Monthly Archives

October 2018

Donald O’Connell, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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Donald O’Connell, 84, of Ottawa, died on October 19, 2018 at the Ottawa Pavilion.  Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. David Daniel, Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Donald was born on August 23, 1934 in Ottawa, son of Virginia O’Connell. He married Nancy Sommerville on August 21, 1953 in Scottsburg, IN. Donald was a truck mechanic for Butternut Bread and Sunbeam. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and Loyal Order of the Moose #960.

He is survived by 2 children, William (Judy) O’Connell, of Ottawa and Mark (Leslie) O’Connell, of Hayward, WI, 3 grandchildren, Brian O’Connell, Matthew (Melissa) O’Connell, and Travis (Cindy) O’Connell, 4 great grandchildren, Gwyneth, Vyvienn, Tanner, and Madalynn, a step brother, Joseph O’Connell, of AZ,  and 2 sisters, Patty (Jerry) Miskell, and Shirley Sigler, both of Marseilles.

He was preceded in death by his wife on August 22, 2001.

Pallbearers will be Brian, Matthew, and Travis O’Connell, Bob Boldt, Gary Pitts, and Mickey Lawsha. Honorary Pallbearer will be Tanner O’Connell.

Memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice.

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

Marilyn Lucille (Olson) Brooks, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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Marilyn Lucille (Olson) Brooks, 90, of Ottawa, died on Tuesday night, October 16, 2018 at her home, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, October 22, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Rev. David Ufkes, officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Marilyn was born on March 20, 1928 in Minooka, to Edward and Mabel (Olson) Olson. She was a graduate of Newark High School. Marilyn married Farrell Maurice Brooks on December 23, 1948 in Joliet. She was an office manager for over 30 years. Marilyn was a member of the Illinois Norsk Rosemalers Association, Trinity Lutheran Church, Zonta, Ottawa Food Pantry, Founding Board member of Community Food Basket, volunteered at the hospital, and volunteered at numerous positions at the church. She was an artist of Norwegian Rosemaling, and also enjoyed gardening, cooking, reading, traveling, and especially loved family activities.

She is survived by 3 children, Linda Brooks Garmon, of Mapleton, IL, Susan (Randee) Brooks Savage, of Geneva, and Alan Brooks, of Ottawa, 5 grandchildren, Megan (Bob) Miller, Greg (Melissa) Garmon, Samantha Brooks, Ben (Alaine) Savage, and Matt Savage, a brother Duane Olson, and 2 sisters Donna Jornlin and Norma Cridge.

She was preceded in death by her husband Farrell, 2 grandsons, Keaton Alan Brooks, and Nicholas Paul Savage, son-in-law Donald Duane Garmon, a sister Darla Feuss, and brothers Edward and Dale Olson.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church or the Community Food Basket.

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

Marjorie (Jaeger) Bond, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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PHOENIX, Ariz. — Marjorie (Jaeger) Bond, 87, of Phoenix, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 12, at Adagio Luxury 4 group home in Phoenix with family surrounding her.

Celebration of Life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at Oakwood Memorial Park Mausoleum in Ottawa.

 Marjorie was born May 5, 1931, in Ottawa, to Albert and Marjorie (Green) Jaeger. She married Sheridan (Shady) Stark in 1968 in Ottawa. He later passed away in April 1989. She then went on to marry Robert Bond in 1995 in Ottawa. He later passed away in July 2004 in Ottawa.

Marjorie, or “Toots,” which became a nickname of hers, was a very caring, fun-loving, compassionate lady, who loved people and that was proven in the many jobs that she held over her years. She was most noticeably known for her work as a glass worker at Libby-Owens-Ford in Naplate. She retired from the Daily Times newspaper in Ottawa before moving out to Arizona to be with family in 2010.

She was a key member of First United Methodist Church in Ottawa, was a Susan G. Komen walker for breast cancer and later volunteered at Banner Boswell Hospital in Sun City, Ariz.

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

James Charles “Jim” Mustered, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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James Charles “Jim” Mustered, 85, of Ottawa passed away peacefully Friday, October 5, 2018 at Turtle Flambeau Flowage in Springstead, WI.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am Friday, October 12, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Church with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm, Thursday, October 11 at Ottawa Funeral Home, with prayers at 3:45. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park at a later date.

Jim was born December 13, 1932 in Ottawa to Howard Dale and Anna (Garland) Mustered. He served as a PFC in the United States Army during the Korean War. When he returned home, he married the love of his life, Frances Yarusinsky. He began working at Libby Owens Ford. Over the years he worked as a real estate agent and appraiser. He served as a Chairman of the LaSalle County Financial Board, on the board at Financial Plus Credit Union, and the Board of Review for LaSalle County. He was a member of the Ottawa Rescue Squad, the VFW, and the Knights of Columbus.

Jim loved to spend time at his family’s cabin on Round Lake in Minnesota. He was an avid fisherman and loved the outdoors, and gardening and shared that passion with his children and grandchildren. When he wasn’t on the water or in the woods, he was at a game rooting on, not only his grandkids, but also their teammates to “Get ‘er done!”

Jim and his wife, Fran, loved to travel together. After they retired, they were able to visit the countries of their heritage-Ireland and the Czech Republic. The void that her passing left impacted him greatly.

Jim’s Catholic faith was very important to him. If you stopped by to visit, he was usually praying his rosary. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Ottawa.

He is survived by his children, Dale (Maryann) Mustered, Michael (Pam) Mustered, Mary Wiesbrock, and Paul (Sarah) Mustered, all of Ottawa; seven grandchildren, Jamie (Joey) McNinch, Molly (Casey) Baker, Jimmy Mustered, Sarah (Vince) Evola, Leah (Brian) Hodgson, Lily Anne Mustered, and Johnathon Alexander Mustered; and eight great-grandchildren, Andrew, Evan, Olivia, Adam, Grant, Creighton, Shiloh, and Summer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Fran; and four siblings, Junior, Pete, and John Mustered, and Sandy Adams.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Mustered, Andrew and Evan Evola, Jacob Serby, Robert Adams, and Adam Clark.

Honorary pallbearer will be Johnathon Mustered.

Jim’s most recent passion was the I & M Canal Rewatering Project. Donations can be made in his honor to the Ottawa Canal Association, PO Box 2194, Ottawa, IL 61350.

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

Michael A. Anderson, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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Michael A. Anderson, 68, of Marseilles passed away Monday, October 1, 2018 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Funeral Services will be held at 6pm, Sunday, October 7 at Ottawa Funeral Home with Rev. Duane Kaufman officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 6pm, prior to services, Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. 

Mike was born August 9, 1950 in Ottawa to Ralph and Emma Anderson. He married Cora Harden on February 6, 1991 in Marinette, WI. Mike was a proud member of the United States National Guard, serving for six years. He worked in construction for over 20 years. He loved fishing and music, especially playing the guitar. He was a huge fan of old Chuck Norris and Sylvester Stallone movies. Mike loved making people laugh, and he loved his family.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Cora; two children, Mike (Katie) Anderson of Ottawa and Amanda (Josh Schemel) of German Valley; and five siblings, Ronnie Anderson, Mary Olson, Pattie Anderson, Irene Donahue, and Lori Effort.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Emma; one son, Bradley Anderson; and six siblings, JoAnne Hughes, Ralph Anderson, Roxy Scerine, Sharon Fessler, Marty Anderson, and Fred Anderson.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

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

Donald E. Rexroat, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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Donald E. Rexroat, 68, of Ottawa passed away Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at Regency Care of Morris. Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation rites. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park at a later date.

Don was born February 8, 1950, in Ottawa to Robert Paul and Catherine (Abernathy) Rexroat. He worked for Local 265 as a sheet metal worker. He received his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying Cessna planes at the Ottawa Airport. Don also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his daughter, Sandra (Bruce) Lampson of Ottawa; his son, Paul Rexroat of Rushville, IL; grandsons, Joseph M. Cowan, Jacob Cowan, Maverick Bickett, Lucas Casey, and Parker Wiley; his great-grandson, Noah Cowan; and two siblings, Robert (Karen) Rexroat of Atlanta, GA and Mary Kay Doty of Ottawa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Lakota Lee Wiley; and one brother, Gary Rexroat.

Memorials may be directed to his family.

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

Brendon David Kuleck, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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This isn’t your typical obituary but Brendon David Kuleck, 35 wasn’t the typical son, brother or friend.

He lived his life full, full of love, laughs and knowledge. He was a giver a giver of big easy love. He touched so many and will continue to teach us about ourselves.
Brendon was born in Peru, Illinois to his loving Parents Edward Kuleck and Pamela Carr.
He grew on to attend Columbia University and fall in love with Chicago. Chicago was his city, his passion for the White Sox, Bulls and Bears was ever present in his every day clothing choices and online habits.
Brendon also had mad love for the world of music, even at a young age he had a handle on all things music whether it was new genres, artists or concerts.
His life brought him to many places after Chicago including Seattle and Portland. He landed a job for his favorite company Nike. This job drove his attachment to sneakers, he already knew more than any man should about shoes. Throughout his life he became a collector.
As life should be he returned to his city, the city he fell in love with all those years ago.
He will be missed by all. He will be remembered through his father, Edward J. Kuleck Jr. (Christina); his brother, Mark Kuleck (Laura); his sister, Lauren Kuleck (Josh); his grandparents, Rose and Bill Carr; and all of his loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
He has joined his mother, Pamela Sue Carr; his grandparents, Annette and Edward Kuleck Sr.; and his aunt, Karen Kuleck.

Everyone who was touched by Brendon is invited to attend Prayers at 3:45 and Visitation on Tuesday, October 9th at the Ottawa Funeral Home from 4pm to 7pm. Funeral Services will begin at 10am on Wednesday, October 10th at St. Columba Church.
Brendon will carried to his final resting place by Blaise Abderholden, Chris Gelbuda, Garrett Watson, Todd Larson, Clayton Brown, and Ryan Coppotelli and laid next to his mother at Oakwood Memorial Park.
Brendon  has been laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Edgar Prettyman, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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Edgar Prettyman, 90, of Ottawa, died Friday night, April 13, at Pleasant View.  Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 20, in the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa with the Rev. David Yim, Pastor of Evangelical United Methodist church, officiating.  Burial will be private.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Edgar was born on August 9, 1927 in Wyanet, Illinois to Ralph and  Mary (Bradley) Prettyman.  Edgar was a U. S. Navy Veteran of WWII.  He received his B.S. in Education from Northern Illinois University.  He married Marjorie R. Conkling on June 19, 1954 in Bureau, Illinois.  He taught Junior High in Ottawa at Lincoln, Central, and Shepherd Schools.  After retirement he worked at Bell Clothing in Ottawa. 

Edgar is survived by four sons: Stephen, of Lagrange, KY, Donald (Dee) of Schaumburg, Harold “Hal” (Renee Kohr), of Ottawa, and Thomas (Caron) of Yorkville, seven grandchildren, Randi Skillings, Jacob, Jason, Kent, Amanda, Kaitlin, and Brian Prettyman, 3 great-grandsons, Bradley, Owen, and Ranger. 

He was preceded in death by his wife on May 10, 2015, and a granddaughter, Grace. 

Memorials may be directed to:  Evangelical United Methodist Church, Pleasant View.

Edgar has been laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration in Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa.

Marjorie Prettyman, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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Marjorie Prettyman, 84, of Ottawa, died Sunday morning, May 10, at Pleasant View. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, in the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa with the Rev. Nancy Rethford, officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13.

Mrs. Prettyman was born on May 4, 1931 in Princeton Twp., Bureau County, to Ralph and Jewell (Lomax) Conkling. She was a 1949 graduate of Hall Township High School and a 1953 graduate of Northern Illinois University where she receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She was a school teacher for one year prior to her marriage. She married Edgar J. Prettyman, on June 19,1954, in Bureau, Illinois. She later took additional education to become a librarian and served as the librarian at McKinley School for more than 20 years. She was a member of Evangelical United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, Illinois Education Association, AAUW serving as the Chairman of the Annual Book Sale in Washington Park for many years. She was a member of Omicron Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, and was a member of several bridge clubs. She loved books, bridge, and family get-togethers, where she always provided the pies.

Marjorie is survived by her husband, Edgar, of Ottawa, four sons: Stephen, of Woodbury, MN, Donald (Dee) of Schaumburg, Harold “Hal” (Renee Kohr), of Ottawa, and Thomas (Caron) of Yorkville, seven grandchildren, Randi Skillings, Jacob, Jason, Kent, Amanda, Kaitlin, and Brian Prettyman, one great-grandson, Bradley Prettyman, and one sister, Delight (Walter) Mason, of Oldsmar, Florida.

She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Grace, one sister, Helen Olson, and two brothers, Robert and Harold Conkling.

Marjorie has been laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration, in Oakwood memorial Park, Ottawa.

Jennifer Ann Stock Wilkerson, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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Jennifer Ann Stock Wilkerson, 43, passed away in her home on October 1, 2018. She was the oldest child of Trudy and Greg Stock. She came into this world seven weeks early and fought a battle to survive, proving to be strong and resilient. She became the “Mother Hen” to her sister Amy and her brother Grant. She was always supervising and protecting them as they grew up. Later in life, she also loved and supported her sisters Haley Stock and Abby Stock.

Jennifer decided to become a nurse early on in high school. She had a desire to take care of people and it was indeed her calling. She was a mentor to many young women who became nurses or CNA’s. It was stated she made nursing look easy. She started her career fresh out of I.V.C.C. at the DeKalb County Jail and then moved on to the setting of doctors’ offices. Much later, she began working at the Ottawa Pavilion Nursing Home, and then transitioned to the LaSalle County Nursing Home. She was a substitute nurse for the Ottawa Elementary School District as well.

She was the classic “workaholic” taking on many extra shifts so her fellow nurses with children could have time off with their families. She was respected by many physicians and peers. Patients and residents of the nursing homes loved and adored her and she always said she treated them as she herself would want to be treated. She will leave behind a huge gaping hole in the work force. She was kind and charitable, sometimes to a fault, leaving herself short. She just wanted to help those in need.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, May Warmouth; her maternal uncles, Artillery Riewaldt and Raymond Riewaldt; and her paternal grandparents, Marilyn and Gail Stock. She is survived by her mother, Trudy Stock (Ottawa), her father Greg Stock (Marseilles), as well as her sister Amy Stock (Dan Kennedy), her brother Grant Stock (Emily Rubio), and her sisters Haley Stock and Abby Stock. She leaves behind many, many cousins and aunts and uncles. Her sweet kitty Cora will miss her as well.

Funeral Services will be held at 6 pm, Friday, October 5 at Ottawa Funeral Home, with Rev. Paul Bladen officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 pm, prior to the services, at the funeral home. She will be buried at Oakwood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed towards the family.

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