February 2020

Robert E. Vezain, Sr., age 79, of Marseilles, passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 24th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Private interment will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from Noon till service time Monday at the funeral home.

Robert was born July 22, 1940 in Ottawa, Illinois, a son of Eugene and Gertrude (Angel) Vezain. Surviving are his children, Lynetta Vezain and Robert Vezain, Jr. both of Ottawa; and sisters, Susan Janke of Seneca and Kathy Weber of Spring Valley. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, John Vezain and a sister, Patricia Scerini.

Robert had been employed by Barber-Green, Allis Chalmers and Deutz-Allis. He enjoyed model cars and collecting stamps and coins. He had a deep interest in genealogy and the history of Ottawa.

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

Pauline E. Jansen Fisk, age 96, of Morris, passed away Sunday morning, February 16, 2020 at Joliet Area Community Hospice in Joliet, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home, with Jeff Thayer, Jane Estey and Cheri Fisk officiating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Larry Fisk, Edwin Smith, Chuck Garner, Dale and Scott Whittington and Jared Jansen. Honorary pallbearers will be Delbert Fisk, Richard Hansen, Jerry Stitt and Arthur Smith.

Pauline was born June 2, 1923 in Avera, Georgia, the daughter of George and Josie (Harden) Newsome. She married Wayne Eugene Jansen on August 31, 1943 in Augusta, GA. He preceded her in death October 5, 1976. She later married Henry Orville Fisk on August 21, 1980. He preceded her in death November 26, 1998. Pauline is survived by her son, Larry (Donna Sue) Jansen of Billings, MO; four daughters, Patricia (Chuck) Garner of Anna, IL, Donna Tweedt of Pontiac, IL, Peggy Jansen of Illinois, and Rita (Dale) Whittington of Morris She also leaves five grandchildren, Scott Whittington, Jared Jansen, Dawn Magers, Denise Knudsen, and Traci Fox; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; a sister, Ruth (Emory) Whaley of Clayton, GA; a stepson, Delbert Fisk of Seneca; a stepdaughter, Patricia (Arthur) Smith of Sheridan; numerous step grandchildren, great-step-grandchildren and great-great-step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Bob Jansen; a grandson, Dan Tweedt; and four brothers, Leon, Theo, Lewis, and Odell Newsome; a son-in-law, Tom Tweedt; and step-daughter-in-law, Donna Fisk.

Pauline was very devoted to her religious life and her family.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Devotion.

Robert J. Allen, age 80, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, February 14th at the Ottawa Pavilion with his loving family by his side.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 21st at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Reverend Duane Kaufman officiating. Interment with Military Honors by the American Legion Post 33 Veterans Group Honor Guard will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Robert was born January 11, 1940 in Ottawa, Illinois, a son of Alfred C. and Gabrielle (VeZain) Allen. He married Joyce Winchester in 1965 in Ottawa. Robert is survived by his former wife, Joyce, of Ottawa; his son, Jason (Cathy Moodie) Allen of Ottawa; step-children, Robert (Paula) Wing of Naplate and Lynn (Larry) Pickera of Marseilles. He also leaves grandchildren, Carly and Jessica Allen; a great-grandson, Trae Richards and a great-granddaughter on the way; and a brother, Arlis “Al” Allen. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Robert proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was a member of the VFW. His leisure time would find him fishing, attending auctions, building his coin collection or having coffee with friends. He dearly loved his family, by whom he will be dearly missed.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

Vida Frances Ahrens 97, of Princeton, IL passed away on Friday, February 7, 2020 at Manor Court in Princeton, IL.

Lovingly referred to as Fran her entire life, was born on June 16, 1922 in Eldorado, OK to the late James and Mary (Havron) Vollentine. She started her career as a telephone operator then became a line worker at Westclock in Peru for 32 years, retiring in 1981 at the closing of the company. She met and married the late Merlyn R. Ahrens on September 4, 1964 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Peru, IL. A chance meeting, Merlyn had gone to a local dance club in Spring Valley with a few coworkers after working all day at Jostens. He saw Fran and asked her for a dance, people would say it was love at first sight, but it was after he tasted her pot roast that he fell madly in love with Fran. They were happily married for over 50 years.

She was a member of the ladies baseball league, women’s bowling league, card club, secret pal club, Perry Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Club and St. Matthews Lutheran Church, as well as the women’s Auxiliary Club at St. Matthews Lutheran church.

Fran loved to play games and was a champion domino player with her family and friends. She enjoyed playing cards and board games as well. She was an amazing baker and cook. She had a cookbook collection to rival any library. She had such a zest for life. She enjoyed her family gatherings and babies. She always wanted to hold them and kiss and love on them. One of her favorite pictures is one of baby Ben with kisses all over his face. She and Merlyn loved to travel all over the United States. She wasn’t a big sports fan, but Merlyn was and as long as they were together, she was happy to go along. Fran had a love for animals, her dog Mattie, a companion for life. Mattie almost turned into a service dog after Merlyn’s passing, never leaving Fran’s side. Fran loved life and she loved her family and brought a light into everyone’s life.

Survived by one son, Orby Morell from Key West, FL; one daughter, Dorothy Cioni from Ottawa, IL; one daughter-in-law, Fela Morell from Peru, IL; three grandchildren, Bryan ( Cindy) Cioni, Christina (Joe) Bolelli and Nancy (Scott) Kmetz; five great grandchildren, Vincent, Sarah, Megan, Rebecca and Caitlyn.

Fran is preceded in death by her parents, James and Mary Vollentine, her husband, Merlyn R. Ahrens (April 22, 2015), two sons, John Morell and William Morell, five brothers, Junior Vollentine, Woodrow Vollentine, Cleo Vollentine, Orby Vollentine and J.D. Vollentine, six sisters, Dorothy lee, Opal Gorman, Eva Martin, Vertie May Sanders, Cleta Bray, Mary Ellen Schmedeke.

A visitation for Fran will be held on Monday, February 17, 2020 at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Services will be on Monday, February 17, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments officiated by Pastor Scott Schmidt. A separate graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday at the Oakwood Cemetery in Ottawa, IL.

Arrangements by Norberg Memorial Home Inc. & Monuments

She was laid to rest in the Sanctuary of Memory.

Betty E. Brue, 89, of Ottawa passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at the Ottawa Pavilion.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 17, 2020 at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church, in Ottawa, with Rev. Randy Mortenson, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, and at the church on Monday, one hour prior to the service.

Betty was born on February 16, 1930 in Streator, to Paul and Lillian (Bedecker) Micklos. She married Howard Brue on June 13, 1948 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Streator. Betty worked for Jordan Hardware, Sears, Doralon, and Walgreens. She was a member of Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church, and loved to crochet, crafting, and sewing. Betty also loved playing the steel guitar.

She is survived by her husband, Howard, two children, Ron (Cathy) Brue, of Manville, IL and Rhonda (Bill) Brue McAlpine, of Ottawa, 6 grandchildren, Tiffany Brue Kenney, Travis Brue, Tracy Taylor, Ashley Brue Jansen, Matt McAlpine, and Sean McAlpine, 5 great-grandchildren, Emma Kenney, Jason Jansen, Jaxon Jansen, Jameson Jansen, and Kaydence Jansen, and a sister Toby Micklos Leskanich, of Streator.

Pallbearers will be Travis Brue, Matt and Sean McAlpine, Jason Jansen, Bob Brue, and Bill McAlpine.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Helen L. Underwood, age 80, of Ottawa, passed away Monday, February 10, 2020.

Helen was born February 1, 1940 in McClure, Illinois, a daughter of August John Henry and Marie (Rogers) Held. She married Robert Underwood May 29, 1959 in Elgin, Illinois. Surviving is her husband, Robert; children, Steve (Tammy) Underwood of Sandwich, Gary Underwood of Yorkville and Debra Lambert of Peru. Helen also leaves grandchildren, Tracy Anderson, Dan Underwood, Amy Underwood, Amanda Knudsen and Chloe Underwood; great grandsons, Roman Lee Underwood and Wesley Anderson.

Helen enjoyed reading and traveling. She never knew a stranger and enjoyed talking on her computer. She dearly loved her family, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 15th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Willis Allen, 95, of Ottawa, passed away on Friday night, February 7, 2020 at the Ottawa Pavilion.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Duane Kaufman 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. on Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Willis was born on December 8, 1924 in Streator, to Claude and Oma (Wolff) Allen. He married Lou Ann Brown on January 14, 1951 at Epworth United Methodist Church. Willis was a veteran of the US Navy and served in WWII and Korea in the South Pacific. He worked at Bakelite, until his retirement. Willis was a member of the American Legion Post 33 and the Ottawa VFW.

Willis is survived by a son, Lawrence Allen, of Ottawa and a sister Jean (Thomas) Kimes, of Streator.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Lou Ann, on February 5, 2001, two brothers, Richard in infancy and Max on October 25, 2007, three sisters, Faye Cox on May 3, 1978, Helen Cassidy on November 8, 2000, and Mary Lou Gragson on November 15, 2003, and a son, Daniel Allen, on September 6, 2012.

Pallbearers will be Jeff, Terry, and Thomas A., Kimes, and Thomas Cassidy.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Weldon “Oggie” Oetken, 82, of rural Marseilles, passed away on Wednesday morning, February 5, 2020 at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 10, 2020 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Duane Kaufman, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where full military rites will be accorded, by the Marseilles American Legion Post 235. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, at the funeral home.

Oggie was born on October 29, 1937 in Los Banos, CA to Malcom and Velma (Powers) Oetken. He married Shirley Ainsley on June 22, 1958 in Ottawa at the Christ Episcopal Church. Oggie served in the National Guard during high school and after graduation served for 4 years in the US Air Force, and he owned and operated his own business, Airway Communication. He was a member of the Starved Rock Amateur Radio Club, LaSalle County Farm Bureau, the Marseilles American Legion Post 235, and was retired from the Civil Air Patrol.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, a brother Randy (Christie) Oetken, of Coeur d’Alene, ID, a sister Wanda Danovich, of Arizona, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and 3 children, Weldon, Jr, Denise, and Pamela.

Pallbearers will be John “Jack” Wise, Chuck Erb, Robert Wagner, Terry Thompson, Roger Hallowell, and Paul Ainsley.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Hymns.

Evelyn Brue Roeder, age 101, has died of a long standing heart condition at Ottawa Pavilion. Funeral Services will be Thursday, February 6th at 11 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church with Pastor Randy Mortenson officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Dennis Rossiter, Mike Saskor, Bob and Ron Brue, Robert Sharpe and Bill McAlpine. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home.

Evelyn Brue Roeder was born to Peder and Emma (Olson) Brue of rural Ottawa in 1918. She was the second child in a family of seven children.

Evelyn was born to teach music and was a well known teacher of fretted instruments since 1940 in Ottawa, Illinois. Her specialty was all types of guitar and other fretted instruments. She developed many hundreds of students of all ages and walks of life taking them to the most advanced levels of ability and winning the highest awards in state, national, and international music contests in areas far from Ottawa like New York, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Detroit, Louisville, Chicago, Rockford, Springfield and more. She also was hired as a guitar judge held in convention centers and universities for artist and Olympic categories of competitions.

At an early age Evelyn showed the signs of musical ability. As a child, she learned to play piano, violin, accordion, guitar, and steel guitar. After her Serena High School years she graduated with a teachers degree from the Honolulu Conservatory of Music in Cleveland, Ohio, and opened her guitar school at 121 ½ West Main Street in Ottawa in 1940. She continued to study music at DePaul University in Chicago and throughout the first years traveling weekly to Chicago to study with private teachers.

Evelyn’s school stayed at the same location for 43 exciting years. The school on the second floor was once occupied by Browns Business College. Evelyn started with two rooms and kept adding space ending up with six rooms and ample space to develop the large musical revue’s she produced and presented each year at the Ottawa Township High School auditorium featuring hundreds of students. Evelyn had a special ability to find the talent a person had within and bring it out to develop each ones ability. Evelyn has used the lower level of her Ottawa home as the present Evelyn Brue Guitar School and Store.

Preceding her in death are her first husband, Roy Michelson, who helped Evelyn establish her school of music. He died in 1967. She married guitarist George Roeder in 1969, who also became a joint teacher and partner in the music school. He died in 2015. Also preceding her in death were her parents, Peder and Emma Brue; her only loving sister, Charlotte Henrikson, four brothers, Palmer, Bernard, Reuben L. and Francis Brue; one niece, Betty Todd of Ottawa, and one nephew, Larry Henrickson of DeKalb, IL. She is survived by one loving brother, Howard (Betty) Brue of Ottawa, many nieces and nephews; her only daughter, Mrs Ludwig (Tobe) Saskor of Pinehurst, North Carolina; two granddaughters, Giselle Saskor Clavette of Harwinton, Connecticut and Kristina Saskor of Seattle, WA, and one grandson Michael (Brynne) Saskor of Seattle, WA; three great-grandchildren, Colin and Amber Clavette of Harwinton, Connecticut and Stone Saskor of Seattle, WA.

Of special joy to Evelyn were the many family members who became her students and excelled musically on her performance stages throughout the years. Many of her students progressed into the professional realms of music as teachers, entertainers, TV, radio etc. Evelyn has received many honors in magazines, publications, state and national , listing her as the who’s who in her profession and most recently, the prestigious Omni Arts Award in 2017.

Through the years Evelyn and George performed in various entertainment realms with vocals and instrumentals, also were masters of ceremonies at awards presentations in Chicago and beyond. Evelyn also appeared many times playing Pedal Steel at International Steel Guitar Conventions.

Evelyn was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ottawa, and most recently a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Ottawa where her father, Peder Brue, was one of the founding fathers. She also held membership in state and national musical organizations and was a former member of Ottawa Zonta Club

Memorial contributions may be directed to Bethel Lutheran Church or Zion Lutheran Church in Ottawa.

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

Rita Angelico, 94, of Ottawa, IL, passed away Saturday, February1, 2020 at the Ottawa Pavilion.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Thursday at St. Patrick’s Church, with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be 9:00-9:45 am prior to the service at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park, cremation rites have been accorded.

Rita was born February 21, 1925, in New Hope, KY, to Monroe and Mary (Fenwick) Morris . She married James Angelico in Marseilles in 1949.

She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church.

She is survived by; three Sons, Mike, Phil (Tina) and AJ Angelico; three grandchildren Phil Jr., Heather, and Shayla; six great grandchildren; and one sister, Dorothy Stephenson.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband; parents, four sisters and four brothers

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children Research Hospital.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.