July 2016

Dr. William Robert Bell III of the Paces Community passed away Friday, April 15, 2016 at his home. He was born in Ottawa, IL on September 18, 1950 and was 65 years old. Son of the late William Robert Bell Jr. and Elizabeth Van De Warker, he was married to Dr. Jacqueline Fogarty Bell for 42 years. Dr. Bell was director of Emergency Services at Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital for the last ten years. In 1974, Dr. Bell graduated from with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Albany Medical College of Union University with a BS in Biology and MD Degree, respectively. He subsequently completed a Residency in General Surgery at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York, NY followed by a one year Residency in Orthopedics at Duke University in Durham, NC. He was later an Emergency Room Physician at Durham Regional Hospital before joining the South Boston Clinic as a General Surgeon. He also practiced as a Surgeon at Danville Regional Hospital, before becoming an emergency room physician, first at Danville Regional and later at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Dr. Bell also had a passion for history and obtained a Master’s Degree from Norwich University in Military History. He taught American History and Civil War History at Danville Community College. He also had a great love for animals and rescued and raised many dogs and cats. He was member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Danville.

Survivors include: His wife of 42 years, Dr. Jacqueline Fogarty Bell of South Boston One daughter, Allison Elizabeth Bell of Savannah, GA Two sons Christopher William Bell of Tampa, FL and Patrick William Bell of South Boston A sister, Dr. Debra Bell and husband Dr. Tom Flotte of Faribault, MN A niece, Ariel Flotte and nephew, William Flotte He was also preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Bell A funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Danville on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 1:30 PM. The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home on Monday evening from 6:00 PM until 9:00 P M and other times at his home. A private service will be held at a later in Oakwood memorial Park, Ottawa, IL.  Those wishing to give memorials should consider the Halifax County Humane Society, PO Box 969, South Boston, VA 24592 or the Danville Area Humane Society, 996 South Boston Road, Danville, VA 24540. Online condolences may be made at www.powellfuneralinc.com. Arrangements are by Powell Funeral Home, 1603 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA 24592.

Dr. Bell has been laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

OTTAWA – Catherine C. Nilo, age 91, fell asleep with the Lord on Sunday morning, July 3, 2016.

Visitation will be held at Gladfelter Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, July 7, 2016 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. with Father Augustin Kassa officiating.  Burial will take place at Oakwood Memorial Park.  Pallbearers will be Richard Nilo, Tom Vandervort, James Ortiz, Michael Ortiz, Aaron Lopez, and Carl Herzog.

Catherine was born May 1, 1925 in Ottawa, the daughter of Michael and Mary (Silva) Cardenas.  On November 6, 1943, she married the love of her life, Antonio G. Nilo.  He preceded her in death on July 16, 1987.  She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Richard (Cathy) Nilo of Elmhurst, Olivia “Libbie” (Thomas) Vandervort of Ottawa, and Corinne Nilo of Ottawa; her grandchildren, Jason (Sherry) Nilo, Brian Nilo, Carolyn (Brad) Broderson, Angela Lehmann, Catherine Jeannine (Chris) Kozak, and Laura (Simon) Fryer; and her great-grandchildren, Christopher Nilo, Kyle Nilo, Corey Nilo, Kevin Nilo, Ava Broderson, Reid Broderson, Lexie Lehmann, Ricky Lehmann, Gabrielle Kozak, Elizabeth Kozak, Justin Kozak, Lucy Fryer, and Andre Fryer; and her sister, Cora Gasca of Batavia.  She also leaves behind her dear friends and care providers, Terry Haws and Sandy Thacker.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Antonio Nilo, her son, George Nilo, her two brothers, Albert “Lupe” Cardenas and John Cardenas, and her two sisters, Carmen Ortiz and Josephine Melgoza.

Catherine was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church and of the Guadalupana Society.  She was employed at Ryburn Memorial Hospital and the LaSalle County Nursing Home where she pursued her love of nursing and assisting the elderly until her retirement in 2000.

The cornerstone of Catherine’s life was her devotion to her family.  She was a most loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  As a young lady, she left school to provide income to assist her widowed mother with supporting her siblings who were most appreciative of her sacrifice.  Postponing her own dream of becoming a nurse, she provided the necessary financial assistance for her sister, Carmen, to become a teacher, and for her sister, Cora, to become a nurse and for her sister, Josephine, to become a beautician.  When her four children were of school age, she earned her GED and her nursing degree from Illinois Valley Community College while caring for her husband who was receiving hemodialysis treatments.

She was a wonderful homemaker who created a home where love thrived.  Together, she and her husband built their first home entirely by their own hands.  It was truly a labor of love, with Catherine laying hardwood floors just a few weeks before the birth of her fourth child.

Her children, grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren were the treasures in her life.  Her love for each of them was limitless.  She was totally involved in her children’s educations, providing constant encouragement for each of them to reach their own goals in life.  She passed on her determination and strong work ethics to her children, along with her love of reading.  She was an excellent baker and cook.  Her children and grandchildren cherish their memories of cooking and baking with her over the years, especially while making tortillas, taffy apples, and Christmas cookies.  Catherine was an accomplished seamstress, sewing most of her daughters’ school clothes, maternity dresses for her daughter in-law, and special garments, including a beautiful First Communion dress, for her granddaughters.  Her daughters and granddaughters learned the beauty of crochet from her talented hands.

Prior to her failing health, she traveled extensively with her family members throughout the United States and to Italy, Ireland, Switzerland, and Mexico.  She enjoyed different aspects of culture, which included trips to the Chicago Art Institute to view works by Monet, Picasso, and other artists, and she enjoyed Chicago theatre performances such as Showboat, the Lion King, and Les Miserables.  On a beautiful summer eve, she accompanied her daughter to see the Rolling Stones.  She was an avid Bulls fan during the Michael Jordan era, and as a Christmas gift, she received excellent seat tickets to attend one of his games.  When she was diagnosed with Alzheimers, she was determined to live her life as normally and as completely as possible.  Through the assistance of the Ottawa Community Hospital Adult Day Center, she maintained a strong quality of life.  With her amazing inner strength, which was evident throughout her entire life, and the loving and dedicated care provided to her by her children, she achieved a comfortable and meaningful life.

Memorial contributions to the family would be most appreciated.

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

Dr. Richard A. Ewald, 81, of Ottawa passed away Monday, June 27, 2016 at OSF St. Elizabeth Hospital in Ottawa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Friday, July 1, 2016 at St. Mary’s Church in Naplate with Abbot Philip Davey, St. Bede Abbey officiating. Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 pm Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Ottawa Funeral Home. He will be entombed at Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park with military services.

Dr. Ewald was born October 1, 1934 in LaSalle, Illinois to Edward and Josephine (Bartoli) Ewald. He married Joretta Cheli August 4, 1956 at St. Mary’s Church in Naplate.

He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Lynne Gerding of Naperville and Lisa (Brian) Kelley of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and a son Roger Ewald of St. Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Ewald has five grandchildren, Elizabeth (Rhys) Gerding Jones, Allison Gerding, Lauren, Neal, and Claire Kelley; his twin brother, Dr. Roger A. (Edy) Ewald; and his brother-in-law, Jim (Bernie) Cheli.

He was preceded in death his parents; and by his son, Gregory in 1985.

He attended St. Bede Academy, University of Notre Dame, and St. Louis University Dental School. After dental school he was drafted into the military and was discharged as an Air Force Captain in June 1962 from Mather Air Force Base, Rancho Cordova, California. Following his discharge he received postgraduate education in Pediatric Dentistry from College of the Pacific (San Francisco), and University of Illinois (Chicago).

Dr. Ewald practiced pediatric dentistry in Sunnyvale, California for six years. In 1969 he left to do research on “Root Resorption of Re-implanted Teeth” at the University of Illinois (Chicago). He was given an assistant professorship, and taught pediatric dentistry at the University of Illinois Dental School. He also published a manual on “Application of Rubber Dam”.

In 1971 he opened a practice for children in downtown Ottawa. After 6 weeks he needed help, and his friend, Dr. Jay Kolb, joined him. Then in 1975 he and two others built a building on the Fox River near the hospital. In the late 70’s, Dr. William Wrobel came in to the practice and became Dr. Ewald’s partner. Later Dr. Gary Nickerson joined the practice as an associate. In 2010 Dr. Ewald semi-retired, and in December 2012 he fully retired. Dr. Bobbi Laun has come into the practice on a full time basis.

Between California, Chicago and Ottawa he was on the active staff of seven different hospitals. Dr. Ewald was always very involved in hospital dentistry.

He belonged to numerous professional organizations, and also the Ottawa Boat Club, Deer Park Country Club, Green Head Duck Club, Twin Lakes Fishing Club, The Bedan Club and The Notre Dame Club of Starved Rock (which he co-founded). His favorite hobbies were hunting, fishing and wine collecting.

The assignment which he most enjoyed was Chairman of the State of Illinois Specialty Exam in Pediatric Dentistry.

Over the years Dr. Ewald gave 37 lectures/clinics throughout the United States. He also made a movie of hospital dentistry for handicapped children.

His seven nephews are his pallbearers: Mike and Kirk Cheli, Ed, Kurt, Rich, Steve and Vince Ewald.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Bede Academy.

John L. Halliday, 82 of Ormond Beach, FL formerly of Ottawa, IL died on Monday evening, June 27, 2016 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Ormond Beach, where he resided for a very short period of time.

A private family service will be held on Friday, July 1, 2016 at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa, with Rev. David Kipfer, Pastor of St. Columba Church, officiating, Military Rites will be accorded. Entombment will follow. Arrangements are through Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

John was born on May 1, 1934, in Ottawa, to LeRoy and Mary (Jacklovich) Halliday. He was a graduate of Marquette High School class of 1953. John married Carol Lee Conner on April 23, 1960 at St. Columba Church in Ottawa. He was a US Army Veteran and spent 2 years in the Army Reserves. For 30 years, he was employed at Sundstrand in LaSalle, IL. Although he worked hard, he was a jokester and enjoyed playing pranks on his fellow co-workers.

Following his retirement from Sundstrand, he and his wife moved to Ormond Beach, FL where they resided for 20 years. They built a beautiful home there and John purchased the Cadillac of his dreams. Their daily ritual was to go out to lunch and explore Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach. At 4:00 PM they routinely watched Judge Judy and 6:00 PM Family Feud. They both loved Florida and the time they spent there together. Through his Tuesday and Thursday coffee club at the Hunter’s Ridge Club House, he meet some very dear friends. Special thanks to everyone who called, visited, brought him ice cream/cake, chocolates, prepared meals and just helped out in general.

He is survived by his son Keith (Lori) Halliday, of Bloomington, IL, his daughter, Laurie (Steven) Ginn, of Lakeland, FL, and 3 granddaughters: Mackenzie Halliday, Krystal Halliday and Nicole Ginn.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Carol of 56 years who passed away just recently on Sunday June 19, 2016.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the staff of Halifax Health Hospice. Their compassion and kindness is unforgettable.

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

OTTAWA – Harriet D. “Grandma Hat” Thorsen, age 96, of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday night, June 21, 2016, at La Salle County Nursing Home.

Funeral services celebrating her life will be held Friday, July 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Crossbridge Community Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Sherry Stevenson officiating.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. till service time Friday morning at the church.  Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.  Gladfelter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Harriet was born November 20, 1919 in Fargo, North Dakota, the daughter of Harry and Lily (Johnson) Robinett.  She married John W. Thorsen on July 9, 1940 in Ottawa.  He preceded her in death.  Surviving are her children, Peggy (Glenn) Perdue of Ottawa and Ed (Carol) Thorsen of Sebring, FL; grandchildren, Geoffrey (Ann) Thorsen, Laurie (Gale) Jenkins, Joyce (Rick) Denen, Julie (Tony) Morales, Chris (Karen) Thorsen, and Brenda (Tim) Butts; 13 great grandchildren; 9 great great grandchildren; two brothers, Ed (Char) Robinett of Ottawa and Bob (Charlotte) Robinett of Eli, MN; and one sister, Ruth Lilley of Bourbonnais.  She was preceded in death by one son, John Eldon Thorsen, and three sisters, Jane Jenkins, Thelma Davis, and Mae Flicker.

Harriet was the last charter member of Crossbridge Community Church of the Nazarene.  She loved cooking and baking, her many specialties being homemade dinner rolls, chicken, spaghetti, and baked potatoes.  She was an avid game player, her favorites being Bingo, board games, cards, and trivia games.  She loved doing for others and cherished her time spent with her family.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Crossbridge Community Church or to the family to memorialize Harriet at La Salle County Nursing Home.

Harriet has been laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

Lawrence Allen, 84, of Ottawa, died on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at the Rush Copley Hospital in Aurora.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Epworth United Methodist Church, with Rev. Carolyn Lukasick, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where full military rites will be conducted. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Larry was born on January 19, 1932 in Taylorville, IL.   He married Gertrude Zeilmann Clements on March 31, 1979 in Morris. He was a US Army Veteran and served as a Master Sergeant in the Korean War. He was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church and the VFW.

He is survived by his wife, Gertrude, 6 children, Paula Hoffman, of Wisconsin, Pamela Allen, of Wisconsin, Peggy Garrett, of Sycamore, Lawrence (Letty) Allen, Jr., of Ottawa, Brian (Peggy) Allen, of Grand Ridge, and Doug (Joi) Allen, of Ottawa, 6 stepchildren, 28 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pauline and Ralph Hooper, and Joseph Weakley, a son Bruce O. Allen and a step-son Steven Clements.

Pallbearers will be: Brian, Doug, and Matt Allen, Christian and Gabe Newbury, and Jim Clements.

Memorials may be directed to Epworth United Methodist Church.

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