November 2015

CASSATT, S.C. — Martha Jean Buckholz, 41, of Cassatt, S.C., sister of a Streator woman, died Monday, March 15, 2004, at Kershaw County Medical Center in Camden, S.C.

Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday at Sandy Grove United Methodist Church, Cassatt, S.C.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. today, Wednesday, at Norton Funeral Home, Bishopville Chapel, Bishopville, S.C.

Born Dec. 28, 1962, in Ottawa, she was the daughter of Robert Sr. and Nancy (Young) (Green) Leibold. She married Howard “Bucky” Buckholz Jr. He survives.

Also surviving are a son, Adam Ryan Thomas of Cassatt; and sisters, Becky Bruce of Streator, Laurie McQuillen of Cassatt, and Connie Bauman of Huntington Beach, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Robert Leibold Jr. and Lonie Leibold.

She was a member of Sandy Grove United Methodist Church and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.

Memorials may be made to the Cassatt Fire Department, 1876 Red Hill Road, Cassatt, SC 29032, or Walter Crowe Animal Shelter, 460 Fair St., Camden, SC 29020.

A memorial service was held Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa, IL.

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

Jack J. “Jake” Cassidy, age 87 of Ottawa passed away Sunday, December 28, 2014 at his home, surrounded by his adoring family.  A memorial mass will be held Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church with Father David Kipfer celebrating.  Honorary pallbearers will be Butch Carstens, John Casey, Rich Castelli, Dr. John Conness, Dr. Rich Ewald, Dr. Rich Gelbuda, Larry Johnson, Dr. Don Morehead, Bob Newman, Howie Norburg, Kevin Ott, Ed Pitstick, Bob Potusna, Ken Salzer, Al Wilner, and Neal Sherbeyn.

There will be a celebration of life in the form of an Irish Wake, which will be held at Pitstick Pavilion, Route 23, Ottawa, from 4:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2015; all are welcome to attend.  Gladfelter Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cassidy family.

Jack was born and raised in Joliet where he graduated from Joliet Central High School.  After spending two years in the U.S. Navy, he attended and graduated from Lake Forest College where he captained the football team, in 1953.

He met the love of his life Barbara Jean O’Laughlin at Lake Forest College and they were married in 1953.  He and Barbara moved to Ottawa in 1956 where they raised five children John, Tom, Kevin, Connie, and Mike.

Jack was a partner in the well-known service station Jensen, Rutledge and Cassidy.  Upon retirement of his two great friends, Herb Jensen and Bill Rutledge, Jack left the service station business to become Employment Manager at Borg Warner Chemical where he retired from in 1994.

Jack was an avid sports fan and a supporter of Notre Dame Football, the Green Bay Packers, and the Chicago White Sox.  He was very proud to be a part of the young lives he touched as manager of the Ottawa Little League Giants.   Jack was also a founder of Ottawa Sports for Youth tackle football in the early 70’s.

In 2011 Jack suffered the losses of beloved sons, John and Kevin to ALS and cancer respectively.  In 2013, loving wife Barbara passed peacefully.  In addition, Jack was preceded in death by his mother, Louise (Schering) Cassidy, father John Cassidy, brother Bob Cassidy, and brother in-law Jim O’Laughlin.

Jack is survived by daughter Connie O’Brien of Bloomington, son Tom (Cindy) of Pompano Beach, FL, son Mike of Naperville, and daughter in-law Lynn (John, deceased) Cassidy of Menomonee Falls, WI.  He also leaves behind a brother Chuck (Katie) Cassidy and sisters, Carol (George) Legan and Louise Cassidy, all from Tucson, AZ, sisters-in law Kathy (Bob, deceased) Cassidy from Prairie Grove, Karen (Jim, deceased) O’Laughlin of San Diego, CA, and Pat (Roy) Marzano of Rolling Meadows.

Jack is survived by his loving grandchildren Kelsey, Kara, Conor, Kevin, Mike, Joe, Jack, and Cole Cassidy, and Cassidy and Danny O’Brien.

Jack was an active parishioner of St. Mary’s and St. Columba Catholic Churches.  He will be remembered as a family man who was completely devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, and as a loyal friend to many.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be donated to the Coach Cassidy Classic, an ALS Fundraiser established in memory of Jack’s son John.

To sign the guestbook or share a memory with the family, please visit www.gladfelterfuneralhome.com or Gladfelter Funeral Home on Facebook.

A private memorial service was held at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa.

Jack is laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Barbara J. Cassidy, age 83, of Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

A Memorial Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 12^th at St. Columba Church with Reverend Ray Guthrie celebrating.  Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Columba Church.  Gladfelter Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cassidy family.

Barb was born October 9, 1931 at Judson, Indiana, a daughter of James and Ruth (Laugher) O’Laughlin.  She married John “Jack” Cassidy on June 6, 1953 at St. Raymond Catholic Church in Joliet, Illinois.  Barb is survived by Jack, her loving husband of sixty years; her children, Tom (Cindy) Cassidy of Palatine, Connie O’Brien of Bloomington and Mike Cassidy of Naperville; and a daughter-in-law, Lynn Cassidy of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.  She also leaves a sister, Patricia (Roy) Marzano of Rolling Meadows; her sister-in-law, Karyn O’Laughlin of San Diego, California; and her grandchildren, Kelsey, Kara, Conor, Kevin, Mike, Joe, Jack and Cole Cassidy and Danny and Cassidy O’Brien.  Barb was preceded in death by two sons, John and Kevin Cassidy, and a brother, Jim O’Laughlin.

Barb was a member of St. Columba Church in Ottawa.  Barb was known to be very well read having graduated in 1952 from Lake Forest College, where she and Jack first met.  She was quite a lady.  Barb was always one to focus on the needs of others and not her own.  She loved and was dearly loved by all who knew her.  Family was of utmost importance to her.  Treasured time was spent enjoying time with Jack, the children and particularly her grandchildren.  She will be deeply missed.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Coach Cassidy ALS Charity Classic or to the American Cancer Society.

A private memorial service was held at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa.

Barb is laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

HANOVER PARK – Kevin Patrick Cassidy, 53, of Hanover Park, Illinois formerly of Ottawa, Illinois passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, November 15th at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. Kevin courageously battled a fast-moving aggressive cancer that claimed his life much too early. Kevin was beloved by his parents Jack and Barbara and his brothers and sister, Tom (Cindy), Connie O’Brien, Mike as well as Lynn Cassidy, wife of his late brother John who lost his fight to ALS in January of this year. He was adored Uncle Bernie to Kelsey, Kara and Conor Cassidy, Kevin, Mike and Joe Cassidy, Cassidy and Danny O’Brien and Jack and Cole Cassidy. An ardent sports fan, Kevin loved the Bears, White Sox, and playing golf, but his special love was for Notre Dame and the football games he attended with his father. Kevin cherished his family and friends and was considered a best friend by many. He graduated from OHS and Lake Forrest College, Lake Forrest, Illinois where he was a member of the varsity basketball team that still holds the record for total wins in a season. He was employed at Used Solutions Machine Tool Company in McHenry, Illinois. Kevin was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be on Friday, November 18th at Gladfelter Funeral Home from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Naplate on Saturday, November 19th at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the ALS foundation. A private memorial service was held at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa IL.

Kevin is laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Genevieve Lenore Duffield Sanford, 87, of Sandwich, IL passed away on November 3, 2015 at Rush Copley Hospital in Aurora, IL. She was born on January 8, 1928 in Green Top Missouri to Lynn and Marjie (Martin) Myers.

She was blessed with two special men in her life. She married Robert Duffield in Morris IL in 1955 and was married until his passing in 1966. She then met William Sanford and they were married in Plano IL in 1983, until his passing in 1985.

She is survived by her children: Marjie (James) Schoolfield of Hinckley, IL. Roger (Kristin) Duffield of Somonauk, 1 sister Rose Nelson of Newark IL., and 1 brother Joe ( Carol ) Myers of Morris, IL. 6 grandchildren, Jason (Jodi) Schoolfield of Genoa City WI., Shannon (Scott) Sweeney of Naperville, IL, Matthew (Maggie) Schoolfield of Elburn, Nicholas Duffield of Somonauk, IL., Taylor Duffield of Chicago IL., and Amber Duffield of Somonauk IL., 7 great grandchildren; Madison, Maegan, Mary, William Schoolfield, Liam and Lily Sweeney, and Emma Duffield, and many nieces and nephews.

She passed very peacefully just as she hoped with her family present. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Anna and Bettina and 1 step son Gary Duffield.

Visitation will be held Sunday November 8, 2015 at the Beverage Family Funeral Home in Sandwich from 3:00 -7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday November 9th 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Federated Church in Sandwich with Pastor Dan Dewitt officiating. Burial will take place at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa IL. Memorials may be directed to the Federated Church in Sandwich Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home in Sandwich Illinois. www.beveragefamilyfh

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

Eleanor J. (Boyle) Glade, 76, of Ottawa, died on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at her home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday November 7, 2015 at St. Columba Church, with Rev. David Kipfer, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Eleanor was born on March 13, 1939 in Ottawa, to John and Anna (Over) Boyle. She was worked at Kroger for a number of years, and later retired from Libbey-Owens-Ford. Eleanor married John T. Glade on January 18, 1958 at the St. Columba Church in Ottawa. She was a member of St. Columba Church, a Cub Scout leader, and PTA at Columbus School.

She is survived by 2 sons, John S. (Marci) Glade, of Harding and Ronald L. (Lucinda) Glade, of Ottawa 6 grandchildren, Jim, Julie, Jacob, Tyler, Kristen, and Kacie Glade, and 5 great grandchildren, Madelynn, Brynley, Hunter, Mason, and Alayna.

She was preceded in death by her husband on February 3, 2003, 2 sisters Henrietta Boyle and Theresa Bartlett, and 3 brothers John J., Vincent, and William Boyle.

Pallbearers will her grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to the St. Columba Church Building Fund, or Pet Project.

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

Raymond B. Makeever, age 92, of Ottawa, entered into eternal rest Thursday, October 29, 2015 at Pleasant View.

Funeral services honoring Ray’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 5th  at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Garry Briesacher and Pastor David Ufkes officiating.  Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 4th at Gladfelter Funeral Home.  Entombment will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park with Military Honors by the Ottawa Veterans Organization.  Pallbearers will be his sons,  Ray Jr., Jerry, Bob, Mike, Tom and Ron Makeever.  Honorary pallbearers will be Ray’s grandsons Matthew, Matt, Mike, Jon and Joseph Makeever.

Ray was born September 14, 1923 in Davenport, Iowa, a son of Carl Raymond and Alma (Lemme) Makeever.  He married Elaine Johansen April 18, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri.  She preceded him in death December 22, 2011.  Ray is survived by six sons, Ray (Linda) Makeever, Jr. of Minneapolis, MN, Jerry (Susan) Makeever of Bozeman, MT, Bob (Susan) Makeever of Appleton, WI, Mike Makeever of Fishers, IN, Tom (Kathryn) Makeever and Ron (Diane) Makeever, all of Ottawa.  He also leaves his grandchildren, Anya Thomsen, Sophia Breitag, Matthew (Kira), Megan and Emily Makeever, Gail (Don) Damron, Sarah (Doug) Shumway, Matt Makeever, Kara (Ben) Picker, Mike, Jon (Sarah), Kathryn, Joseph, and Maria Makeever and Meredith (Roy) Salas ; and  great grandchildren, Joli, Sean, Drew, Ella, Trey, George, Jadon, August, Emily, Madelyn and Maya; and a sister, Margery Bisset of Rochester, MN.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Elaine, a grandson, Grant Makeever and a brother, Robert Makeever.

Ray was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he had also served as choir director.  He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II.  He earned his master’s degree from Northwestern University.  Ray served as band director at Ottawa Township High School for 36 years prior to his retirement.  He was “any and all things band!” as he led the band through numerous concerts, contests and several band tours creating a favored memory for many high school students.  He directed award winning bands and received numerous recognitions of his talents on a state and national level.  While under his directorship, the OTHS band was chosen to perform at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Contest, a crowning achievement.  He was a mentor to many students and student teachers and enjoyed giving private music lessons to numerous students.  Ray’s motto of “Results, not excuses!” is one that has inspired and influenced many.  He was a member of the American Bandmasters Association, was a past president of the Illinois Music Educators Association, and was a member of the Ottawa Community Concert Association and the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra.  Ray was also a member of the Kiwanis Club and was once named the Elks Club “Man of the Year.”  Following retirement, Ray continued to serve the community by volunteering as a Medicare counselor at the Community Hospital of Ottawa.  He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather.  Ray particularly enjoyed playing golf with Elaine, his wife of 69 years.  He will be remembered by his loving family and the many students and faculty members he came in contact with during his illustrious career and lifetime as being a kind and patient man…always slow to anger…always a gentleman.  Memorial contributions to Trinity Lutheran Church or the American Alzheimer’s Association in Ray’s honor would be most appreciated.

Ray is laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Prayer.

The Honorable Alexander T. Bower, (Ret.), of Fort Myers, Florida and formerly of Ottawa, Illinois passed away in his home Monday, September 14, 2015 after a lengthy illness. He was 86. Judge Bower was born May 19, 1929 in Ottawa, Illinois to the late Alexander J. and Helen Bertha Bower.
He holds a degree in economics and business administration from the University of Illinois and legal degree from the U of I Law School. He was LaSalle County public defender from 1968 until his election as circuit judge in 1980. He was named chief judge two years later.
During his tenure, he implemented several new programs and reorganized divisions of the court system. In 1983, he reorganized the jury system to a one-day, one-trial program in which prospective jurors serve one day instead of two weeks. The system, according to Judge Bower, has saved the county more than $45,000 per year in jury costs.
Through his efforts, the Illinois Supreme Court instituted one of the first computerized jury systems in the state in LaSalle County. He was also instrumental in computerizing the circuit court’s office in LaSalle, Bureau and Grundy counties and consolidated the juvenile and adult probation services into a circuit-wide department. Additionally, he implemented a conflict mediation and resolution service in custody cases and instituted an electronic monitoring system to help reduce jail overcrowding. He was a true pioneer in his profession and his positive influence is still being felt.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. After retiring he and his wife, Shirley, moved to Fort Myers, Florida in 1996.
Judge Bower is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Shirley Anne Bower; his six children, Deborah A. McGrath (Gary) of Ottawa, Illinois, Michelle L. Bower-Ono (Michael) of Honolulu, Hawaii, Pamela K. Ullstrom (the late Robert Ullstrom) of Ottawa, Illinois, Alexander, W. “Bill” Bower (Carol) of Fort Meade, South Dakota, Jacqueline M. Garza of Houston, Texas and Brian K. Bower (Melissa) of Houston, Texas; his brother, Charles W. “Wayne” Bower of Ottawa, Illinois; he also leaves behind his twelve grandchildren, Michael McGrath (Quintana), Stephen McGrath (Mandi), Mark McGrath, Kevin McGrath (Casey), Alec Ono, Philip Ono, Emiko Ono, Krystina Bower Rojas (Edgar), Randy Garza, Nicolé Garza, Amber Orr and Alexis Bower; he is also survived by his four great grandchildren, Reed McGrath, Elle McGrath, Olivia McGrath and Zeke McGrath.
Visitation will be held 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33907. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m., Saturday at St. Francis Xavier Church 2157 S. Cleveland Avenue Fort Myers, Florida. He will be laid to rest in Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, Illinois. Online condolences and memories may be shared on his tribute page atwww.fortmyersmemorial.com

Judge Bower is laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Seasons.

Forrest D. Nelson, 95 years, 9 months, 1 day passed peacefully at Pleasant View in Ottawa.
To honor his wishes, he was cremated and a private burial will be held in Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Forrest was born January 17, 1920 in Miller Township, Marseilles to Truman and Tressa (Olson) Nelson. He attended one room country schools and for a brief time, Ottawa Township High School. As his father had failing health, he chose to help with the farm rather than continue with school.

In 1945 following his father’s death, he moved to Ottawa and worked at Prairie Farms collecting cream from the farmers. He then became a milk delivery man for Illinois Valley when dairy products were still delivered and left at people’s homes. And finally, he took his lifelong job at LOF working in the carpenter shop.

Forrest married Edna M. Mooney on August 7, 1951 and they spent the next 56 years together. They lived in Ottawa until they built their home in Fall River Township. He was a proud resident of the township, rarely missing the monthly meeting. For years he and Edna collected trash along Gentleman Road. He was very particular about his property, keeping everything neat and tidy.

Forrest & Edna took daily walks through their neighborhood. Although they would start out together, Edna would often find herself walking alone as Forrest had found someone along the way to talk to. Forrest and Edna enjoyed traveling and visited nearly every state in the union. For their 25th anniversary they traveled to Hawaii. In more recent years Forrest continued to travel with family members.

The last few years, Forrest joined LifeFit at OSF Hospital. His one hour program normally took two to three hours because it was a great place to socialize.

When he was diagnosed with a serious health problem last spring, he decided not to pursue any treatments and make the most of his remaining time. Forrest was a very fortunate man to have lived so long and so well. Still traveling, living on his own, attending any & every event possible, managing his own business, and maintaining his property.

During his life he never met a stranger and was always quick to start a conversation. Having an uncanny memory, he could relay stories of 70 years ago as if they had just taken place. Forrest was always the one to go to with family questions. He was always able to connect the dots and present a complete picture. The family has lost its historian.

During the last several months of his life he coined a new phrase. “I had a good life. I had a good wife. What more can a man ask for?”

He is survived by his sister, Shirley Hackler of Ottawa, brother, Larry Nelson, Marseilles, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Edna, infant daughter, JudithAnn, parents, Truman & Tressa Nelson, sister, Kathryn Hermann, and brothers, Lyle Nelson and Lavern Nelson.

Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association or to the donor’s choice.

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