January 2020

Duane A. “Trooper” Duncan, age 67, of Marseilles, passed away Wednesday evening, January 22, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Pastor John Pickens officiating. Private burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 4:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. and also Wednesday morning from 10:00 a.m. till service time at 11:00 a.m.

Duane was born February 23, 1952 in Ottawa, the son of Earl and Dorothy (Nelson) Duncan. He married Cindy Taylor September 30, 1978 at the Methodist Church in Streator. Surviving are his wife, Cindy, of Marseilles; his children, Diedra (Jeff) Goddard of Channahon and Duane (Amy) Duncan II of Ottawa; his grandchildren, Isaac, Eden, Lucinda, and Elliana Goddard and Duane III, Dreager, and Dezlan Duncan; and one brother, John (Cindy) Duncan of Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Duane worked as a pipefitter for over 30 years and completed his career at Exelon as a quality inspector. He loved anything with a motor and wheels, but motorcycles were his passion. Duane was very mechanically and technologically inclined. He took pride in doing things other people could not do, like welding, which is how he earned his nickname “Trooper”. More than anything, he loved his wife of 42 years, as well as his family. Duane loved the Lord as his savior and joins his father in heaven.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

Maynard Myer, age 91, of Marseilles, passed away Thursday evening, January 23, 2020, at Ottawa Pavilion.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Reverend Duane Kaufman officiating. Entombment will follow at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in Oakwood Memorial Park with Military Rites by the Ottawa American Legion Post 33 Veterans Group Honor Guard. Visitation will be held Monday evening from 4:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to services Tuesday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Casey Burrows, Dan Hall, Reece Storey, Trevor Milam, Nelson Seaborn, and Luke Underhill.

Maynard was born August 16, 1928 in Wallace Township, La Salle County, the son of George Herbert and Margaret (Hileman) Myer. He married Jean Budach in 1958. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Jean, of Marseilles; his children, Cynthia Burrows of Ottawa and David L. Myer of Marseilles; grandchildren, Samantha (Dan) Hall, Jacqueline Bell, Khari (Reece) Storey, Casey (Brittany) Burrows, Shea Burrows, Trevor Milam, and Kassandra (Nelson) Seaborn; great grandchildren, Alyssa and Collin Bell, Jayton Hall, and Jasper Seaborn; a brother, Dale (Norma) Myer of Ottawa; and two sisters, Mae Thompson and Mildred King, both of Lakeland, FL. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Herb, Harold, Howard, Lloyd, Floyd, and Everett Myer and one sister, Dorothy Sass.

Maynard proudly served his country in the United States Army, serving in Korea. He had a deep interest in old farm equipment and was a partner in Myer Brothers Implement. Maynard a lifelong farmer, particularly known for raising buffalo. He was a member of La Salle County Farm Bureau, National Rifle Association, AARP, and the American Legion of Ottawa. Maynard loved his family very much and cherished time spent with them.

He was laid to rest in the Sanctuary of Hope.

Theresa Nodland, 102, of Ottawa, IL, passed away Monday, January 20, 2020 at Ottawa Pavilion.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am Friday, January 24 at St. Columba Church, with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be prior to the Mass on Friday from 9:00 am – 10:30 am at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Shrine of Rest Mausoleum.

Theresa was born August 8, 1917, in Ottawa, IL, to Thomas Kennedy and Marie Cresto . She married Donald Nodland on April 22,1950 at St. Columba Church. He passed away December 19,2001.

Theresa was a graduate of Serena High School and received a Masters Degree from Northern Illinois Unviversity. She taught at Grand Ridge Grade School for over 30 years.

She was a member of St. Columba Church, Catholic Daughters of America, Women of the Moose, and Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed golf, playing bridge and was very active in the community,

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, David (Diane) Kennedy, Laura Schwartzbach, Mary Ann (Patrick) McNeese, Kay (Rollie) Conkey, Tom (Susan) Kennedy, Michael Kennedy, William (Janice) Kennedy, Julie (Dean) Page, Mary Lou Holtz, and many more. Theresa was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, John, William, and Wilbert Kennedy; her nieces, Patricia Tirevold and Kathleen Tuftie; and her great nephews, Matthew Kennedy and Brett Kennedy.

Pallbearers will be Candice Kennedy, Mackenzie Lowe, Kara Ericzon, Dylan Kennedy, Reese Jelm, and Caden Ericzon. Honorary pallbearers will be Austin Kennedy, Scott Tuftie, and Thomas Kennedy.

Memorials may be directed to the St. Columba Building Fund.

She was laid to rest in the Sanctuary of Memory.

Shirley A. (Karl) Thiers

Age 78 of Coal City passed away at her home on January 14, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.

Born July 15, 1941 in Peru, Illinois, Shirley Ann was the only child of Joseph and Estelle (Glogowski) Karl. She was raised in the Catholic Faith and schools in Peru, Illinois.

Shirley was a stay at home mom and later worked a few various jobs, including at Rockwell International in Downers Grove, Illinois. She was a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church and loved her faith.

In her free time, Shirley enjoyed spending time with her husband and family. She took pleasure in vacationing, especially to tropical climates, and liked music, dancing, puzzles, and watching her numerous family members at their special events. Shirley and her husband, Ronald, recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on July 18th, 2019.

Survived by her loving family, spouse of 60 years, Ronald Thiers; children: Deidre Petrik (Ed), Linda Edwards (Bruce), Michelle Walsh (Randy) and Jeff Thiers (Julette); grandchildren: Briana Mason (Tim), Ashleigh Tarman (Billy), Aimee Kargle (Billy), Anthony Lissy (Kristin); Ryan Walsh, Jeffrey Thiers, and Michael & Jacob Petrik; great grandchildren: Parker, Mckenna, Gracie, & Declan Mason, Devun, Dylun & Arieana Tarman, Ryleigh & Blake Kargle, Marlie, Preston, & Grant Lissy, and Kaitlyn Harty; sister-in-law Carol Travi; niece Cheri Griffin, and nephew Michael Travi, among other cousins.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Stella Karl, and numerous aunts and uncles.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Funeral services will follow on Wednesday morning, January 22 , 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 215 South Kankakee Street in Coal City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Robert Noesen presiding.

Entombment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Pallbearers will be: Ed Petrik, Michael Petrik, Jacob Petrik, Bruce Edwards, Anthony Lissy, Randy Walsh, Jeffrey Thiers and Timothy Mason.

She was laid to rest in the Sanctuary of Peace.

George Warren, 80, of Ottawa passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 20, 2019 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. John Nordstrom, Jr., officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

George was born on February 21, 1939 in Ottawa to Alva and Dorothy (Smith) Warren. He married Cheryl Nielson, on April 27, 1963 in Peru. George was a combine technician for John Deere. He was a woodworker, and had his own shop where he made stage coaches and Christmas trees. George was a regular at the Hi-Way restaurant.

It could be said of George that he was born 100 years too late. His favorite pastime was watching Gun Smoke and John Wayne movies besides all the other dozens of westerns. George would often tell stories of growing up on his grandfather’s farm. The different pet animals he would raise. After his wife Cheryl passed two years ago his daily routine consisted of coffee and breakfast at the Hi-Way restaurant where he was called “Grandpa”. After breakfast he would show up around 11 a.m. at his woodshop which was located behind his daughter’s house. Where he would make wooden stage coaches and Christmas trees. Around 4 p.m., George would conveniently end his day by visiting his daughter who would be preparing the evening meal. George would never pass on dinner and would stay till arounds 6. Then George would go see what he considered his second family at the Hi-Way for coffee and dessert. He and his late wife ran a antique business for over 50 years and he was also employed by Myre John Deere.

A special thanks to his sisters Barb and Carol for the time they shared with him. Caregivers Katie and Anita who took care of him while he was at home. The C.N.A. and nurses at the Ottawa Pavilion. Mr. and Mrs. Banushi and the girls at the Hi-Way for providing a second home to him. Dr. Kahn at OSF for his gracious words and spirit he showed. Thank you all!

He is survived by two children, Heidi (Tom) Reynolds, and George Warren, both of Ottawa, three grandchildren, Tommy (Tammie) Reynolds, Jonathan (Katie) Reynolds, and Christian Reynolds, a great granddaughter, Emma Lynn Reynolds, and two sisters, Carole (Wesley) Stohr, and Barb Addiss, both of Ottawa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Cheryl, on November 16, 2017, a sister in infancy, Lois Warren, and three brothers, Donald, Robert, and Howard Warren.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons and nephews.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Deborah Lynn Martin, age 63, of Manville, Illinois, formerly of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2020, with her loving family by her side.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home, Ottawa, with Pastor Chris Hvedza officiating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to service time Saturday at the funeral home.

Deb was born July 8, 1956 in Ottawa, Illinois, a daughter of John and Lorraine (Van Dorn) Arwood. She is survived by her mother, Lorraine Arwood of Princeton; daughters, Amy (Kevin) Crowley of Bolingbrook and Misty (Kevin) Hendrickson of Belvidere; and grandchildren, Molly McKenzie Crowley and Sean Patrick Crowley and Sean Austin Hendrickson. She also leaves a brother, John (Cathy) Arwood, Jr. of Cullom; and sisters, Lori Grandadam of Princeton and Dawn (Wayne) Madsen of Wyanet. She was preceded in death by her father, John Arwood, Sr., and grandparents, Henry and Sina Arwood and Bertha Brink.

Deb graduated with a Bachelor in Nursing degree from St. Francis in Joliet. She utilized her nursing degree at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Streator and with HSHS Information Service Center Springfield. Deb has worked in various departments in her career with HSHS from being a nurse on the floor, working in the Adult Day Center, and finally in the IT department working on Nursing Order Sets for every hospital in the system.

Deb was happy to help you in any way possible. She was ready to share her knowledge and her love for books, movies, crazy tv shows, recipes, the horse races and pet training stories. We all admired her quick wit and fantastic sense of humor. Deb knew how to create a full smorgasbord for any holiday, birthday party, or friend gathering, if you went home hungry that was on you not her. We would have pot lucks in the office at work, and she would need our help to carry in a “few” dishes. Deb loved to SHOP for ANYTHING. She knew her loved ones, friends and critters so well she happily found the greatest gifts for everyone. Deb also loved her critters, she cared so very much for her dogs, cats and fish, even the wild birds were spoiled by her.

Deb boasted proudly about her daughters, their husbands and her grandchildren. Misty and Amy were her two best friends. She appreciated every ounce of Mr. Fix-it type help she received from her sons-in-laws. She adored her FaceTime moments she shared with Molly and Sean as well as reading books to them, baking cookies with them and playing games. One of her last big trips was to Disney World and she loved everything Disney. She could not wait to text a photo of The Castle at the Magic Kingdom. The next time you travel to the Magic Kingdom, celebrate Deb – stop for a moment, pause and remember that A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes.

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

Geraldine L. “Gerry” Stemmen, age 93, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2020 at the Ottawa Pavilion with her loving family at her side.

Per Geraldine’s wishes, private services will be at a later date at Oakwood Memorial Park. There will be no visitation. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Geraldine was born March 29, 1926 in Morris, Illinois, a daughter of Clayton and Gladys (West) Helgevold. She married Ansel A. Stemmen December 2, 1950. He preceded her in death June 20, 2002. Surviving are her children, Linda L. Fuller and Gary L. Stemmen both of Ottawa; a grandson, Michael (Beth) Hollenbeck of Normal, IL; and great-grandchildren Cameron and Cade Hollenbeck. She was preceded in death by a son, Larry Ansel Stemmen; a sister, Eloise Withers; and a brother in infancy.

Geraldine had been employed as a secretary at Tucker Insurance Company in Ottawa. She enjoyed knitting, quilting and doing crochet. She was well known for her beautiful flower gardens. The most precious time Geraldine spent was that with her family, particularly her grandson and great-grandsons.

She was laid to res in the Garden of Hymns.

Robert Verlin Thompson, 73, of Ottawa, passed away Thursday, January 9, 2020 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Visitation will be at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home Monday, January 13th from 4pm-7pm. Funeral Service will be Tuesday January 14th at 12pm with Tommy Miller officiating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. There will be a dinner served immediately following at Knights of Columbus in Ottawa.

Robert was born May 2, 1946 in Cape Girardeau, MO, a son of Rudy and Ruie Thompson. Surviving are his wife Beverly(Wilson) Thompson; children Kim Neathery of Sarasota, FL, Amanda (Leslie) Rexroat and Mariana Thompson of Ottawa, IL; Grandchildren Liz (Steven) Kirkreit, Blake Neathery, and Larkyn Rexroat; Great Grandchildren Aiden and Kyla; Siblings Shirley Alexander of Kissimmee, FL, Frank (Glenda) Thompson of Seneca, IL, Thomas (Stephanie) of Naplate, IL, Richard (Diane) of Ottawa, IL, Glen (Susie) of Dayton, IL, Delores Henry of Peru, IL; lots of nieces and nephews and many more extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Gene and Donald, children David and Dawn in infancy, and son Bobby in May 2019.

Robert fought a very long, courageous battle with liver disease, along with other health problems. Liver failure is a hard thing. There will always be memories of him healthy, cooking, telling jokes, chain smoking, and always being the mediator over our endless family drama. Anyone who knew him knew he was an avid shopper. He loved his grocery stores. He bought for everyone! He loved oldies music, fast cars, and poker machines but what he loved the most was his family.

In his earlier years, he served in the army in Germany, was a laborer, “repo man” and ran the Triple R Bar. He co-owned and operated the Brown Bag Video, Silver Slipper Saloon, and Big Boys Pawn for many years. There he was seen as a father figure to many of the employees. He was undeniably one of the best bosses anyone could ever hope to work for. People could talk to him about anything and valued his advice.

Robert truly had the biggest heart and would help anyone. Whether you were 5 or 55, he called you “kid,” “kiddo,” or “hazel” and we will forever miss that! He was the glue that held the family together. Our family circle has been broken but will be mended by all the wonderful memories he has left us and guidance instilled in us. He did so many unspoken acts of kindness over the years that he definitely earned his angel wings. He was someone to everyone! He will be truly missed by everyone and forever in our hearts.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.

Jason Padilla, 46, of Ottawa, IL, passed away Monday, January 6, 2020 at his home.

Graveside services will be at 1:00 pm Monday, January 13 at Oakwood Memorial Park, with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to the Ottawa Funeral Home, cremation rites have been accorded.

Jason was born April 12, 1973, in Peru, IL, to John and Janice (Cokley) Padilla.

Jason worked for FriendshipVillage and Zipline. He was a graduated of Ottawa Township High School. Jason rode his bicycle all over town and he loved to play video games.

He is survived by his sister, Jamie Habben; a nephew Lucus Habben; his grandmother Josie Padilla; his uncles Robert Padilla and Robert (Linda) Cokley; and his aunts Annette Cokley and Sandra Hiles.

Jason was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents Violet and Carl “Swede” Olsen, and his Grandfathers Glenn Rodewald and Jess Padilla.

Jason was laid to rest in the Garden of Hymns.

Claire “Penney” Yedinak, 76, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday January 4, 2020 at Ottawa Pavilion .

Memorial Services will be at 5:00 pm Thursday January 9, 2020 at the Ottawa Funeral Home, with Rev. Bruno Byomuhangi officiating. visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm prior to the service at the funeral home. Private burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Penney was born May 27, 1943, in Ottawa, to Chester and Bertha (Marek) Heather. She graduated from Ottawa High School and was a member of St. Patrick’s church.

The majority of Penney’s working years were spent at Pleasant View Lutheran home in Ottawa as a CNA.

She was also a resident at Ottawa Pavilion for many years. she was known for making special relationship with residents and their family members. She took time to visit and look after others every day. She knew everyone and everyone knew her.

She is survived by one son David Yedinak of Streator; two daughters Brenda Decker and Michelle Cinotto, both of Streator; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. her brother Richard (Cheryl) Hertzner of Ottawa; her many special nieces and nephews; Debbie (Mike) Zachary, of Grand Ridge; Randy (Wendee) Kavinsky of Ottawa; Cathy (Tom) Montondo of Clay NY; Craig Siefert of Streator; Steve (Annie) Olle of Baltimore MD; Kathryn (Jason) Ewers of Ottawa; and Keenan Hertzner of Orland Park.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Burtt Hertzner; three sisters, Janet (Richard) McKnight; Patricia Seifert-Garland and Phyliss (David) Olle.

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