December 2019

Jason Thomas Galvan, 45, of Ottawa, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday December 18, 2019 at his home.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 23, 2019 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Jon Wenger, Pastor of Heritage Christian Center, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday, at the funeral home.

Jason was born on December 12, 1974 in Streator, to Mark M. and Shirley (Tyler) Galvan. He was a graduate of LaSalle-Peru High School. Jason worked at Seattle Sutton for the last 13 years. He was an avid Chicago sports fan.

He is survived by 5 siblings, Darryl (Candy) Young, of Okawville, IL Mark (Grace) Galvan, Jr. of Streator, Michael (De Anna) Galvan, of Ottawa, Christine (Lance) Carr, of Okawville, IL, and David (Rhonda) Galvan, of Zion, IL, his best friend Tommy Flanery, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Mark Galvan, and his mother and step father Shirley and Richard Woods.

Pallbearers will be Jeremiah, Joseph, Nathan, and Jonathan Galvan, Zack Miskell, and Mark Galvan, III.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.

Myles W. VanDuzer, Sr. 91, of Streator passed away Thursday, October 31, 2019 at Pleasant View Health Center in Ottawa following a brief illness.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 P.M. Monday at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator. Rev. Rodney Kreier will officiate.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 P.M. Monday at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator.

Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.

Private family burial will be held in Oakwood Memorial Park at a later date.

Born March 30, 1928 in Antioch he was the son of Myles B. and Alma (Cavanaugh) VanDuzer. He married Carol Jean Dulian on September 20, 1952 in Ottawa. She preceded him in death on December 2, 2012.

He is survived by a daughter, Sandra (Chas) LaVersa of Plaistow, New Hampshire; sons, Myles (Joyce) VanDuzer Jr., of The Villages, Florida, Mark (Patty) VanDuzer of Ottawa and David (Linn) VanDuzer of Ottawa; grandchildren, Kyle (Emily) VanDuzer, Michael (Niki) VanDuzer, John VanDuzer, Keri (Scott) Sullivan, Anthony (Elizabeth) LaVersa, Brandon (Erica) VanDuzer, Collin VanDuzer, Katie (Randy) Tarr and Drake VanDuzer; 17 great grandchildren also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Born and raised in Antioch he attended Antioch grade schools and graduated from Antioch High School.

After high school he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps where he served his country from 1946 through 1949.

He later attended Horology School (the art of watch and jewelry making) at Bradley University.

After College, Myles took a job at Frank Jewelers in Champaign. While living in Champaign he would meet his future wife, Carol Jean. They soon moved to Streator where he worked briefly for Perisho Jewelers and then Frank Jewelers. He purchased Frank Jewelers in 1979. They would later open VanDuzer Jewelers in Ottawa (1985) and Morris (1997) and eventually changing the name and location of the Streator store from Frank Jewelers to VanDuzer Jewelers in 1997. He retired in 1990 yet continued to help with all their watch repairs until recent illness.

He was a Ham Radio Operator and Instructor and enjoyed photography. He and his wife had a trailer on the Chippewa Flowage near Hayward, Wisconsin and enjoyed vacationing there with family and friends for many years.

Myles was a beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather that loved spending time with his family. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.

Sandra M. (VanDuzer) LaVersa, 64, a resident of Plaistow, NH. since 2008, died peacefully on Friday, November 29, 2019, at her home and surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Saturday, December 21, 2019 at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator.

Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. until 11:30 A.M. Saturday, December 21, 2019 at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator.

Sandra will be buried along with her father who passed away earlier this year at Oakwood Memorial Park in a private family service.

Born in Urbana, Illinois, daughter of the late Myles and Carol J. (Dulian) VanDuzer, she was raised and educated in Streator, IL and graduated from Woodland High School with the Class of 1973. Sandy was employed in the family jewelry business in Streator when she met the love of her life, Charles A. “Chas” LaVersa one evening at a social function and they were married on April 19, 1985.

She was a former resident of Newburyport, MA for twelve years, Lyman, ME, and Detroit, ME, and then moving to Plaistow eleven years ago. She was a positive force of boundless energy and helped her husband with his work at the Plum Island Airport. She later opened Curves for Women franchises in Bangor, Newport, and Old Town, ME. She also owned a franchise with Market America and developed to be one of the top ten percent of all networkers in the country. For the past five years, Sandy operated the All the Love You Can Bear Teddy Bear Company from her home on Main Street in Plaistow, which was a business that she originated in Streator, Illinois at the time of her mother’s death, and also owned and operated Wellness Maid Easy Cleaning Service of Plaistow.

A member of the local chapter of Business Networking International and the Trinity Church of Kingston, NH, she was a devoted grandmother and also enjoyed traveling, hiking and visits back to Illinois to see her family.

She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of thirty-four years, Charles A. “Chas” LaVersa, her daughter and son-in-law, Keri A. and Scott Sullivan and their two children Kaylie and Jack, all of Newburyport, MA, her son and daughter-in-law, Anthony C. “Tony” and Elizabeth LaVersa and their four children Thayden, Solon, Gaberiel and Lisabella, all of Chelsea, ME. Also she is survived by her three brothers, Myles VanDuzer, Jr. of The Villages, FL, Mark VanDuzer and David VanDuzer, both of Ottawa, IL, and several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.

Eldon W. Goldman, 94, of Ottawa, passed away Friday morning, December 14, 2018 at the Ottawa Pavilion. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, December 21, 2018 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa with Rev. Carolyn Lukasick, Pastor of Epworth United Methodist Church, officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park. Eldon was born on April 2, 1924 in Wayne City, IL to James and Noma (Keele) Goldman. His family lived in many places in Illinois, and ended up in Ottawa for most of his life. Eldon was a member of the Ottawa Lions Club, Moose, Odd Fellows, former member of the Illinois Association of Realtors, and one of the founding members of the Model A car club. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII, and circled the globe. When Eldon returned from the war, he married his High School Sweetheart, Ruth Coughlin, in Lake Geneva, WI on May 19, 1948. He worked for Union Carbide, then American Hoerst and Carol Seward Realty. Eldon also owned apartment buildings and did all of the maintenance. He built, owned, and operated Perky Putt mini golf course in Ottawa, as well. He and his wife loved wintering in Florida in their motor home and traveling to Michigan in the summers. He enjoyed attending car shows, and collecting and showing his own antique cars. He was a big fan of the Chicago Bears and Bulls. His greatest joy was visiting and spending time with his family and friends: especially his grandchildren and great granddaughter. He liked attending their sporting events and never passed up a chance to play golf with his son and grandson. He is survived by two children, Bradley (Pamela) Goldman, of Ottawa and Linda (Curt) Hoxsey, of Grand Rapids, MI, 4 grandchildren, Alyssa and Jordan Goldman, and Christopher and Lisa Hoxsey, and a great granddaughter, Sydney Eick. He was preceded in death by his wife on December 8, 2014, a sister Bernice, two brothers, Aubrey and Byford Goldman, and several nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Byf and his wife Bev. Memorials may be directed to the family.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Devotion.

Gary Ray McMichael, 67, of Wedron, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2019 at his home.

Visitation will be 4-7:00 PM Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa. Private graveside services will be in Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa with full military rites conducted by the American Legion Post 33 Veterans Group Honor Guard.

Mr. McMichael was born April 11, 1952 in Ottawa to George and Annabelle (Cox) McMichael. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving from 1971 to 1973 in Vietnam aboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy.

Mr. McMichael enjoyed outdoor activities, including gardening and working on cars. He was a self-employed mechanic. He also enjoyed western movies. He was retired from Libbey-Owens-Ford.

Survivors include his former wife, Susan Green McMichael of Columbia, MO; three sons, Gary (Dana) McMichael Jr. of St. Louis, MO, Richard (Kayla) McMichael of Kansas City, KS and Christopher McMichael of Columbia, MO; three grandchildren, Christopher, Lena and Caitlin; his sister, Kathy Saager of New Raymer, CO; his brother, Richard “Rick” (Linda) McMichael of Loveland, CO and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Eugene E. Renkosik, 88, of Ottawa, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 2, 2019 at St. Columba Church, with Rev. David Kipfer, Pastor, 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 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with liturgical prayers at 1:45 p.m.

Gene was born on August 16, 1931 in LaSalle to Frank and Eugenia (Studinski) Renkosik. He was a graduate of L-P High School. Gene worked as a machinist at Burns Machine and later in auto sales at Ottawa Ford. He married Rosie Smith on July 16, 1955 at St. Hyacinth Church in LaSalle. Gene was a veteran of the US Air Force and served in Korea. He was a member of St. Columba Church, the American Legion Post 33, past commander at the VFW, AMVets, Knights of Columbus, Honor Guard and Color Guard, and volunteered at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

He is survived by his wife, Rosie, three children, Keith (Kelly) Renkosik, of Davenport, IA, Patricia (Kevin) Knoblauch, of Ottawa, and Allen Renkosik, of Ottawa, 8 grandchildren, John (Jennifer) Craig, Steve (Andrea) Craig, Paul (Breck) Craig, Nick Renkosik, Kristy Renkosik, Kari Renkosik, Jessica Renkosik, Cody (Chanel) Renkosik and 20 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son William Renkosik, 5 brothers Robert, Frank, Edward, Anthony, and Benjamin Renkosik, and 3 sisters, Bernice Neurohr, Marie Glupcznski, and Cecelia Malin.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

Eugene was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Billy Carr, 88, of Ottawa, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at OSF St. Paul, Medical Center in Mendota.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church in Ottawa, with Rev. John Walker, Pastor, 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 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, November 29, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Billy was born on December 3, 1930 in Warsaw, IN to William and Ethel (Heagy) Carr. He grew up on their family farm during the Great Depression. In 1949, after graduating from Warsaw High School, Billy joined the US Navy and served during the Korean War until 1953. After his stint, he entered the Indiana Institute of Technology, on the G.I Bill, and received a four-year degree in electrical engineering in three years. On April 1, 1955, Billy married Rose Ellen Cremeens in Leesburg, IN. They lived in Fort Wayne, IN during his college years, with two young daughters. Rose worked in a ketchup factory and Billy did odd jobs such as working in a bakery and finding night crawlers on the golf course at night when it rained. In 1957, Billy received a job at Libbey-Owens Ford in Ottawa and worked there until his retirement in 1995. Billy and Rose loved to run and bike. They ran several Chicago Marathons, and Billy qualified for the Boston Marathon. They did several cross-country bicycling trips through Missouri, and Wisconsin. Billy loved to spend time outdoors working around the house in his later years.

Billy is survived by his wife, Rose, four children, Diane (Brian) Pouk, of Ottawa, Gary Carr, of Gilbert, AZ, Steve (Diane) Carr, of Ottawa, and Missy Coppotelli, of Sterling, and a brother Ted (Pat) Carr, of Warsaw, IN. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Pamela Kuleck, a grandson Brendon Kuleck, and two sisters, Peggy Rapsavage and Mary Jane Study.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Coppotelli, Josh Huddleston, Justin Jones, Gary Carr, Steve Carr, and Logan Carr.

Billy was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Zeta P. (Barron) Conrad, 85, of Ottawa passed away Sunday, November 24, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am, Saturday, November 30 at St. Patrick’s Church with Rev. Mike Driscoll officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 pm, Friday, November 29 at Ottawa Funeral Home, with prayers at 2:45 pm. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Zeta was born, the youngest of 11 siblings (with her twin brother John), on November 10, 1934 in Ottawa to Arthur and Elizabeth (Pleskovitch) Barron. She married the love of her life John “Jack” Conrad on September 28, 1957; he passed away after 30 fun filled years together on October 5, 1987.

Zeta wore many hats throughout her long life however after raising her family, she landed her favorite role, driving the City of Ottawa Mini Bus. For many years she was best known as “Zeta, the City Bus Driver”. She loved socializing with, and taking great care of her many passengers. She was a member of the Women of the Moose and the VFW, and was a cub scout leader. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church.

Zeta loved baking, crocheting, feeding the neighborhood squirrels, and babysitting the family grand-dogs. Her specialty cream puffs, caramels, and Christmas cookies were a favorite of all. Zeta was a very colorful character and a friend to all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Ralph, John (JoAnn), Jodene (Jake Gayan) Hickman, and Keith (Kimberly); grandchildren, Shawn Hickman, who took care of his grandmother for the past ten years, Tara Conrad, Kevin Hickman, Carlee Conrad, Kate (Greg) Conrad-Neurohr, and Cassidy Conrad; great-grandchildren, Jordan, Tyler, Logan, Bain, Glenda, Fiona, and Max; her oldest brother, Arthur W. Barron II; her sisters-in-law, Doris (Bretag) Barron and Charlotte Barron; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her infant son, Kevin Arthur Conrad; and her siblings, Francis “Manny” Barron, Lawrence “Butch” Barron, Paul “Bud” Barron, Dr. John Barron (her twin), Lorraine Barber, Shirley Miller, Adele Schott, Ruth Turner, Donna Barron along with her good friends Dorothy DeBernardi and Ruth Leason.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren Shawn Hickman, Kevin Hickman, Cassidy Conrad, her nephews Robert Conrad, Mark Barron, and Brent Barron, along with family friends Jake Gayan, and Chuck Brue. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren Tara Conrad, Carlee Conrad, Kate Conrad-Neurohr, and Greg Neurohr.

Zeta was laid to rest in the Garden of the Ten Commandments.

Jean (Poulaki) “Helen” Riccolo, 71, of Ottawa passed away Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Dwight.

A memorial service will be at 12:30 pm Monday, September 30, 2019 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Visitation will be 11:00 – 12:30, prior to services, on Monday, September 30, 2019 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park at a later date.

Jean was born July 12, 1948, in Ottawa, IL, to Lambro and Naomi (Bounds) Poulaki. Jean loved golfing, being outside in the sun, gardening, and swimming. She enjoyed listening to music and going to lunch and reconnecting with old classmates and work friends. Jean was a loving mother and grandmother, and she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren

She is survived by her children, Jodi (Bernie) Baldauf and Jason (Crissy) Livingston; nine grandchildren, Sidney (AJ) Mau, Skylar Krople, Savannah Baldauf, Conor Livingston, Blaine Livingston, Madison Hughes, Wyatt Baldauf, Megan Livingston, Kenzie Livingston; her twin brother, Jim “Greek” (Colleen) Poulaki; and her sister, Judy Denbo.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents.

Jean was laid to rest in the Garden of the Ten Commandments.

Howard Bell, 81, passed away Sunday, December 8, 2019 at his home in Rochelle, Illinois.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, December 12th, 2019 in the chapel at the Shine of Rest Mausoleum at 1 p.m. with Rev. Rob Hamilton and Rev. Dave Rogula, of First United Methodist Church, in Rochelle, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Visitation will be private. Arrangements are through the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Howard was born on July 31, 1938 in Ottawa to Robert and Minnie (Tompkins) Bell. He worked as an installer for Lucent technologies retiring in 1993. He married Thelma Mae Parker on April 25, 1964 in Ottawa. Howard was a member of the United Methodist Church in Rochelle, Illinois.

He is survived by his wife Thelma Mae; two daughters Terri Bell, of Mendota, IL, and Traci (Stacie Tweeten) Bell, of Creston, IL; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Sheila (Ed) Haage, of Ottawa.

He was preceded in death by 11 brothers and sisters and two daughters, Hope Marie Bell in infancy and Toni Bell.

Pallbearers will be Cory Bell, Jonathon Bell, Ed Haage, Brad Haage, Doug Emanualson, and Robert Vincer.

Howard was laid to rest in The Garden of Hymns.