September 2017

OTTAWA – Leila (Maltas) Seaborn, age 87, of Ottawa, passed away Thursday morning, September 7, 2017 at Flanagan Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Flanagan.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Gladfelter Funeral Home with Reverend Duane Kaufman officiating.  Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.  Visitation will be held on Monday evening from 4:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Pallbearers will be Pat Jackson, John Seaborn, Nicholas Kaner, Corey Hall, Griffin Gillespie, Brian Kaner, Ryan Gillespie, and Mark Clift.

Leila was born May 30, 1930 in Ottawa, the daughter of Francis Emerson and Nellie (Haff) Maltas.  She married Kenneth E. Seaborn August 21, 1949 in Ottawa.  He preceded her in death September 15, 1996.  Surviving are her daughters, Sheryl (Leo) Johnson and Cynthia (Kevin) Hall, both of Ottawa; a brother, Dale Maltas of Ottawa; a brother in-law and sister in-law, Jack and Nancy Seaborn of Marseilles; her grandchildren, Brian Larson, Kristine (Brian) Kaner, Jacqueline (Mark) Clift, Jennifer (Ryan) Gillespie, and Jacob Hall; 13 great grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by a son in-law, Larry Larson; 4 brothers; 3 sisters; and one grandchild, Andrew Hall.

Leila was very active in the Lincoln School PTA, where she made many friends, friendships she maintained throughout her life.  Her life was her family and she cherished her role as Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma.  She thoroughly enjoyed attending her grandchildrens’ functions and events.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

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

Raymond Carlson, 100, of Ottawa, died on Wednesday morning, September 6, 2017 at the Illinois Veteran’s Home in LaSalle.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 11, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Ottawa with Rev. Nathan Feig, Pastor,  and Rev. David Ufkes, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park where full military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 33 Veteran’s Group Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 10, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. 

Ray was born on January 2, 1917 in Rockford, IL to Sven Otto and Ellen (Hallen) Carlson.He married Vertie Mae Thomas on November 22, 1947, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Harvard.  Ray worked as a farmer in the Belvidere area, milkman, sold livestock feed, worked in Auto parts sales until he bought the Tow Path House in Ottawa where he refinished furniture until the age of 95. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottawa, American Legion Post 33, Ottawa Moose Lodge, Oddfellows, and Apple Peeler Enthusiasts.

He is survived by 5 children, Lynn Carlson of Scottsdale, AZ, Paul (Sandy) Carlson of Palm Bay, FL, Gene (Jayne) Carlson of Marseilles, John M. (Gail) Carlson of Marseilles, and Nancy (Dennis) Murry of Ottawa; 10 grandchildren, Chanda (Ron) Marti, Tony (Lisa) Carlson, Arik (Kim) Carlson, Andrew Carlson, Michelle (Eric) Peterson,  Krista (Steve) Blatt, Mike Carlson, Christy (Al) Gray, Chad Murry and Stacey (Alex) Burke; and 17 great-grandchildren, Dakota Marti, Kenny, Tyler, Vivian, Bryce and Belle Carlson, Noah Smith, Libby Blatt, Mikayla, Trevor and Thomas Carlson, Anna and James Burke, Brynn and Alexander Gray and Joel and Noah Morstatter.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vertie, on June 28, 2015, and six siblings: William, Donald, and Wilmer Carlson, Audrey Meyer, Robert Johnson, and Adeline Rudeen.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren

Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church and the Illinois Veterans Home in LaSalle.

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

Lester Boe, 101, of Ottawa, died on Tuesday morning, September 5, 2017 at the Illinois Veteran’s Home, in LaSalle. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Ottawa, with Rev. Tim Johnson, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where full military rites will be accorded by the Sheridan American Legion. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m. at the church, on Saturday. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

 Lester was born on July 27, 1916 in Wallace Township, to Hans and Tillie (Dale) Boe. He farmed in Wallace and Rutland Townships, and worked for Caterpillar in Aurora until his retirement. He then drove a school bus for the Serena School District for a number of years.  Lester was a member of Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church, and the LaSalle County Farm Bureau. He married Esther Johnson on November 17, 1945 in Hauge Lutheran Church in Chicago. She died on February 23, 2015. He attended the one room school house of Wallace Township through 8th grade. Lester served as a US Army mechanic in Europe during WWII from 1941-1945. He participated in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, Naples, and Normandy. Lester loved farm life, attending the Sandwich Fair, and threshing antique farm toy shows. He created many models of antique farm equipment. Lester enjoyed camping and fishing. He enjoyed going to McDonald’s daily for coffee breaks. Lester loved the Lord, faithfully attended church, and enjoyed spending time with his family.

 He is survived by 4 children, Eugene (Gudrun) Boe, of Fergus Falls, MN, Ruth (Larry) Stanford, of Ottawa, Russell (Nancy) Boe, of Ottawa, and Judy (Kevin) Snook, of Ottawa, 9 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Esther, 4 brothers Howard, Tyler, Clarence and Henry Boe, 3 sisters, Myrtle Alsvig, Alma Osthus, and Marie Low, and 4 siblings in infancy. Pallbearers will be Mark Boe, Chris Snook, Richard Snook, Tom Lamb, Joe Steffen, Ryan Erkenbrack, David Narvesen, and Amir BenZvi.

 Memorials may be directed to Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Ottawa or to the donor’s choice.

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

Brian Davis, 60, of Ottawa, passed away on Friday evening, September 1, 2017 at his home in Ottawa. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 8, in the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Greg Davis and Rev. Charles Davis, his brothers, officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the services. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park with Full Military Rites conducted by the American Legion Post 33 Veteran’s Group Honor Guard.

Brian was born August 25, 1957 in Ottawa to Donald and June (Hammond) Davis.  He received his B. S. in Electronics and a B. S. in Business from S.I.U. in Carbondale.  He served in the U. S. Navy.  He was a Chef at Hank’s Farm Restaurant in Ottawa where he had worked for 35 years. 

He is survived by his former wife, Joyce, one daughter, Tiffany Alderson, of LaSalle, 10 grandchildren including MaKayla, Alyssa, and Dontae Alderson, 4 great-grandchildren, one sister Janice Davis, of Ottawa, and five brothers, Donald R. Davis, Jr. of Suppy, N.C., Rev. Charles (Mona) Davis, of Spencer, IN, Teri (Cathy) Davis, of Ottawa, Rev. Greg (Julie) Davis, of DeKalb, and Adrian (Kristina) Davis,  of Ottawa, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Shane Lanning, and 2 brothers, Jack Davis, Sr. and David Davis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. Pallbearers will be: Jack Davis, Jr., Teri Davis, Ryan Rieuf, John Seroka, Eddie Allen, Jr., and Jonathon Davis, Honorary Pallbearers will be Janice Davis, Ray, Charles, Greg, and Adrian Davis, and Dontae Alderson.

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

Esther Opal Morris Funk, 93, of Sullivan IN passed away Friday, September 1, 2017 in Terre Haute IN. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 8, 2017 at Waltham Presbyterian Church with Rev. Joel Stevenorand Rev. Dr. Roy Backus officiating. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Thursday, September 7, 2017 at the Ottawa Funeral Home.   A private burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Esther was born August 5, 1924 in Tiskilwa, IL to Stylie H. and Lillie M. (Spratt) Morris. She married Robert Duane Funk June 20, 1947 in Tiskilwa, IL. He was a lifelong farmer in Dayton Township; he proceeded her in death August 12, 2010. Both Bob and Esther were proud of their family, including four children, six grandchildren, five greatgrandchildren, and dozens of close nieces, nephews and other relatives. The family remembers a dynamic, caring and gracious elder, devoted to her family, civic organizations, and her garden. She left them a love of reading, music, beauty, travel, and stewardship of the land.

Esther obtained her bachelors degree from Illinois State Normal University and a masters in education from the University of Illinois.  She began and ended her elementary teaching career in the Ottawa public schools, taught music at several rural school districts, and was also superintendent at Wedron and at Utica schools. After retirement, she was Executive Director of the Campfire Council of Northern Illinois for many years, developing as an annual benefit a corn maze on the family farm outside of Ottawa. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Golden Kiwanis and Zonta. She was also active with the American Association of University Women, the Scouting Museum, the Oregon IL Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center, and the Reddick Mansion Association, where she was honored for her work as a board member and chair. With her husband, Esther had been a member of the Ottawa and then the Waltham Presbyterian Churches. In the past year she moved to Breckenridge Commons in Sullivan IN, close to her daughter and son-in-law. She embraced changes in this new community, organized and directed a resident choir, and chaired the residents’ council. She continued a love of flowers with her own garden outside her apartment windows. She attended Sullivan First Christian Church and was a member of Missionary Unit #6.

Esther is survived by one brother Don (Charlotte) of Yorkville IL, her children: daughter Barbara (John) Kristler of Sullivan IN; sons Bruce Funk of Germany, Paul (Dona) Funk of Michigan, and Brian Funk of Ottawa; daughter-in-law Lori Funk of Chillicothe IL, as well as a large and devoted family. She was also preceded in death by her parents, three sisters: Hazel Morris, Ivy Morris and Vera Vucich, and her husband Robert.

Pallbearers will be her Grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to the ReddickMansion, Stronghold, and Missionary Unit #6.

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

Blanche A. Knutson, 98, of Holland, OH, passed away October 15, 2012.  She was the daughter of Floyd and Anna Shaver. She was married to Gerald Knutson who passed in 1997.

Neville Funeral Home handled her cremation arrangements.  A private burial was held at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa IL.

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

Edwin L. Michel, age 83, of Homosassa, FL passed away May 22, 2017 at the Hospice House in Lecanto, FL.

Edwin was born on December 12, 1933 in New Kensington, PA to Earl V. and Mildred (Rider) Michel. Edwin moved to Citrus County 21
years ago from Ottawa, IL. He was a retired Plant Manager and Printer, a Korean War Army Veteran, a Pilgrim of the Moose and member of Moose Lodge #2013, a life member of the VFW and the American Legion Post #155.

Survived by his wife, Norma Michel; five children, Jim Russell, Laurie Russell, Pam Michel, Kim Michel and John Russell; one brother, Gordon Michel; one sister, Norene Nelson; numerous grandchildren and extended family members.

Private cremation will take place under the direction of Brown Funeral Home and Crematory in Lecanto, FL.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Burial will be in Ottawa, IL., at Oakwood Memorial Park.

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

Edward A. Robinett, 91, of Ottawa, died on Friday night, August 25, 2017 at his home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 2, 2017, at Crossbridge Community Church in Ottawa, with Rev. Kevin Donoho, Pastor, and Rev. Sherry Stevenson, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where full military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Veteran’s Group Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church, on Saturday. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. 

Ed was born on March 20, 1926 in Ottawa to Harry Robert and Lillie Florence (Johnson) Robinett. He served in the US Army Air Corps and trained as a gunner on B17’s and B29’s and ambulance driver. Ed was a school teacher in Ottawa. Ed also worked as a carpenter. He received his B.S. Degree in Education from Northern Illinois University.

Ed married Mary Beth Sumner in June 1947 in Colorado Springs, CO. She died on Sept. 6, 1972. He married Charlene Fullerton, on December 28, 1973 at the First Church of the Nazarene, in Ottawa. Ed was a member of Crossbridge Community Church and the Illinois Retired Teachers Association.

He is survived by his wife, Char, two daughters, Sheran (Derrill) Lanphierd, of Ottawa and Patricia (David) Alderson, of Indianapolis, IN; 4 grandchildren, Katie Beth Fulayter, Erin McEowen, Bekky Grosboll, and Chad Lanphierd; 13 great grandchildren; one brother, Robert (Charlotte) Robinett, of Ely, MN; one sister, Ruth Lilley of Bourbonnais; and several nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary Beth; a son, William Robert, in infancy and 4 sisters, Jane Jenkins, Thelma Davis, Harriet Thorson and Mabel Flicker. Pallbearers will be Chad Lanphierd, Roy Fulayter, Gabe Grosboll, Travis McEowen, Ed Thorson, and Bruce Davis.

 Memorials may be directed to Crossbridge Community Church or OSF St. Elizabeth’s Hospice.

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

Clarion B. Johnson, 88, of Moline, IL, passed away Tuesday, December 27, 2016, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, IA.

A private family celebration of life service will be held at a later date.  Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., is assisting the family with arrangements. A private burial will take place at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa IL.

Clarion was born on September 2, 1928, in Ottawa, IL, the son of Arthur and Hannah Varness Johnson.  He married Donna Marie Nelson on April 5, 1951.  He worked as a pharmacist.

Clarion was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Moline.  He was a do-it-yourself kind of guy and visited all 50 states.  Clarion was a veteran, having served in the United States Army.  Later in life, he volunteered at national parks to help with keeping them clean.

Survivors include his children, John (Judy) Johnson, Gary (Aggie) Johnson, Scott (Trisha) Johnson, Sue Tackabury, and Gail (Kevin) Cavins; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and special friend, Kristine Ruggles.

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

Kathleen A. Tuftie, 67, of Ottawa passed away Friday, August 25, 2017  at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice House in Peoria.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at St. Columba Church with Rev. Jeff J. Windy officiating. Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 pm Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Kathy was born May 12, 1950 in Ottawa to Wilbert and Lucille (Gorman) Kennedy. She married Gary Tuftie on November 29, 1969 in Kansas City, MO.

Kathy retired from First Federal Savings Bank after 32 years. She was a member of St.Columba Church and the Moose. Kathy loved to travel, and she was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her husband, her son, Scott (Nicole) Tuftie; her daughter, Kara (James) Ericzon, both of Ottawa; two grandkids, Caden and Chloe Ericzon; her brother, David (Diane) Kennedy of Ottawa; and her aunt, Theresa Nodland, also of Ottawa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Patricia Tirevold; and two nephews, Brett and Matt Kennedy.

Pallbearers will be Harold and Mick Fogarty, James and Caden Ericzon, Bruce and Brad Tuftie, Tom Kennedy, and Gary Tirevold.

Memorials may be directed OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice House, 8630 Illinois State Route 91, Peoria, IL 61615, or Less Turner ALS Foundation, 5550 Touhy Ave, Skokie, IL 60077.

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