February 2017

Alexander Muir, 87, of Ottawa, died on Sunday February 19, 2017 at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Sherry Stevenson, of Crossbridge Community Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, at the funeral home.

Alex was born on July 8, 1929 in St. Catherine’s, Ontario, Canada to William and Elizabeth (Webster) Muir. He was a veteran of the US Army, and worked in the motor pool while stationed in Texas. Alex married Anna Applebee on March 24, 1954 at the Marseilles United Methodist Church. Alex worked as a welder at Caterpillar in Joliet for over 30 years. He was past president of the Rutland Grade School Board, and a member of Crossbridge Community Church. Alex and his wife Anna gave out scholarships every year to Rutland Grade School and Ottawa Township High School, in honor of their son. He loved spending time at home with family.

He is survived by 2 brothers William Muir, of Canada, and Gary (Eileen) Muir, of Canada, a sister Heather (William) Greenfield, of Canada, 3 nieces, 4 nephews and 2 grand nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Alexander Muir in 1987, his beloved wife, Anna in 2014 and a brother Stuart Muir in 2001.

Pallbearers will be Paul Muir, Glenn Applebee Jr., John Lee, Jeremiah Kinkin, Cole Kinkin, and Trevor Jackson. Honorary Pallbearers will be A.J. Lee, L.J. Lee, Jack Kinkin, Oliver Kinkin, Locklen Kinkin, and Killian Kinkin.

Memorials may be made to the Rutland Grade School.

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

Dennis Ray Johnson, 63, of Littleton, IL passed away at 10:15 p.m. Monday, February 13, 2017 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL.

Dennis was born April 1, 1953 in Ottawa, IL a son of Herman D. and Ide Mae Reeser-Wilson Johnson. He married Dianne Syverson on February 26, 1977 at the First Baptist Church in Ottawa, IL. She survives along with a son, Chad Johnson of Springfield, IL, two daughters, Robin Johnson of Rushville, IL, Amber McFarland and Scott of Springfield, IL, five grandchildren, Sierra Johnson, Shania Johnson, Annastasia McFarland, Addison McFarland, Clark McFarland, one brother, Edward Woodyer & Linda of St. Petersburg, FL, and one sister, Pat Handren and Dick of Elgin, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and his step-father, Beauford Wilson.

Dennis graduated from Ottawa High School in 1971 and attended the University of Wisconsin. He worked for Warner Brothers pictures as a musician & singer. He later worked for Sunstrand Corp in LaSalle, IL, Sheridan Correctional Center in Sheridan, IL, Western IL Correctional Center in Mt. Sterling, IL and Schuyler Co. Sheriff’s Dept. in Rushville, IL, until retiring due to ill health. He was a member of the Ottawa Rescue Squad & was a Sergeant in the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Auxiliary. Dennis enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at Gladfelter Funeral Home in Ottawa, IL. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 23, 2017 at Gladfelter Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Memorials may be given to American Heart Association or Fresenius Kidney Care Center in Springfield, IL.

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

Max D. Boswell, 47, of Ottawa passed away Friday, February 3, 2017 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, February 8 at Ottawa Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Driscoll officiating. Visitation will be from 9 – 11 am, prior to the services, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Max was born August 23, 1969 in Ottawa to Max and Connie (Arroyo) Boswell. He married Jennifer Wright on May 15, 2004 at the Ottawa Wedding Chapel. Max loved fishing and was always smiling.

He is survived by his parents and his wife; son, Tyler Boswell; step-children, Casey Wright, and Shaily and Jonathan Omauk; one grandson; two granddaughters, Keely and Jenna Shaughnessy; four brothers, Jason, Trini, Brian, and Aaron Boswell; a half-sister, Erica Mucci; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and one son, Max.

Pallbearers will be Austin Boswell, Little Jason Gaughn, Andy Mucci, John Noonen, Arlie Rice, Jeff Arroyo, Joey Rosencrantz, and Christian Boswell. Honorary pallbearers will be Evan, Landon, and Dylan Boswell.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Max has been laid to rest in the Garden of Devotion.

James M. Mettille, 70, of Kangley passed away Monday, January 30, 2017 at Parker Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral Ceremony will be held at 10:00 am Monday, February 6, 2017 at Ottawa Funeral Home with Rev. Augustin Kassa officiating. Visitation will be 9:00 am to 10:00 am, one hour prior to services, Monday, February 6, 2017 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

James was born March 26, 1946 in Ottawa, Illinois to James D. and Evelyn (Urick) Mettille. He enjoyed riding his bike and tinkering with things around the house.

He is survived by his brother, Jeff Mettille; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Judy Hartstrom.

Memorials may be directed to Pet Project, 2676 E 2575th Rd, Marseilles, IL 61341.

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

James L. “Jim” Ramer, 67, of Ottawa passed away Friday, January 27, 2017 at OSF. St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Rev. David Ufkes officiating. Visitation will be from 4 -7 pm, Wednesday, February 1 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park, with military honors.

Jim was born on April 23, 1949 in Geneva, Illinois to George and Irene (Austin) Ramer. He married Cathy Parisot on September 23, 1981 in Ottawa.

Jim worked as a truck mechanic for 25 years for Jones International before retirement. He served in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1969-1971. He was a member of the American Legion and Trinity Lutheran Church.Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy; three children, Bobbi (Aaron) Poggi, Jamie Poulaki, and Joshua (Nina) Poulaki; grandchildren, Colten Wiley, Presten Rice, Claire and Luke Poulaki, Maddy Poulaki, Jackson, Nora, Logan, and Leah Poggi; his brother, Bob Ramer; sister, Bonnie (Dean) Anderson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law, Helen Parisot; and son, Justin Poulaki; three sisters, and two brothers.

Memorials may be directed to Fischer House for veterans.

Jim has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Ten Commandments.

Floyd B. Collins, 95, of Ottawa, Illinois passed away Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Liberty Village in Peru.

Funeral Ceremony will be held at 4:00 pm Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at Ottawa Funeral Home with Father Tony Fevlo officiating. Visitation will be 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Tuesday, prior to services at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Floyd was born December 24, 1921 in Ashburn, Missouri to Alpha and Ellacloe (Mosier) Collins. He married Mary C. Maier on February 10, 1944 at St. Patrick’s Church in Seneca. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Ottawa. During WWII Floyd served in the US Marine Corps in the famed Blacksheep Squadron in the South Pacific. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant. He worked as a millwright for many years at Union Carbide as well as the Ottawa Marine Service building wood hull boats. Following his retirement from Union Carbide he worked as a grounds keeper at the Spring Brook Marina, a job he thoroughly enjoyed. Floyd and his wife Mary were avid square dancers, making many friends along the way. They were also involved in round dancing and boot kickers.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his children, Mark (Diane) Collins of Marseilles, Larry (Kathleen) Collins of Marseilles, and Darlynn (Ray) Pelton of Wilmington; seven grandchildren, Amanda, Andrew, Peter, Adam, Karrie, Emily, and Amie; five great-grandchildren, Luke, Colon, Elaura, Darlynn Rose, and Lilly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alpha and Ella Collins; one sister, Marien Gorman; and three brothers, Gene, Roy, and Aaron.

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

OTTAWA – Cindy L. Halliday, age 69, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, January 20, 2017 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Gladfelter Funeral Home with Father Augustin Kassa officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from noon until service time Wednesday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Harold “Goog” Charbonneau, David Buckley, Gary Tabor Sr., Gary Tabor Jr., Zach Kleidon, and Donny Charbonneau.

Cindy was born September 16, 1947 in Ottawa, the daughter of Homer and Charlotte (Hessling) Charbonneau. She married Harry A. Halliday September 18, 1965 in Ottawa. Surviving are her husband, Harry, of Ottawa; her daughter, Cassandra (Mark) Thompson, of Ottawa; her granddaughter, Christine Thompson of Ottawa; and brothers and sisters, Homer “Skip” (Jackie) Charbonneau of Marseilles, Jerry “Skeeter” (Sandy) Charbonneau of Streator, Suzette “Suzy” (David) Buckley, Harold “Goog” (Julie) Charbonneau, and Gertrude “Trudy” (Chuck) Brue, all of Ottawa, Donald (Cheryl) Charbonneau of Plainfield, and Sarah “Sally” (Tim) Shehor of Peoria.

Cindy was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. She enjoyed traveling and especially enjoyed her travels to Florida. She loved dogs and cats. She and her husband had a passion for new cars, of which they had many during their time together. Cindy was devoted to her family and cherished her times spent with them. Memorial contributions may be directed to Pet Project.

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

Dolores “Dee” Thompson, 73, of Ottawa passed away Friday, January 20, 2017 at Pleasant View Luther Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am, Wednesday, January 25 at St. Patrick’s Church in Ottawa, with Rev. Tony Fevlo officiating. Visitation will be from 4 – 7 pm, Tuesday, January 24 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Dee was born January 6, 1944 in Ottawa to John and Leona (Chorzempa) Kuk. Dee was still working at Pleasant View for the last 26 years. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church. She loved taking care of the older residents at PVL and being with her grandkids and great grandkids.

She is survived by her sons, Ron (Sheri) Thompson of Ottawa; John (Ruth) Thompson of Port Orange, Fl. and Scott (Carol) of Dusseldoef, Germany: her daughter, Tiffany (Tim) Fabian of Geneva, Il; 11 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and three sisters, Joan (Jerry) Eich of Ottawa, Carol Pavy of LaSalle, and Renie (Frank) Rathbun of LaSalle.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, John.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Ryan, Jarod, Preston, Luke, Alex, and Blake Thompson, and Cooper Fabian.

Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick”s Church or to Pleasant View Luther Home.

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

Helen (Osman) Wilkinson Zellers, 83, of Ottawa, died on Wednesday morning, January 18, at her home due to complications from vascular dementia.Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday at Mueller’s Funeral Home in Ottawa. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 24, at Illinois Valley Evangelical Church (the former Faith Lutheran Church), 1611 Adams, Ottawa. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Helen was born on December 8, 1933, in Ottawa to John William and Ethel (Rogers) Osman, Sr. She married William T. Zellers on August 27, 1977. She was a life-long Ottawa area resident where she was a secretary at Seneca High School, executive secretary for 25 years at Union Carbide, and secretary at the State of Illinois Conservation office. She was a charter member of the former Faith Lutheran Church. Helen was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed participating in bridge clubs, playing the piano, using her computer, supporting her church, visiting her daughter in Texas, and traveling to 48 states as well as Mexico and Canada with her husband.

She is survived by her husband, Bill, her children Rhonda, Scott, and Tami of Dallas, TX, former daughter-in-law Judy, her grandchildren Kyle, Marc, and Rebecca Wilkinson, two sisters, Juanita (Russell deceased) Leger, of Peru and Lavina (Paul) Leger of Wisconsin. She is also survived by a stepson Tom (Pat) Zellers, step grandchildren Kim (Brian) Shute and Shawn Zellers, and step great-grandchildren Abbie, Alivia, and Cole.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Loretta VeZain, three brothers Roger, Bob, and Kenny Osman, a half-brother John W. Osman, Jr., two stepsons Jerry and Billy Zellers, and a very special aunt, Mae Staib.

Memorials may be directed to Illinois Valley Pads of Ottawa, Trinity Lutheran Church of Ottawa, Illinois Valley Evangelical Church of Ottawa, or donor’s choice.

Helen has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Ten Commandments.