October 2020

Gerald Krebs, 81, of Ottawa died on Friday morning, October 16, 2020, at Pleasant View Luther Home.

Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor David Ufkes, officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa and one hour prior to the service on Friday, at the church.

Gerald was born on September 16, 1939 in Ottawa to Gordon L. and Cora (Anderson) Krebs. He married DeAnn Nickerson on May 1, 1960 at the First United Methodist church in Seneca. She passed on October 29, 2009. Gerald owned and operated Jerry’s Barber Shop in Manhattan, IL from 1960 to 1977, and following that time went to work for Caterpillar. In 1985 Gerald and his wife moved to Missouri where they ran a fishing resort. In 1991 they moved to Ottawa where was employed as a Bailiff at the LaSalle County Courthouse until his retirement. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, AARP, Ottawa Moose Lodge 960, and the LaSalle County Cruisers.

He is survived by one daughter, Gwen Ann (Dwain) Lambert of Lake City, MN, one son Kevin (Kerry) Krebs, of Channahon, 4 grandchildren, Jimmy and Sean Krebs, Kirsten (Rob) Ruf and Stephen (Jen) Lambert, 4 great grandchildren, Morgan, Kacey, Parker, and Zoey, and one sister Joann Chalus, of Ottawa.

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

Memorials may be made to Pleasant View Luther or Meals on Wheels.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Lambert, Jimmy and Sean Krebs, Kent and Barry Chalus and Rick Gage.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Devotion.

Cynthia (Nordtvedt) Smothers, 62, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.

Public visitation will be from 12: 30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, in the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Social distancing and Face coverings will be required. Private services will follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor France Marcott, of the First Baptist Church, Ottawa, officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Cynthia was born on June 18, 1958 in Ottawa to Willis and Doris (Luce) Nordtvedt. She was a 1976 Graduate of Ottawa Township High School. She worked as an office administrator and Accountant at Schuler Shook, Inc, in Chicago. She married John Smothers on Jan. 14, 1983 in Wheaton, Illinois.

She is survived by her husband, John, her mother, Doris, a daughter, Sarah Smothers, of LaGrange Park, IL, two sons, Jordan (Francesca) Smothers, of Portage, IN, and Joshua Smothers, of LaGrange Park, IL, four grandchildren, a brother, Greg (Erica) Nordtvedt, of Kenosha, WI, and a sister-in-law, Denise Nordtvedt, of Ottawa.

She was preceded in death by her father, Willis, and a brother, Steve.

Pallbearers will be: Jordan, Joshua, and Sarah Smothers, Greg, Chris, and Evan Nordtvedt.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.

Dolores B. Barnes, age 93, of Wapella, Illinois, formerly of Ottawa, passed away Friday, August 28, 2020 at her residence.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 5, 2020 at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Reverend Duane Kaufman officiating. Entombment will follow in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Dolores was born October 16, 1926 in Leland, Illinois, a daughter of Samuel and Mildred (Johnson) Beck She married the love of her life, Robert F. Barnes on March 24, 1973 in Marseilles. He preceded her in death July 9, 2016. She is survived by her children, Rhonda (Ken) Wynn of Wapella, and Marlene Diedrich of Bonita Springs, FL, Kenny (Debi) Fessler of Marseilles Bobbi (Jack) Brandt of Bloomington, Cheri McKigney of Anderson, IN ; four grandsons, Steve Wynn, David (Tamme) Crater, Kurt (Jenny) Crater and Jeff (Jenni) Crater.; six granddaughters, Stephanie (Darrin) Glass, Kim Hager, Michelle (Cory) Billie, Kendra Fessler, Shannon (Joe) Jackson, and Cheri Ann Aikin; sixteen great grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Henry Mattiotti; and a sister, Margaret Beck.

Dolores was raised Methodist and had been employed as a warehouse administrator for AT&T. She enjoyed bird watching, traveling and baking pies. Dolores had a talent for sewing and created clothes for her children as they were growing up. She loved her cats and dogs, but most dearly cherished her children and grandchildren.

She was laid to rest in the Sanctuary of Seasons.

Thomas C. Thompson, 93, of Ottawa, passed away Monday, October 5, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Funeral services will be Friday, October 9 at 11:30 a.m. with Reverend Gary Caster officiating at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Tom Hallam, Rob Snook, Shane Hallam, Matt Haage, Paul Snook, Scott Siebert, Jesse Burkhead, and John Cook.
Tom was born April 6th, 1927 in Chenoa, Illinois to Thomas and Myrtle (Wilkens) Thompson. He was united in holy matrimony to Margaret Mohkovic on October 15th, 1949 at St. Patrick’s Church in Ottawa. Together they lived hand in hand for 71 years, residing in Hazel Crest, Illinois and coming home to Ottawa after they retired. Tom first met Margaret at the roller rink and he loved to tell people that they’ve been going round and round ever since! He cherished time eating out with his bride and taking long rides together. They enjoyed 23 winters as snowbirds in Bradenton, Florida where they enjoyed golfing, walking the beach, playing games and time spent with friends.
Tom was a man of integrity. He was patient and a hard worker. He was quick witted and always had the waitresses, nurses, and people around him smiling. He loved to share stories about work and golf. Tom retired from Ingersoll Products, a Division of Borg-Warner Corporation in Chicago after 21 years as a supervisor. Tom was an avid golfer and was a member at the Prestwick Country Club in Frankfort, Illinois and Pine Hills Golf Club in Ottawa for the past 22 years. He could be found weekly on the golf course and often enjoyed a drink with friends after. He loved teaching golf to his nephews and anyone that would listen. Tom’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with family and friends. He was forever present at every family function and event! His influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew him.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Rosemary B. Peña, 93, of Ottawa passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at Seasons Hospice in Naperville.

Visitation will be from 10 am to noon on Saturday, October 3 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Due to CDC guidelines, masks and social distancing will be required.

Rosemary was born August 1, 1927 in Chicago to Peter and Teodora Padilla. She married Aurelio Peña on April 29, 1962 in Geneva, Illinois. Rosemary loved cooking for her family and helping others. She was a sports fanatic, and especially loved the Chicago Bears and Cubs. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and will be missed dearly.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Aurelio; four children, Lillian George, Luanne (Craig) Vogel, Marco (Jennifer) Peña, and Michael (Loreli) Peña; grandchildren, Ray, Michelle, Damon, Simona, Alethea, Heather, Rachel, Alexander, Andrew, Jonathan, and many more; and many great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three children, Richard Razo, III, Barbara Jean Razo, and Rosalinda Razo; a granddaughter, Nikki Vogel; two brothers, Larry and LaVerne Padilla; and six sisters, Anita Zucker, Lucy Alvarado, Beatrice Wheeler, Eleanor Monzano, Mary Yusko, and Tomasita Panti.

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

Dorothy J Glover, 97, of Sheridan, Mission Twp., IL died Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at the LaSalle County Nursing Home in Ottawa, IL.

She was born January 23, 1923, in Lemont, IL, the daughter of the late George and Florence (Pfaff) Steinhouse. She was a member of St Joseph Catholic Church in Wedron, IL.

Survivors include six daughters, Carol (John) Visocky, Mary Hales, Betty Glover, Sharon (Jerry) Doerksen, Diane (Kalon) Majors, Kathy McMaster; two sons, Gerald Glover, Dale (Cathy) Glover; thirteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; a sister, Marjorie (Don) Picha; a brother, Robert (Dolly) Steinhouse; two sisters-in-law, Elaine Glover, Irma Glover; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl F Glover and a brother, Leo Steinhouse.

Private family visitation will take place at GABEL-DUNN FUNERAL HOME, LTD., 333 West Church St, Sheridan, IL 60551.

Private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 28, 2020, at 11:30 AM at St. Columba Catholic Church, 122 W Washington St, Ottawa, IL. Interment will take place at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa, IL.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

Joan Hepner, 87, Ottawa died on Wednesday, September 23, at the Ottawa Pavilion. Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 28, in the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa with Rev. J. A. Small, officiating. A livestream of the service will be available through the funeral home website: www.MuellerFH.com. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. According to the current state of Illinois guidelines, face coverings and social distancing will be required.

Joan was born on January 20, 1933 in LaSalle to John and Fannie (Franco)
Taggart. She was a 1950 graduate of LaSalle-Peru Township High School. She was employed as a bookkeeper at the LaSalle National Bank and later at the Ottawa National Bank, where she retired as an Assistant Vice-President. She married Everett Hepner on Oct. 6, 1951 at St. Patrick’s Church in LaSalle. Joan was a member of the Ladies of the Moose.

Joan is survived by a daughter, Julie (Bill) Denton, of Ottawa, and one son, Jay E. (JoAnn) Hepner, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, three granddaughters: Amanda (Brett) Lockas, Amy (Chad) Gross and Malorie (Jeremiah) Hepner: 5 great-grandchildren: Jack and Brynlee Lockas, Cameron and Nora Gross, and Charlie Hepner; two sisters, Diane (Bob) Willing, of Aurora, and Mary Lynn (Jerry) Flaherty, of Winnetka, and one brother, Dan (Kathleen) Sarrett, of Winfield.

She was preceded in death by her husband on July 27, 2005, and a sister, Yvonne Baker.

Pallbearers will be Brett Lockas, Chad Gross, Brent Anderson, Gary Schuett, John Baker, and Michael Flaherty.

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

Coralee Green, 80, of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at Aperion Care in Marseilles.

Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation rites.

Coralee was born October 13, 1939 in Ottawa to Ira and Margaret (Miller) Grady. She was a member of the Christ Episcopal Church and a past president of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary. Coralee enjoyed going to local softball games, baking, and crafting. She loved to dance with her sister and travel with her friends.

She is survived by three daughters, Debbie (Bill) Hardee of Ottawa, Peggy (John) Grote of Braidwood, and Missey (Jim) Murphy of Ottawa; ten grandchildren, Shannon Ohlendorf, Justin (David) Hardee-Keys, Aimee (Josh Cooper) Hardee, Jaime (Rodger) Fought Jr., Kelsey (Devin) Hale, James Hardee, Dustin Riebe, Jesse (Jessica) Riebe, Paige (Matt) Holdridge, and Jonathan (Alex) Grote; seven great-grandchildren, Hannah, Ethan, Bryce, Braydon, Jonny, Emmalee, and Braidon; three siblings, Kay(Ron) Fleming, Tom (Jan) Grady, and Debbie (Greg) Ludwig; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Tommy, in infancy; Son in law, Zane Scheibly; her brother in law, Ron Fleming; and her ex-husband, Jerry Green.

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

Marjorie L. Farrell, 91, of Ottawa passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at Ottawa Pavilion.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:30 am, Tuesday, September 22 at St. Patrick’s Church, with Rev. Bruno Byomuhangi officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 am, prior to services, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Marjorie was born December 14, 1928 in Grand Rapids Township to Edward and Mabel (Passwater) Locke. She married Willis Farrell on March 17, 1947 at St. Patrick’s church in Ransom; he passed away November 2, 2007.

Marjorie was a homemaker; raising her children was what she loved to do. She enjoyed playing cards, reading, and needlepoint. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church. Marjorie was a loving mother and grandmother, and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by four sons, Michael (Camilla) of Grand Ridge, Terry of Ottawa, Richard (Connie) of Celebration, Fla., and William (Rhonda) of Swansea; her daughter-in-law, Kathleen Farrell; her sister-in-law, Beverly Locke of Hinsdale; 12 grandchildren, Michael Jr., Joseph, James, Ryan, Dan, and Trevor Farrell, Tracy Kirby, Brian Farrell, Jennifer Farrell, Melanie Lukacsy, Rachel Farrell, and Meagan Daoust; 20 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her son, Tim; her great-grandson, Declan Kirby; her daughter-in-law, Peg Farrell; three brothers, Lyle, Charles, and Ronald Locke; and her sister, Dorothy Landers.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

Virginia Lee (Voyles) Farrell, 85, a bartender and factory worker of many years and an Ottawa native, died on the first of September at the age of eighty-five while at home surrounded by her family.

Memorial services will be held at 6 pm, Monday, September 7 at Ottawa Funeral Home, with Rev. Duane Kaufman officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 pm, prior to services, at the funeral home. She will be buried at Oakwood Memorial Park. Due to CDC guidelines, masks and social distancing will be mandatory.

Virginia was the backbone of her family. Not only was she a genuine one-of-a-kind individual, but she was devoted to doing any and everything for her family and extended family. Family was her main focus of her everyday life. She would tell you like it was but she always made it known that she loved you more than anything. She wanted to know what everybody was doing at all times and if you didn’t know what someone was doing, you better go find out or she will never stop asking you.

Despite always loving on her family, she loved to play cards, listen to music, and dance with her children and grandchildren to classic country music. In her bartending years, everyone knew who she was and looked forward to seeing her. She worked hard for her home and her family while also having a great time and creating life-long friendships in the process.

Virginia married the love of her life, Walter Farrell, when she was twenty-one years old. They had five beautiful children during their marriage and created many memories that are cherished to this day. They divorced later on in life but remained the best of friends until his passing in 2007.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; May and George Voyles; her siblings, Dwayne Voyles, Bill Voyles, Richard Voyles, Juanita Whalen, and Eileen Clark; and her son, Eugene Farrell.

She is survived by her children; Joanne Dyer, Garry Farrell, Terry (Tim) Gaba, David Farrell (Valerie); her sixteen grandchildren; her thirty great grandchildren; her three great-great grandchildren; and her siblings, Pauline Miskell and Raymond Voyles.

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