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Stanley, and three brothers Willis Keith, Robert Eugene and Arthur William Reynolds and one niece Kay(Richard) Parker .

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warriors Project Fund.

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

Dorothy J. (Beffel) Stevenson, 93, of Ottawa, died on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Brian Manigold, nephew, officiating. Interment will be private in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Dorothy was born on June 18, 1921 in Ottawa to J. Ray and Ann (Hodgin) Beffel. She married Ted Stevenson on December 29, 1942, in Ottawa. Dorothy was a teacher in Ottawa for over 25 years. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and baking.

She is survived by one daughter, Janis Stevenson, of Scottsdale, AZ, 3 sons, Tom (Wanda) Stevenson, of Ransom, John (Marcia Varney) Stevenson, of Ottawa, and Ray (Sherry) Stevenson, of Ottawa, 9 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted and a sister, Beverly Moore.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Dorothy is laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Faith.

Rolf Demoll, 82, of Ottawa, died on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at his home.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2015 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. David Ufkes, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Rolf was born on May 23, 1932 in Stuttgart, Germany to Robert and Else (Volz) Demoll. He married Irmgard Pesler on August 27, 1960, in Belvidere, IL. Rolf served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Illinois and worked as a civil engineer, with the Illinois Department of Transportation. Rolf was a Master bridge player and was a member of the Illinois Association of Highway Engineers and the Rod and Gun Club.

He is survived by 2 children, Monica (Duke) Gastiger, of State College, PA and Gregory (Eileen) Demoll, of Naperville and 5 grandchildren, Douglas and Chad Manning, Jeremy Gastiger and David and Carly Demoll.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Irmgard.

Memorials may be directed to VITAS Community Connection in LaSalle at 105 Marquette St. LaSalle, IL 61301, or online at www.vitascommunityconnections.org.

Rolf is laid to rest in the Garden of Devotion.

Shawn Earl Oelschlager, 38, of Earlville, formerly of Ottawa, passed away Sunday February 1, 2015 at Mendota Community Hospital.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday February 5 at Marseilles Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Bill Clark officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa.

He was born June 20, 1976 in Sterling. His parents are Jerry and Jan (Latimer) Oelschlager. In 2000, he married Tiffany Renee Tipton of Ottawa, who survives.

Shawn attended the Marseilles Church of the Nazarene. He owned and operated IT Pro Works.

Shawn is survived by his wife, Tiffany; two daughters, Nicole and Kaci, both at home; his parents, Jerry and Jan Oelschlager of Ottawa; and two sisters, Jennifer Bickhaus and Jackie Oelschlager, both of Ottawa.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Memorials may be given to the family.

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

Louella Calvetti, 99, of Ottawa passed away Sunday, January 25, 2015 at her home.

Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at Christ Episcopal Church with Father Mark A. Geisler officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Louella was born May 27, 1915 in Rutland, Illinois to Lawrence and Olive (Vandegrift) Boshell. She married Raymond Calvetti on January 23, 1936 at Sacred Heart Church in Rutland, Illinois; he passed away May 11, 1992.

Louella’s selfless love and caring was experienced by all who were fortunate enough to have their lives touched by her. Dedicated to her home and family, she also supported Boshell Interiors as a seamstress and worked for a time at the Luminous Dial. Louella was well traveled throughout the United States and Italy. Her joy was found in the simple things, serving others, tending her yard, embroidery, sewing, and enjoying birds. She was a past member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas, St. Patrick’s Altar Guild, and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.

She is survived by one son, Robert (Valery Anderson) Calvetti of Ottawa and her caretaker and loving friend, Irena Zielinska.

She is preceded in death by her husband; two sisters, Dorothy McKinnon, Ardell Ekstrom; and two brothers, Harold Boshell and Lawrence in infancy.

Memorials may be directed to Christ Episcopal Church.

Louella is laid to rest in the Garden of Devotion.