Monthly Archives

June 2016

Carol L. Halliday, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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Carol L. Halliday, 76, of Ormond Beach formerly of Ottawa, IL, died on Sunday, June 19, 2016 at the Halifax Health Hospice Center in Ormond Beach, Florida.

A private family service will be held on Friday, June 24, 2016 at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa, with Rev. David Kipfer, Pastor of St. Columba Church, officiating. Entombment will follow. Arrangements are through Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Carol was born on October 1, 1939 in Ottawa, to Carl and Frances (Schomas) Conner. She married John Halliday on April 23, 1960. Carol graduated from the Ottawa High School in 1957 and was a member of St. Columba Church. She worked as a Unit Clerk at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru, IL.

After her husband’s retirement from Sundstrand, they relocated to Ormond Beach, FL where they’ve resided for 20 years. Their favorite pastime was to go out to lunch every single day and sight-see. At night, Carol’s routine was to sit outside on her front porch with her dog and watch the airplanes and stars overhead. To her, the nights were so brilliant in Florida that she did not want to miss the opportunity to enjoy them. Also, never talk during the weather broadcast as that was her favorite part of the news. Carol was an active member of the Hunter’s Ridge Women’s Club and was on the telephone committee for the entire time she resided in Florida. She just loved talking on the phone with club members. She also enjoyed water aerobics at the YMCA. Through the women’s club, water aerobics, and being a resident of Hunter’s Ridge Subdivision, she made some very dear friends in Florida. Those that meet her enjoyed her smile and outgoing attitude.

Carol is survived by her husband, John Halliday of Ormond Beach, Florida, one son, Keith (Lori) Halliday of Bloomington, Illinois, one daughter, Laurie (Steven) Ginn of Lakeland, Florida, and three granddaughters: Mackenzie Halliday, Krystal Halliday, and Nicole Ginn. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Bentley. She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the staff of Halifax Health Hospice. Also, special thanks go out to friends near and far, and neighbors for their compassion and kindness. She very much enjoyed the phone calls, visits, cards, flowers, prepared meals, and smoothies.

Carol has been laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Memory.

Donna Hayson, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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Donna Hayson, age 73, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, June 3, 2016 at Branson, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Gladfelter Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Donoho officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.  Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning at the funeral home.

Donna was born April 18, 1943 in Ottawa, a daughter of James Howard and Dorothy Lucille (Holloway) Hayson.  She is survived by brothers, James Hayson, Jr. of Ottawa and Charles (Carol) Hayson of Peru; ten nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and nephews.  Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, David Hayson, as well as one brothers in infancy; and two sisters, Geraldine Kurth and Virginia Hite.

Donna was a member of Crossbridge Community Church of the Nazarene where she enjoyed her time spent in Sunday School and Bible study groups.  On Sundays she always had an endless supply of peppermints to share with members of her church family.  Her time spent with friends from TOPS was also a favorite time of hers.  Donna had a heart as big as all outdoors.  She was a very generous and giving individual, always putting the needs of others before her own.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Crossbridge Community Church.

Donna has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.

Ronald J. Spandet Sr., Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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Ronald J. Spandet Sr., 72, of Pinellas Park, Florida, formerly of Ottawa, passed away Friday, June 10, 2016 at Suncoast Hospice in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 on Friday, June 17, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Church with Msgr. Philip Halfacre officiating. Visitation will be 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 16, 2016 at Ottawa Funeral Home with Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree members in attendance. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.  

Ronald was born September 16, 1943 in Streator, Illinois to Arnold and Rosemary (Canale) Spandet. He married Jerilynn E. Negray November 19, 1960 at St. Michael of the Archangel Church, formerly St. Stephen’s Church, in Streator. He received his associates degree from IVCC and then his bachelors along with his masters degrees, and his certificate of administration from Northern Illinois University.

In 1972 he became a teacher for Ottawa Township High School. During his time at there, he taught world and U.S. history, political science, economics, and current events, and he coached football, basketball, and track. During his career at OTHS he served as division chair and then assistant principal, which he served for nine years. After his retirement from OTHS he joined the family at Marquette High School where he spent the last 10 years of his career at Marquette High School; retiring in 2010.

He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Ottawa, Holy Family Church in Florida, Knights of Columbus where he was also a Fourth Degree Knight, and Ottawa Sunrise Rotary. Ron was very strong in his Catholic Faith. While in Ottawa at St. Patrick’s Church, he was an Eucharistic Minister and a Liturgy Reader. He was on the decorating committee for Holy Week and one of the 12 for the Washing of the Feet. When he moved to Florida he, along with his wife, worked with Pre-Cana, was reader and Eucharist Minister to the home bound, sat on the Pastor’s Board, the School Board and was a member of the choir.

Ron was an avid golfer and looked forward to his buddies coming to Florida during the winter. He and his wife loved Walt Disney World, and always had annual passes. He especially loved going to the flower shows duplicating many of Disney’s flower beds around his own home. He always made sure that his yard was “floral ready” for his wife’s birthday on March 13th. Ron and his wife always followed the Chicago Bears and watched the games at the neighborhood Wing House with about 40 other Bear Fans all in their Bear jerseys. Ron’s other buddy is his little Maltese, Emma, who sat in his chair while he watched TV, something he rarely had time for before retiring. He also loved family gatherings and slipping dollars into the pockets of his great-grand babies.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jerilynn; one son, Ronald James Spandet Jr. of Wesley Chapel, FL.; seven grandchildren, Kristi Greer, Stephanie Spandet, Justin Spandet, Jeffrey Spandet, Scott Monterastelli, Jenni Keith-Hattalla, and Lauren Keith-Grumieaux; eleven great-grandchildren; and five siblings, Peter Spandet, Arnold (Cathy) Spandet, Carol Hartley, Carmelle (Carl) Haywood, and Martha Spandet.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Janet Sue Spandet; and one brother, Steve Spandet.

Pallbearers will be Ron Spandet Jr., Arthur Barth, Aaron Hartley, Andrew Hartley, Tim Negray, Brett Negray, Rich Webber, and Peter Spandet.

Memorials may be directed to Suncoast Hospice Empath, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760.

Ron has been laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Glen E. Gullakson, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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Glen E. Gullakson, 79, of Ottawa, died on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at the Ottawa Pavilion.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 17, 2016 at the Epworth United Methodist Church in Ottawa, with Rev. Carolyn Lukasick, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, and one hour prior to the services Friday, at the church.

Glen was born on November 20, 1936 in Chicago, to Virgil and Elizabeth (Brown) Gullakson. He married Lois Arthur on June 18, 1960 at the Serena United Methodist Church. Glen was a member of the National Guard. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from the University of Illinois and Master’s Degree in Education from Northern Illinois University. He was the director of the planetarium for the Ottawa Elementary School District and retired from Shepherd Junior High in 1999 after 30 years of teaching. Glen was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, United Methodist Men, National Education Association, Illinois Education Association, Nabor House Fraternity at the University of Illinois and the Marching Illini. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his Deer Camp friends in Serena, Illinois.

He is survived by his wife, Lois, a son Charles (Linda) Gullakson, of Jacksonville, FL, a daughter, Susan (Dr. A. P.) Rosche, of Caledonia, IL, 6 grandchildren, Dane, Meredith, Cade, Chase, Connor, Camden, and a brother, Gordon, of Serena.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son Bruce in infancy.

Pallbearers will be: Chuck Gullakson, Dane Gullakson, A.P. Rosche, Chase Rosche, Connor Rosche, Camden Rosche,

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Epworth United Methodist Church or the Allen Arthur Scholarship Fund, Serena High School.

The family would like to thank all the nurses and staff at the Ottawa Pavillion and Vitas Hospice for their compassion and care.

Glen has been laid to rest in the Garden of Hymns.

James F. Ahern, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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James F. Ahern, 82, of Albuquerque, N.M., formally of Ottawa, died Thursday, July 12, 2001.

Cremation took place and burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa later.  French Mortuary in Albuquerque was in charge of arrangements.

He married Janice Armstrong on June 7, 1941, in Ottawa.  He was a bombardier in the Army Air Corps and served in World War II in the Pacific Theater.  He worked for Northern Illinois Gas Company for 40 years, retiring in 1979.  At that time, he and his wife moved to Lakeview, Ark.

He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Julie (Rick) Ahern Wild of Albuquerque; two grandchildren, Eve Noel and Benjamin Caryll Wild, both of Albuquerque; a sister, Joan (Joseph) Lyznicki of Plainfield; and a brother, John (Bettie) of Carmel, Ind.

James has been laid to rest in the Garden of Hymns.

Janice May (Armstrong) Ahern, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Janice May (Armstrong) Ahern ended a long wonderful life Nov. 21. She died with family, at her home in Albuquerque, N.M.

She was the daughter of Mabel and Harry Armstrong, born May 26, 1919, in Ottawa.

Janice and sister Nina grew up in Ottawa, enjoying fun times at Starved Rock, Buffalo Rock and Deer Park, tennis, riding bikes, swimming at Blackhawk Beach and ice skating on the Illinois &Michigan Canal.

Janice worked at Stiefel’s Men’s Store, Corbus’ Drug Store and Block and Kuhl. She married James F. Ahern on June 7, 1941. They were happily married for 60 years.

After World War II, Jim built a house at 2207 Boyce Place on Field Hill. Mom enjoyed bridge clubs, the Junior Matron’s Club, Junior Woman’s Club and activities at the First Baptist Church.

She loved her niece and nephew, Gay Anne and Robbie Martin. Julie Marie was born to them on Jan. 11, 1957.

In 1961, family members moved to Naperville, where they resided until 1981. Mom and Dad retired to Lakeview, Ark., in 1981, where they lived for 20 happy years close to Bull Shoals Lake and their pontoon boat. In 2001 they moved again to Albuquerque, to be near Julie. Jim died shortly after their move and mom spent another 14 1/2 years enjoying family. She is survived by daughter, Julie Ahern Wild; son-in-law Rick Wild; grandkids, Eve and Benjamin; and nephew Robbie Martin.

Arrangements were made with the University branch of French Funerals and Cremations, Albuquerque.

Inurnment has taken place in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa Illinois.  Janice has been laid to rest in the Garden of Hymns.

Virginia V. Croft, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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Virginia V. Croft, 89, of Peru, formerly of Ottawa, passed away Friday, May 27, 2016 at St. Margaret’s Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 1 at St. Columba Church. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 31 at Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory, with prayers at 4:45.

Virginia was born December 21, 1926 in Tupelo, Mississippi to Charles Virgil and Sallie Mae (Anglin) Bowling. She married Donald W. Croft on June 1, 1944 in Hernando, Mississippi; he passed away October 16, 1995.

Virginia was always known as a Southern Lady. She was a loving mother and grandmother; she was the “cool” grandma and liked the beat of her grandkids’ music. She enjoyed playing cards and needlework. She was a member of the Eagles Club, American Legion, VFW Auxiliary, and Immaculate Conception Church in Spring Valley.

She is survived by two daughters, Madonna Lair of Peru, and Mary Sue Borge of Spring Valley; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Lair, Jennifer Vega, Stacey (James) Allcock, and Seth Walter; six great-grandchildren, Jordan, Brittany, Megan, Chloe, Morgan, and Averie; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one son-in-law, Jeffrey Borge; three brothers; and two sisters.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Virginia has been laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.

Merle L. Norwick, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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Merle L. Norwick, 90, of Ottawa, died on Monday, April 25, 2016 at the OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m., on Friday, May 6, 2016 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with the Rev. Cheri Stewart, Pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating. Full Military Rites will follow the services. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park on a later date.

Merle was born on November 6, 1925, in Newark, IL to Harvey and Malena (Iverson) Norwick. He was a graduate of Newark High School and the Coyne Technical Institute in Chicago. He was an US Army veteran of WWII and served in the Pacific Theatre. Merle married Harriet Godwin on February 24, 1956 at the First United Methodist Church. He worked as a maintenance electrician for Union Carbide, Libbey-Owens Ford, and GE. Merle was a member of the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Men, American Legion Post 33, VFW, Bakelite Retirees, and GE Retirees.

He is survived by a daughter,  Beth Norwick-Peccarelli, of DeKalb, a son, Dana (Beth Lakier) Norwick, of Chicago, and 2 grandsons, Adric and Dagan Peccarelli.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Harriet, on August 23, 2010, 5 brothers, Everett, Stanley, Robert, Harold, and Ralph, and 3 sisters, Blanche Johnston, Genevieve Gelke, and Donna Wurzelbacher.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Merle has been laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Seasons.

Richard A. McCurdy, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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Richard A. McCurdy, 69, of South Ottawa, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2015 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2015, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa with Rev. David Ufkes, of Trinity Lutheran Church, Ottawa, officiating. Following the service, the Ottawa Veteran’s Memorial Group will fold and present the Flag. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.  Inurnment will be at a later date in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Rich was born on May 26, 1946, in Streator, Illinois, to Edward and Marie (Melvin) McCurdy. He married Diane J. Foote on January 26, 1969 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Peru. He was a Graduate of Streator High School Class of 1964. He was a United States Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in Germany and Vietnam. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pine Hills Golf Club, Sandy Ford Sportsman’s Club, and the Lazy Acres Club. Rich loved many activities with his friends and family including golf, Fishing, woodworking, Monday night meetings, and spending time on his deck with his furry friend, Holly.

He is survived by his wife, Diane, of Ottawa; one son, Sean P. (Sandy) McCurdy of Decatur, one daughter, Erin (Josh) Thorp, of Streator, one grandson, Connor McCurdy, one brother, Jerry (Wanda) McCurdy of Streator, one sister, Carol (D.G.) Luke, of Streator, and his mother-in-law, Dorothy Holloway, of Tonica and Ottawa.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Larry McCurdy.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Grand Ridge Fire Department.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Dr. Richard Gelbuda, Pamela Ullstrom, Thomas Wyatt, William Sipula, Timothy Creedon, Gaylon Ryg, and James Malley.

Richard has been laid to rest in the Shine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Seasons.

Bradley R. Young, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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Bradley R. Young, 61, of Ottawa, died Tuesday, May 12, at Rivershores Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Marseilles. Memorial services will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, in the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. John Paul Robins, officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday. Inurnment will be at a later date in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Brad was born on October 8, 1953, in Ottawa to Robert and Norma (Lenski) Young. He was a 1971 graduate of Ottawa Township High School, where he was a member of the football team. He worked as a drug and alcohol counselor for more than 30 years.

He is survived by 5 children, April, Emily, Amanda, Silver, and Joanna Young, and 1 grandchild, R. J. Rutherford.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Blair and Robbie Young.

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

Brad has been laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.