October 2017

OTTAWA – Carole J. Woods, age 84, of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, November 08, 2016, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at Gladfelter Funeral Home with Rev. David Daniel officiating.  Interment will be at a later date at Oakwood Memorial Park.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Carole was born January 17, 1932 in Rochelle, IL, the daughter of Clyde E. and Mildred (Comparon) Jeffries.  She married Charles Woods November 19, 1977 in Ottawa.  He preceded her in death September 7, 2007.  Carole is survived by her children, Daniel Lawrence of Ottawa, Chuck (Mary Ellen) Wood of Marseilles, Cindy (Louie) Ashton of Goodyear, AZ, Diane Wood of Belle Center, OH, Chris Wood of Las Vegas, NV, Cheryl (Bill) Davis of Marysville, OH, Doug Wood of London, OH, Craig (Sheri) Wood of Melbourne, FL, and Carrie (George) Krueger of Chicago; her sister, Charlene “Nunny” Jeffries of Ottawa; 18 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by 7 brothers and sisters.

Carole attended Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ottawa.  She had been employed by Sears, Carson Pirie Scott, and Snap On Tools.  She was a member of the Women of the Moose of Ottawa as well as the Golden Girls Club, a monthly dinner club that met at various restaurants in Ottawa.  Carole was devoted to her family and cherished her time spent with her family, her children, and her grandchildren.  She also enjoyed the company of her dog, Jakey.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

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

Eugene “Gene” Grobe, 62, of Ottawa died on Monday, September 25, at Advocate Good Samaritan Medical Center in Downer’s Grove.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 29, at St. Columba Church with the Rev. Jeff Windy, officiating.  Interment in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park will be private.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Gene was born on June 17, 1955 in Ottawa to William and Mary Lou (Einhaus) Grobe.  He was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School, class of ’73.   He married Holly Rafalski on October 16, 1976 at St. Columba Church.  Gene served his apprenticeship at Burns Machine Company.  He worked in Maintenance at L.O.F., then as the Maintenance Supervisor at MBL USA. He spent 6 months in Japan learning Japanese. Gene was an avid home chef, loved to fish and hunt, and most of all enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He owned and operated Superior Machine and Repair, and then worked at Caterpiller in Pontiac until retiring on August 31, of this year.

 Gene is survived by his wife, Holly, his father, William (Zelpha), of Ottawa, two daughters, Kristin (Jack) Burnside, of Elmhurst, and Kayla (Brent) Moore, of Ottawa, 5 grandchildren: Karsyn, Makenna, and Cooper Moore, Mara and Maddox Burnside, one sister, Jennifer (Jeff) Carretto, of Ottawa, and two brothers, Michael (Kelly) Grobe, of Ottawa, and Jeff (Julie) Grobe of Ottawa.

 He was preceded in death by his mother, and one brother Richard.

 Memorials may be directed to the Physical Therapy Department at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.

Gene has been laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Peace.

Dolores Nedrow (Small), age 87, passed away on September 29th, 2017 at her home in Marseilles, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son.

Dolores was born on September 8th, 1930 to Cyril and Marie Small in Ottawa, Illinois. Dolores graduated from Grant Hospital Nursing School in Chicago in 1951. In 1952, she moved to Seattle, Washington to start her career as a surgical nurse.

Dolores married the love of her life, Robert Nedrow, in 1954. The couple met while Robert was home on leave from the air force, and they settled in Marseilles, where they raised their three children.

Dolores spent 30 years as a registered nurse at the Community Hospital of Ottawa. She was passionate about giving back to others and spent many years volunteering at the hospital. Dolores loved to travel, watch General Hospital, and anything the color blue.

Dolores was the kind and loving mother of Holly Purazzo (James), Heidi Serena (Joseph), and Robbie Nedrow (deceased). She adored her six grandchildren, Joshua, Johnathon, and Jay Purazzo, and Taylor, Thomas, and Carley Serena. She is now reunited with her husband and son, whom she loved dearly.

Family and friends will gather at Oakwood Memorial Park, 2405 Champlain St, Ottawa, IL 61350 on Monday, October 2nd for Visitation from 10:30-11:30 am, immediately followed by a Service at 11:30 am, with Rev. Duane Kaufman officiating. Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

Mary Ann Fricke, 76, of South Ottawa Twp. died on Monday, Sept. 25, at Parker Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Streator.  Funeral services will be at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, September 30, in the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.  Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.  Visitation will be on Saturday morning from 9 until the services.

Mary Ann was born on September 11, 1941 in Ottawa to Wallace and Annabelle (Woodward) Watts.  She was a 1959 Graduate of OTHS, Received her B.A. in Education  from NIU, and her Masters in counseling from the University of Illinois. She taught English at OTHS for 30 years. She married Richard Fricke on July 30, 1977 at the First Presbyterian Church.  She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and the Illinois Retired Teacher’s Association.  She was a 4-H leader and a volunteer at the Hospital in Ottawa.

 She is survived by her husband, Dick, 4 children, Rod Fricke, of Sacramento, Cal., Beth Krug, of Cartersville, Georgia, Sherry Medellin, of Laredo, Tex., and Rhonda  (Brad) Johnson, of Ottawa, two sisters, Betty Jane (Rob) Angus, of Ottawa, and Linda Louise (Stephen) Spencer, of Louisville, Kentucky, 10 grandchildren: Samantha (Jaime) Thompson, Hannah Krug, Emily Johnson, Luke Johnson, Sarah Chaves, Sophia Garcia, Riley Fricke, Taylor Fricke, Blas Medellin, and Emilio Medellin, and 3 great-grandchildren.

 She was preceded in death by her parents.

 Pallbearers will be a grandson, Luke Johnson, and nephews: Brad Angus, Jason Angus, Tim Wachtel, Tom Wachtel, Tyler Angus, and Nick Angus. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Alex Angus, Theo Angus, Gabe Wachtel, Miguel Wachtel, and Anthony Wachtel.

 Memorials may be directed to the OTHS Educational foundation.

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

Thomas Charles Conner, 48, of Ottawa passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at Journey Care in Chicago.

Funeral Ceremony will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Ottawa Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff J. Windy officiating. Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Thomas was born April 3, 1969 in Peoria, Illinois to Loren and Theresa (Connors) Conner. He truly enjoyed being outdoors and active. Among his favorites were fishing and sports’ especially the Bears, Cubs, and Black Hawks. He was devoted to his family and friends.

He is survived by his son, Cory Conner; four siblings, Tracy, Sara, Amy, and James Conner; several aunts and uncles; and his fiancée, Carol Konrath.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one sister in infancy, Laurie; his grandparents, Thomas (Marie) Connors, and Charles (Laura) Conner; three aunts, Mary Eichelkraut, Colleen Perkins, Clara Morris; and his favorite dog, Butkus.

Pallbearers will be Adam Penfield, Frank Polancic, Steve Moreno, Erik Hoffman, Jim Ceja, and Sean Walker.

Memorials may be directed to his family.

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

Janet M. Newell, 87, of Ottawa passed away Monday, March 27, 2017 at Heritage Health in Mendota.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 pm Monday, April 3 at Ottawa Funeral Home with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be from 4 – 7 pm, prior to the services, Monday at the funeral home. Following services, cremation rites will be accorded. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park at a later date.

Janet was born September 23, 1929 in Peru, Illinois to George and Lilly (Crear) Johnson. She was a bartender at Caretto’s for more than 40 years; she loved her job and all the people she met there. Janet was a huge Cubs fan, and she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and granddogs.

She is survived by three children, Pam (Doug) Miller of Peoria, Steve (Marie) Newell of Utica, and Kim (Bob) Kolesar of Ottawa; 11 grandchildren, Brett (Elizabeth) Miller, Laura (Alex) Mansoori, Lenny Newell, James Newell, Alexis (Matt) Moore, Dustin Farrell, Courtney Farrell, Andrew Skul, Katlynn Kolesar, Angie (Ottis) Smiley, and Jessica Becker; 7 great-grandchildren, Hannah, Charles, Casey, Camryn, Heaven-lee, Kaiden, and Haley; four brothers, George (Darlene) Johnson, Richard (Sharon) Johnson, Jimmy (Karen) Johnson, and Kenny (Mary) Johnson; her sister–in-law, Nancy Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Cindy Becker; two brothers, Gary Johnson and Robert Johnson; and one sister, Edith Hastings.

Memorials may be directed to the American Lung Association or the family.

Mom, we love you…just breathe.

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

Wayne D. Mucci, 73 of Lutz, Florida, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday September 10, 2017.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Columba Church in Ottawa at 10 am, Wednesday, September 20 with the Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be from 3 – 6 pm, Tuesday, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Interment will be at Oakwood Memorial Park Shrine of Rest Mausoleum.

Pallbearers will be Tony Mucci, Dominic Mucci, Joseph Balocchi, Dick Raber, Peter Cassidy and Mitchell Scavone.  Honorary Pallbearers are Billy Warren, Tom Darif, Bill Mucci, Peter Gama, and Richard Vetter.

Wayne was born May 9, 1944, in Ottawa, the son of Delpho and Helen (Griglione) Mucci. He married Irene K. Fergerson July 15, 1967. They divorced in 1978; she survives as his friend. He married Karen C. Scavone July 1, 1982.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Karen, of 36 years; and his beloved labradoodle Maggie Magee. He is also survived by his daughter Toni Trinette Palan (Jeff) and three special grandchildren, Joshua, Jordan; and Jared all of St. Charles, Ill.;  his brother, John J. Mucci (Kay) of Morrison, Ill; 13 nieces and nephews, Keith Griglione, Jackie (Jim) Higgins, Tony Mucci, Andrew Mucci (Ericka), Justin Mucci (Justine), Jason Mucci (Kathy), Maria Garland, Joseph Mucci (Sherry), Dominic Mucci, Christopher Comis, Anthony Scavone, Kyle Scavone and Michael Scavone.

He graduated from Marguette High School in 1962.  He was a member of the Varsity Club, excelling in football, basketball, baseball and track.  He set a pole vaulting record and a discus record.  He served as senior class president. He attended Western Illinois University and was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity.  He graduated with honors from the University of Illinois in 1969 and received a degree of Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.

After graduation he opened his own landscape architectural firm in Northbrook, Ill. and received numerous landscape design awards including Mission Hills Golf & Country Club in Northbrook, Ill. where he was a resident for many years.  In 1976, he became Vice President of the Corley Companies a Real Estate Development Company.  In 1982, he was project director of Monoco Beach Club in Naples, Florida where he met his wife Karen.  He relocated to Florida in 1983 and started Mucci Development Company developing retail shopping centers, self storage facilities and custom homes on Tampa Bay,   in addition he and his wife developed, owned and operated several Subway restaurants.

Wayne loved fishing at his summer home on the Flambeau Flowage in northern Wisconsin.  He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed golfing with his wife as well as attending many golf outings with his Sig Tau buddies.  He was a talented artist and designed many soft sculptures, quilts and holiday crafts.  He and his wife enjoyed travels which included visiting antique malls, flea markets and arts and craft shows.

He was preceeded in death by his parents, Delpho and Helen (Griglione) Mucci; brothers Jack and Jim; Grandparents, Eugene and Florence (Torri) Mucci and Babtista and Katherine (Shank) Griglione; and many aunts and uncles.

Wayne will be deeply missed by all.  May God Bless his Memory.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

Wayne has been laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Prayer.

Marie Keiber, 90, of Streator, formerly of Ottawa, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Parker Nursing and Rehab Center in Streator.  Funeral Services will be Monday, September 18, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church in Ottawa with Pastor Carolyn Lukasick officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.  Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m.  on Monday until the time of service at church.  Mueller Funeral Home of Ottawa is in charge of arrangements.

Marie was born on August 13, 1927 in Streator to Edward and Gertha (Gwinn) Wilkinson. She  graduated from Streator High School, class of 1946, and worked as an insurance agent for Ieuter Insurance Agency in Ottawa for many years. She was a member of the Epworth United Methodist Church, March of Dimes, Ottawa Elks Club, and a member of many bridge clubs.

 She married Lloyd L. Keiber on August 24, 1947 in Streator

 Marie  is survived by her husband Lloyd of Streator, one daughter Karla Kae Rockwell of Wheaton, one son, Rev. Lloyd (Susan Kay) Keiber of Hobe Sound, Florida, three grandchildren, Neil, Tiffany, and Megan.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, and 10 siblings, Ed, Lacy, Everett, Leo, Leona, Eliza, Phyllis, Wesley, Wayne, and one in infancy.

Memorials may be directed to Epworth United Methodist Church.

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

James “Huck” A. Hockenberry, 71, of Ottawa passed away Sunday, September 10, 2017 at Rivershores Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center. Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation rites. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Huck was born November 24, 1945 in Ottawa to Arthur and Betty (Leonard) Hockenberry. He worked at Sexton’s Garbage Disposal for many years, before going to work for Labors Local 911. Huck enjoyed hunting, fishing, and listening to hard rock music. He was an avid Chicago Bears Fan.

He is survived by three sisters, Deborah (Michael) Hecht, Susan (Glenn) Thompson, and Pamela Hockenberry; one brother, Lance (Cindy) Hockenberry; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Julie Hockenberry; one brother, Craig Hockenberry; a nephew, Brian Thompson; and a great-nephew, Tyler Thompson.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

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