April 2021

Robert V. Chapman, 86, of Ottawa, passed away on Friday, April 16, 2021 at Pleasant View. Private funeral services will be held at Crossbridge Community Church, with Rev. Sherry Stevenson officiating. Interment will take place at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park. A Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday, April 26, 2021 at Crossbridge Community Church in Ottawa. Arrangements have been entrusted tot the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Due to current State of Illinois guidelines face coverings and social distancing will be required.

Robert was born on July 22, 1934 in LaSalle to Laurel and Ethel (Collins) Chapman, Sr. He was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School. Robert worked for Caterpillar for 30 years. He attended First Presbyterian Church in Ottawa and Crossbridge Community Church in Ottawa.

He is survived by 4 children; Robert (Paula) Chapman of Dayton, TN, Richard (Debbie) Chapman of Jacksonville, FL, Patricia Chapman of Ottawa, and Pamela (Jerome) Salz of Tonica; 12 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; 3 brothers, Laurel (Dorothy) Chapman, Jr. of Florida, Edward (Christine) Chapman of Naperville, and Lloyd (Diane) Chapman of Ottawa; and 2 sisters, Esther Baxter of Michigan and Lois Chapman of Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Noah “Tim” Baxter.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

He was laid to rest in the Sanctuary of Faith.

Larry L. Linn, Jr passed away at his home on March 20, 2021 due to complications from pneumonia. He was 54 years old.

Memorial Services will be 3 p.m. April 24, 2021 at Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Carolyn Lukasick, pastor of Epworth United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where full military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Due to current State of Illinois guidelines, face masks and social distancing will be required.

Larry was the son of Larry and Mary Linn, Sr. of Grand Ridge IL. He is survived by one brother, Robert L. Linn of Marseilles, IL. His lifelong friend, who was like a brother, Bill (Julie) Knox, Jr., of Kangley. Four children, Larry L. Linn, III, Sheree (Linn) Ceja (Jarod), Raymond D. Linn, Alexandra Davis & one Stepdaughter, Tiffany (Casto) Duffing (Marc) and two Grandsons, Ajay R. Young, Marcus Duffing and four Granddaughters, Baylee and Cailey Ceja, Remi Linn and Shiloh Davis. He was proceeded in death by his other brother, Randy L. Linn, his paternal Grandparents Elmer G. and Mary Ellen Linn and maternal Grandparents, Raymond and Mary Rick.

Larry graduated Ottawa Twp. High school in 1985. Larry served in The U.S. Navy on the helicopter ship U.S.S. Tripoli for four years. His favorite things to do when not working was fishing and watching sports, Chicago White Sox Baseball, Chicago Bulls Basketball, Chicago Bears Football and Chicago Blackhawks Hockey. He was also an avid collector of sports memorabilia, war heroes’ books and figurines, and cars.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.

Dr. Mark McVay, 70, of Ottawa passed away Sunday, April 11, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. He will be buried at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Mark was born October 2, 1950 in Chicago to Fuller and Faith (Andrews) McVay. He married Paula Pickett in 1973; she passed away October 30, 2016.

Mark graduated Ottawa High School in 1968 and went on to attend Lincoln College and Northeast Missouri State (Truman State) for his under graduate degrees. Mark attended Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine and attained his DO in 1977 and began practicing family medicine. The majority of his career he practiced in Ottawa, Illinois. He had recently retired in 2020. Although Mark didn’t have many hobbies to speak of, he enjoyed hearing of his grandchildren’s accomplishments. Mark always had a positive outlook and was able to make even the most difficult situation easier to handle.

He is survived by two sons, Bryan (Wendy) McVay of Washington, IL and Patrick (Kate) McVay of Princeton; five grandchildren, Liam, Matilda, Landyn, Mason, and Connor. He was preceded in death by his parents; his ex-wife, Paula; and his fiancé, Cindy Burrows.

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

Sandra K Satterfield Stipp, age 81, passed away on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at her son’s home in Cornell, Illinois.

She was born on August 11, 1939 to Cedric and Gladys Satterfield and grew up in Ottawa, Illinois. She married S. David Stipp in 1960 and together they had five children: David Todd (Lavonne) Stipp, Brenda (Steve) Marshall, Jonathan, Brian (Amanda), and Michael (Jennifer) Stipp; plus 11 grandchildren: Brandon (Rebecca) Stipp, Michelle (William) Behm, Jordan (Jill) Stipp, Lindsay (Justin) Bernklau; McKenzie Marshall; Ashton, Baily and Carsyn Stipp; Jackson, Ryan and Katie Stipp along with eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws. She was preceded in death by her parents and her only brother, Darrell Satterfield.

Sandra raised her family on the farm near Blackstone, IL and recently lived in Streator, IL after her retirement from St. Mary’s hospital where she worked as an operating nurse for over 40 years. She loved to travel to visit friends and family including trips to Israel, Alaska, Arizona and Hawaii. She was an avid reader and loved to learn about different people and cultures, but she especially loved to read and study the Bible. She was a non-denominational Christian.

She will be remembered by all her family, friends and former co-workers as a very loving, outgoing and vivacious woman full of faith and love for God who was always willing to help anyone. She had lots of good advice that she freely gave to all who would listen!

Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home in Ottawa, IL is in charge of the arrangements. There will be a visitation on Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. for everyone to attend with the funeral following at 11:00 a.m. Space is limited for the funeral and will be by invitation only but it can be viewed at the funeral home’s website later in the day at www.gladfelter-roetker.com . Burial will be at the Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa followed by a luncheon held at the Knights of Columbus Kaysee Hall, 806 Oakley Avenue, Streator, IL. ALL are welcome to attend the luncheon to visit with family and friends.

Memorials may be made in Sandra’s memory to the OSF HealthCare Hospice or any Hospice of your choice.

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

Dianna Lynn (Crisler) Martin, 69 of Peru, passed away Wednesday, April 07, 2021 at her home in the presence of her children.

A prayer service will be at 2:30 p.m. at the Mueller Funeral Home, Peru, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 12, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Church, Peru with Rev. J.A. Small, officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Private burial will take place at a later date in Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those attending services are kindly asked to wear face coverings and follow social distancing guidelines.

Dianna was born May 3, 1951 in Ottawa to Fred and Cecelia (Schomas) Crisler. She graduated from Ottawa Township High School in 1969. She continued her education and pursued her passion for nursing at Streator School of Practical Nursing. She graduated with her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree in 1972 and began her nursing career at Sheridan Correctional Center. Dianna was passionate about helping others and continued to work as a nurse throughout the Illinois Valley until she retired in 2013. After a few months of retirement, Dianna went back to work part-time at the local grocery store, Hy-Vee. She was a devout catholic and a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Peru. She loved gardening and spending time with her children and grandson.

Dianna is survived by her three children; Cynthia Germscheid of Atlanta, GA, Renea Martin of Peru and Shawn Martin of Peru; a grandson, Russell Germscheid; two brothers, Fred (Charla) Crisler of Dallas, TX and Keith (Sandra) Crisler of Houston, TX; and two sisters, Gail (George) Orr of Ottawa and Penny (Doug) Boose of Sugar Grove, IL.

She was preceded in death by her father, Fred Crisler in 2006, her mother Cecelia Crisler in 2019 and a nephew, Dustin Crisler.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Martin, Russell Germscheid, Doug Boose, Connor Boose, Nick Boose and Keith Crisler.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Tranquility.

Lorraine “Laurie” Harmon, 69, of Ottawa passed away Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center after a battle with breast cancer.

Private family services will be held. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. She will be buried at Oakwood Memorial Park. Ottawa Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Laurie was born May 17, 1951 in Ottawa to Wesley and Grace (Bennett) Ward. She married David Harmon on June 26, 1971 in Ottawa. They were married for 34 years before his passing on July 29, 2005.

Laurie loved reading, baking, and playing slots. She enjoyed going to dinner with her friends and family, and relaxing in her backyard with a hot cup of coffee while watching the boats go by on the river. Laurie’s true joy in life, however, was her family. Her life was happily centered around her grandchildren and watching their sports games.

She is survived by her daughter, Tara (Darrin) Schmitz; her grandchildren, Ella and Dane; and many close friends and family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Dave.

Memorials may be directed to her family.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Sarah Kay Veronda, 41, of Normal, Illinois passed away on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal from a sudden illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Reverend Michael Glenn, officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home. Due to current State of Illinois guidelines, social distancing and face coverings will be required.

Sarah was born on March 12, 1980 in Ottawa, a daughter of Daniel and Brenda K. (Braun) Veronda. She is survived by her mother and father, her fiancé Torricello Embry, her son Lucas Veronda, a sister Stacey (David) Mills, and a nephew Tye Veronda-Link.

Sarah attended Ottawa Township High School and graduated from Hazen High School in Hazen, North Dakota in 1998. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for many years at LaSalle County Nursing Home and Ottawa Pavilion.

Sarah had a love for life. Her venturous spirit led her on many journeys. She enjoyed watching her son play in his many sporting events: basketball, baseball, football, and soccer. She loved trying new restaurants and traveling to different types of festivals.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

She was laid to rest in Oakwood Memorial Park in the Tranquility Garden.

Walter Alfred Kistenfeger, 91, died Saturday, March 27, 2021 peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at St. Columba Church, Ottawa with Rev. David Kipfer, pastor officiating. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. before the service at the church. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa.

Walter was born on April 14, 1929 in Ottawa, IL. His parents were Frank O. Kistenfeger and Bertha (Hanold) Kistenfeger who immigrated from Germany in 1927.

Wally was an only child. He attended Ottawa Parochial schools; St Francis Parish and St Columba Parish, and graduated from Ottawa Twp High School in 1947. He graduated LPO Junior College (now IVCC) in 1950 with a Pre-Engineering Degree.

Upon graduation, Wally worked at Meckum Engineering, Ottawa, IL as a draftsman. Five years later he was hired by L-O-F Glass Company, Naplate, IL as a Plant 5 millwright. In 1961, he began work at IL Division of Highways (IDOT) where he was appointed District 3 Safety and Claims Representative. He worked at IDOT until retirement in 1990.

On August 27, 1971 he married his wife Ann, and they became a blended family with eight children. Wally enjoyed spending time with his family. They all loved and participated in Ottawa sports activities; including Little League baseball for which Wally coached the L-O-F Cubs from 1961 to 1965. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan.

Wally was a devote Christian and saw the Lord’s presence numerous times in his life. He was a member of St Columba Parish and past Lector and past Eucharistic Minster. He taught St Columba Sunday School from 1974 through 1983 teaching third graders and fifth graders. He was involved in several programs including Christ Renews His Parish, Illinois Valley Cursillo Christian Ministry and the Cursillo Prison Ministry Team in Sheridan Prison. He also volunteered at Community Hospital of Ottawa for many years.

Wally and Ann have enjoyed traveling, visiting relatives and friends, have traveled abroad and around the United States by air, auto and cruise. Wally enjoyed gardening, do-it-yourself carpentry, travel and reading newspapers front to back. Handwritten letters were also a favorite pastime.

They have been Snowbirds to Summerfield, FL every winter since January 1990.

Walter is survived by his beloved wife Ann, his children Thomas Blackmon, Eugene Kistenfeger of Ottawa, IL Sandra (William) Nagel of Oglesby, IL, Robert (Joetta) Kistenfeger of Mt. Zion, IL, David (Kerry) Kistenfeger of Ottawa, Gary (Tracy) Kistenfeger of Ottawa, and Mary Kay Kistenfeger of Ottawa and thirteen grandchildren; Adrianne Johnson, Thomas and Theodore Nagel, Courtney Just, Cami & Colby Kistenfeger, Zachary, Ryan and Jayson Kistenfeger, Kara and Quinn Kistenfeger, Kelsey Kistenfeger-Twohey and Cole Kistenfeger and 15 great grand-children.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Walter Alfred Kistenfeger, Jr in 2003.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Columba & Marquette Academy and Abigail Women’s Center, Mendota.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.