June 2020

John C. Butterfield, Jr., age 66, of Madison, Tennessee, passed away Monday, June 22, 2020, at Life Care Center of Old Hickory Village, Old Hickory, Tennessee.

Due to restrictions caused by the global pandemic, funeral services will be private, with interment to follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. Honorary pallbearers will be Matt Haage, Mike Haage, Steve Sampson, Wayne Ketcham, Terry Stinson, Mike Corrigan, Samuel Denney and Randy Haley. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

John was born March 15, 1954 in Aurora, Illinois, a son of John C. and Elizabeth Ann (Story) Butterfield. He is survived by two brothers, Kent (Marsha) Butterfield of Ottawa and David (Nicki) Butterfield of Sheridan; and two sisters Dr. Mary Butterfield and Dr. Martha (Randy Haley) Butterfield all of Nashville, TN; several nieces and nephews; and very good friends, Terry and Deborah Stinson and family of Old Hickory, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents.

John was a member of Harding United Methodist Church and the Ottawa Masonic Lodge. He was self-employed as a trucking operator, mainly serving M.R. Conlon Trucking in LaSalle, Illinois. The family would like to thank all doctors, nurses and caregivers who provided care to John through the years and also Pastor Brian Webster.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

Barbara Ann (Hueglin) Kirkman, 92, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, February 23, 2019, at Pleasant View. Private burial will take place at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Barbara was born on March 27, 1926 in Ottawa to William and Harriet (LaVelle) Hueglin. She was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School class of 1944. Barbara married Norman “Jack” Kirkman in November of 1944 in Ottawa. She is survived by two daughters, Diane “Sue” Dolder, of Ottawa, and Jill Bault, of Grafton, WI, three grandchildren, Dawn Allen, Debbie (Tom) Dorans, and Brian (Jennifer) Bault and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and a sister Shirley Nielsen. Memorials may be directed to the family.

She was laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park in the Garden of Prayer.

John S. Boe, 87, of Ottawa, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, June 10, at Aperion Care in Marseilles surrounded by his loving family. Due to current circumstances a private service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, at the Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Ottawa with Rev. Randy Mortenson, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park where full military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 33 Veteran’s Group Honor Guard. Private visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral home in Ottawa.

John was born on September 16, 1932 in rural Ottawa to Tyler and Margaret (Osthus) Boe. He married Ruth Charlier on February 16, 1952 in Ottawa. John was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, serving 17 months in in the 3rd Division. He worked his way up to First Sergeant and then later attached to the Hellenic Forces, and received the Greek Patch. He also received the Combat Infantry Badge and Bronze Star. John worked at Libbey-Owens Ford as a combustion engineer, and retired in 1990 after more than 38 years of service John was a member of Dayton Ridge Golf Club, a lifelong member of the VFW in Ottawa and lifelong member of Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church. He served as the churches trustee for many years. John was and example of God’s grace working in his daily life. He had a great sense of humor and never met a stranger.

He is survived by two daughters, Linda Marie Fox, of Streator, and Denise (Steve) Kosnick, of Fitchburg, WI, 7 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, a sister Marjorie Boe, of Ottawa, and 2 brothers, Bernard (Lois) Boe, of Sheridan, and Archie (Pat) Boe, of Ottawa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Ruth on June 11, 2010, a daughter Cheryl Boe, a grandson John Paul Fox, and a brother Harold Boe.

Pallbearers will be Drake Fox, Josh, Jake, and Jordan Kosnick. Gary Boe and Scott Boe.

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

Carol D. Gerber 87 of La Salle. Died 6;28 AM March 20,2017 in St Francis medical Center in Peoria.
Visitation will be 5-7 PM Thursday in the Ptak funeral Home. Cremation rites will follow the services. Ptak Funeral Home has been entrusted with the services.
Carol was born September 25,1929 in Peru to Frank and Hazel (Hocking) Kincheski. She married William Gerber March 11,1960. Carol worked at Westclox and then worked at Fannie May Candy store in the Peru Mall for over 20 years.
Carol was avid gardener. She also loved reading and music.
Carol is survived by her husband William of La Salle. 3 sons Jeff (Lori) Gerber of Peru, Jay (Diane) Gerber of La Salle and Brian (Elisabeth) Gerber of La Salle. She is also survived by her grandchildren Ryan (Missy), Brandon (Amy), Dylan, Emily, Brady, Hannah, and Beau. 3 great Grandchildren Damian, Tilar and Mason and 1 Great- Great Grandchild Kaylean. Her step Grandchildren Jadelyn, Jazmine, Jewel and Step Great Grandchildren Mandy and Nate.
Carol was preceded in death by 2 sons Ralph and Randy Murphy and 3 sisters Mildred Billard- Stevenson, Phyllis Hageman and Twila Mazzorana.

She was laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park in the Garden of the Last Supper.

William J. “Bill” Gerber 85 of La Salle. Died May 19, 2020 in his home surrounded by his family.
Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic private family services will be Friday at the Ptak Funeral Home. Cremation rites will take place following the services. Graveside services will be at a later date in Oakwood Memorial Park Ottawa.
Bill was born June 14,1934 in Ottawa to Edgar and Ruth (Baysoar) Gerber. He married Carol Kincheski March 11,1960. He served in the US Army from 1957-59.
Bill was a letter carrier for United States Postal Service for over 32 years, retiring in 1992. He was a member of the La Salle Horseshoe League and was a coach in La Salle Little League. Bill was an Avid Cub Fan.
Bill is survived by his 3 sons Jeff (Lori) Gerber of Peru, Jay (Diane) Gerber of La Salle and Brian (Elisabeth) Gerber of La Salle. 6 Grandchildren Brandon (Amy) Gerber, Dylan Gerber, Emily (Milan) Gerber, Brady Gerber, Hannah Gerber and Beau Gerber. 4 Step Grandchildren Ryan, Jadelyn, Jazmine and Jewel. 3 Step Great Grandchildren and 1 Step Great- Great Grandchildren and his beloved cat Taj.
Bill was preceded in death his wife Carol, 2 stepsons Ralph and Randy Murphy and 1 brother in infancy.

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

Dale A. Maltas, 85, of Marseilles, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2020 at Ottawa Pavilion.

Due to the current circumstances, services will be private at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home with Carolyn Lukasick of Epworth United Methodist Church officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa.

Dale was born July 9, 1934, in Ottawa, to Francis and Nellie (Haff) Maltas. In 1955, he married Barbara Heitl of West Allis, WI, who preceded him in death in 2014.

He was a member of the Epworth United Methodist Church. Dale was a laborer with Local 393 until his retirement. He was a member of the Marseilles Lions Club. He graduated from the Missouri Auction School, and he was a respected auctioneer in the community, often volunteering his time for charities.

Dale is survived by two daughters, Brenda (Ron) Johnson of Marseilles and Janet (David) Flaa of Morris; four sons, William of Clinton, IA, Timothy (Nancy) of Spring Valley, Mike (Joanne) of Streator and John (Sharon) of Ottawa; 18 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Laura; his beloved wife, Barbara; four brothers, Arnold, Floyd, Gene, and Don; four sisters, Nola Sanders, Leila Seaborn, Dorothy Ferguson, and Marge Ott; and by one great-great-granddaughter, Megan.

Memorials may be given to Epworth United Methodist Church in Ottawa.

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

Dale R. Charlier, age 70, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, June 6, 2020, at the Ottawa Pavilion.

Private family services will be held. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Dale was born January 28, 1950, in Ottawa, Illinois, a son of Raymond Charles and Phyllis Edith (Bowers) Charlier. He is survived by his mother, Phyllis of Ottawa; and sisters, Beverly (Rick) Launius of Sandwich, IL and Barbara Houston of Lansing, MI. He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Donald Charlier.

Dale was a member of Open Table United Church of Christ. He enjoyed attending and bartering at garage sales and loved visiting Woodruff, Wisconsin.

He was laid to rest in Oakwood Memorial Park in the Sanctuary of Faith.

Donald R. Gaston, 100, of Ottawa, passed away on Wednesday morning June 10, 2020 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2020 at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in Oakwood Memorial Park, with Rev. Daniel Beattie, his grandson, officiating. Burial will follow the service, where full military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Donald was born on September 19, 1919 in Galva, IL to Hershel R. and Etta Belle (Durling) Gaston. He married Helen Gordon at the First Presbyterian Church in Ottawa on May 4, 1941. Don was a veteran of the Army Air Corps during WWII and was a pilot who flew 35 missions over Germany in B-24’s. He owned and operated a newspaper. Don was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, the American Legion Post 33, and the VFW.

He is survived by his wife, Helen, a daughter, Judith Lee (David) Schaefer, of Cape Coral, FL, and 2 grandchildren, Daniel (Melissa) Beattie, of Audubon, IA and Kirstin (Joseph) Martinez, of Racine, WI, and 8 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Helen Mulholland, and a son, Ralph Gordon Gaston.

Memorials may be directed to Epworth United Methodist Church, the American Legion Post 33, and the Ottawa VFW.

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

Evelyn McGraw, 93, of Ottawa passed away Sunday, May 31, 2020 at the Ottawa Pavilion.

Evelyn was born August 17, 1926 in Brighton, IL to Lawrence and Luella (Challans) Moran. She married John “Jack” McGraw on November 23, 1951 and he passed away October 23, 1973.

Evelyn was a member of St. Patrick’s Church. Her family meant everything to her, and her favorite time of year was Christmas Eve when her whole family would get together. Every year they would take a family vacation to Michigan, where they’d spend the weekend cooking, talking and laughing. She traveled many places around the world with her family, her favorite being Switzerland. Her most treasured trip though, was her 65th birthday celebration in Hawaii with all her children.

Evelyn was a strong and caring mother. When her husband passed away, she used her strength and courage to raise her eight children.

She is survived by her children, Kathleen (Maurice “Steve”) Gill, Judith (late Gary) Bebar, Terry (Renee), Jim (Darcy), Jon (Amber), Tim (Lisa), and Frank (Wanda); 17 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, Matthew; and eight siblings.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Ottawa Pavilion for the wonderful, loving care they showed Evelyn in the last few years of her life.

Private family services will be held. Entombment will be at the Oakwood Memorial Park Shrine of Rest mausoleum in the Sanctuary of Hope. Ottawa Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

James Lewis Habben, 66, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2020.

James was born on June 12, 1953 in Canton, IL to Paul Lewis and Betty Mae (Hassler) Habben. He graduated from Ottawa Township High School (Class of 1971). After high school he attended Eureka College on a swimming scholarship and a few years later obtained a A.S. degree at Waubonsee Community College. He retired in 2007 after 35 years from Caterpillar in Montgomery, IL as a journeyman tool and die maker.

Jim, or Jimmy as most called him, was one of the smartest people anyone would ever know. At CAT he was known as “The Doctor” by his co-workers. He could fix and build anything and was always there to lend a friend a hand. He had in-depth knowledge on a broad range of subjects and could pick up any musical instrument like he had played for years.

He loved to travel with his family, going on several trips throughout the years to Hawaii and frequented the Southern coastal states where he was an avid scuba diver and somewhat of an amateur oceanologist, which was one of his many passions.

In his younger years, he was actively involved in both Ottawa and Streator YMCA’s where he was a competitive swimmer holding swim records for a time. Nationally recognized as a competitive diver and a State Champion gymnast winning first in state and winning many other first-place titles throughout Illinois competitions. Jim was naturally talented, and his talents went far beyond the pool and gym. He played the coronet in the OES and OHS bands, was an Eagle Scout and acted in many plays at both the Hedwig Schock Theatre and the Ottawa Youth Center Productions.

Survivors are: Sons Christopher (Pollyanna Neumann), Lewis and Lee Habben, their mother Karen (Andreatta) Habben and one grandson, Lucas Habben. Sisters Catherine Habben, Marilyn Hott and Carol Kuzmich. Nieces and Nephews: Kyle Kuzmich, Erika (Andy), Lauren, Aiden and Mason Mucci, James (Alena) and Shawn Wilson, Zhenya, Cassandra Skuranok, Michael Martin Jr. (Mary), Meaghan (Cameron) Lair, Mark Martin, Maize Wilson, Ali (Joshua) Jorgensen, and Garrett Andreatta. Plus, many wonderful cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Betty Habben, brother William Paul Habben, grandparents William and Anna Hassler and, Lewis and Helen Habben.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be sent to the Ottawa YMCA*, attn. Joe Capece, 201 E. Jackson St, Ottawa, IL 61350. *Please refer to James Lewis Habben in the memo line.

Services will be held on Monday, June 1st, 2020 at Noon at the outdoor pavilion at Oakwood Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life Service with friends and family will be announced at a later date. Cremation services were provided by the Ottawa Funeral Home. His final place of rest will be the Oakwood Memorial Park Mausoleum in the Sanctuary of Seasons, Ottawa, IL.