May 2021

Minnie A. Tonielli, 108, a longtime resident of Marseilles, completed her life’s journey on Saturday, May 15, 2021.

Visitation will be from 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, May 21, 2021 at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 p.m. Friday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marseilles with Fr. Ghislain Inai officiating. Entombment will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. It is kindly requested that those in attendance of the visitation and mass wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Minnie was born November 18, 1912, in Brooklyn, IL, the third daughter to John and Minnie (Cacello) Gotta.

Minnie arrived in Marseilles via a surrey with her mother at the age of 12. She would remain for the next 89 years, until she was forced to leave her beloved neighborhood and town due to the 2013 flood. One can only imagine the historical events she witnessed between 1912-2021.

On September 15, 1934, she married fellow Nabisco employee, professional boxer, and love of her life, Ernest Dominic “Laddie” Tonielli. They would remain married for the next 58 years until his death in 1992.

Minnie was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church from the time it was located on Bluff Street to its present address on Broadway. For many years, she worked in the church’s food pantry. Before her retirement, she was employed at the Bel-Mill sewing factory.

She is survived by her two sons, Dr. Ernest Robert (Helen) Tonielli of Quincy and Terry John (Patty Dougherty) Tonielli of Ottawa; one honorary son, Sam “Bub” (Gala) Eppstein of Westminster, CO; eight grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Laddie; two sisters, Mary Hanson and Katie Murphy; other relatives; and other “lunch buddies”.

Pallbearers will be eight of her great-grandchildren, Sarah Brady, Lucy, Will, and Fern Crayton, and Miles, Deakon, Katie, and Amy Tonielli.

She was laid to rest in the Sanctuary of Hope.

Maureen Varney Wheeler, 89, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 29th at Liberty Village of Maryville Nursing Center in Maryville, Il.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. followed by a memorial celebration at 3:00 P.M. Thursday, May 20th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home in Ottawa with Rev. David M. Kipfer officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Observance of current CDC Covid guidelines is requested.

Born February 21, 1931 in Ottawa, she was the daughter of Edward and Catherine (Farrell) Devine. She married George M. Varney July 9, 1950 in Ottawa who preceded her in death on May 6,1981. On October 26, 1996 she married Robert Lee Wheeler who preceded her in death on December 2, 2006.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, and was known for her beautiful blue eyes and her great sense of humor. She was also a fabulous cook, an experienced seamstress, and sought a career in real estate where she was one of the first women in Ottawa to become a Broker-Owner of her own real estate company, Maureen Varney Realty.

She is survived by two daughters, Georgann (Timothy) Shaffer of Estero, FL, and Jayne Norris, (Bill Hampton) of Hazelwood, MO; Seven grandchildren, Josh (Mickey) Frye of Cape Coral, FL, Peggy Whitmore of Deland, FL, Matt Vandom of Seymour TN, Garry Vandom of Titusville, FL, Brenton Norris of Chicago, IL, Layne Norris of Seattle, WA, and Erica (Brandan) Hangauer of Kansas City, 2 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews who loved and adored her.

She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Cathleen (Cathi) Brennan and her sister Jeanne (Oliver) Lawrence.

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

Patricia “Pat” Spicer, 87, of Ottawa, IL, passed away Wednesday April 7, 2021 at Pleasant View Lutheran Home.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 am on May 18, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church, in Ottawa, with Rev Cheri Stewart officiating. Visitation will be an hour before services at Church. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ottawa Funeral Home.

Pat was born May 18, 1933, in Woodstock, IL to RJ and Dorothy E. (Smith) Nier. After her first marriage to Wm. “Bill” Weed, she married William C. Spicer on March 19, 1971; he passed away October 4, 2018. She was a member of the First United Medothist Church, Book Club and PEO.

Pat is survived by her children, Laura Weed, Scott (Lori) Weed, Janet (Dan) Way, Robert Spicer, Laurie (Larry) Whitmore, Jack (Becky) Spicer; thirteen grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; her two brothers; her two sisters; and her step-daughter, Martha.

Pat left a legacy of love, compassion, humor, and many happy memories. She will be dearly missed by her family and her many friends.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Deloris Joyce Rehor born September 13th 1931, passed away on May 5th, 2021. Born and raised in Ottawa (on the west side) she is preceded in death by her parent David and Martha Heminover; her three sister, Phyliss Young, Betty Derbort and Shirley Armstrong; and her first-born son, David Broyles. Dee is survived by a daughter, Sheryl Haskins and two sons, Tony Rehor and Brian Rehor, and numerous grand and great grandchildren. Dee always worked hard for her family (married four times, twice to the same man) Be it waitressing at the Hi-Way Restaurant, assembling phones for Western Electric or finishing her career as a baker at Youngs Bake Rite Bakery for over 30 years. Besides her husbands, she also had lifelong affairs with Mario Lanza, Travis McGee and Jesse Stone. Per her wishes she is to be cremated and internment will be at Oakwood Memorial Park. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ottawa Funeral Home.

She was laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest in the Sanctuary of Seasons.

Barbara (McFarland) MacKay, 89, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday morning, May 6, 2021 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa with Rev. Dave Zehrung, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, at the funeral home. Due to current State of Illinois guidelines we kindly request that guests attending the service or visitation wear face coverings and maintain social distance.

Barbara was born on December 4, 1931 in Elvins, MO to Ersel and Rhonda (Harvey) McFarland. She worked as a bookkeeper for the Daily Times. She married Duncan Edward MacKay on August 9, 1953 at Prairie Flower Bible Church in Webb City, MO. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church and LaSalle County Genealogy Guild. She was active in the church and loved sewing and scrapbooking.

She is survived by her two children; Mark (Jan) MacKay of Utica and Rhonda (Rick) Moore of Ottawa; 9 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death her parents; her husband, Duncan on March 14, 2020; a son, Max MacKay; and a brother, Emmett McFarland.

Pallbearers will be Ryan MacKay, Casey MacKay, Mark Moore, Brent Moore, Jeff Moore, Dale MacKay, Jerry MacKay, Mike Halverson.

Memorials may be directed to Grace Baptist Church.

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

Dorothy A. Whiteaker, 94, of Sheridan, IL passed away Friday, April 30, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born November 9, 1926 in Sublette, IL, the daughter of Elmer and Clara (Glaser) Fischer. She married Robert L. Whiteaker on December 9, 1955 in Sycamore, IL. She was a member of St. John’s the Baptist Catholic Church. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed watching college basketball. Most of all she loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her four children; James (Pam) Whiteaker, Judy (Terry) Hapke, Curt (Leona) Whiteaker, and Jerry Whiteaker; her five grandchildren Jeremy (Lib) Whiteaker, Ryan (Samantha) Whiteaker, Nathan (Maddie) Whiteaker, Lauren (Dan) Hitchins, and Scott (Cindy) Hapke; fourteen great grandchildren Kendall, Tucker, Claire, Rhett, Judson, Nash, Dax, Coy, Tate, Piper Whiteaker, Bo and Johnny Hitchins, Sam and Jack Hapke, one on the way; and several nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and one brother Richard (Pat) Fischer.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at St. John’s the Baptist Catholic Church in Somonauk, IL with Reverend Kevin Butler officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa, IL. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, IL.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

Janice L. Hickey, age 78, of Grand Ridge, passed away April 28, 2021 at Ottawa Pavilion.

Funeral services will be Friday, May 7, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Tom Fleming officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services.

Janice was born November 30, 1942, the daughter of Lawrence and Ruth (Mathes) Mattes. She married George “Tom” Hickey Jr. on July 22, 1989. He preceded her in death on April 4, 2015. She is survived by her children, Jon Briel and Michele (Charlie) Frandin; step-children, Kim (Donald) Schmitt and George Hickey III, and seven grandkids. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Eleanor Nodland, Marilyn Callahan, Ruthie Alleman, and Helen Simonson.

Janice collected seraphim angels, precious moments, and birdhouses. She enjoyed camping at the White Oak Campground in Utica with her husband. More than anything she loved her family and will be dearly missed.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Ridge Volunteer Fire Department or Ottawa High School Booster Club.

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

Thomas Knott, 76, of Ottawa, IL, passed away at his home on Saturday April 24th.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Oakwood Memorial Park, with Reverend David Kipfer officiating. A celebration of life will follow at the American Legion from 11:30 am- 3:00 pm. Arrangements entrusted to the Ottawa Funeral Home.

Thomas was born June 24, 1944, in Ottawa, IL, to Oscar and Lucille (Grieves) Knott.

Thomas was a Truck Driver before owning an Asphalt Sealcoating company. He was a devout Catholic, and a member of The 700 Club. He enjoyed his retirement with mushroom hunting, boating, and spending time with family. He was known for his playful personality and doting upon his dog, Buster. He was also exceedingly proud to recently become a great-grandfather for a second time.

He is survived by: two daughters, Tina Brewer and Pauline Knott; two sons, Derek Knott and Tom Romano; three step-children, Eddie Knott, Richard Knott, and Stephanie Sprague; eight grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Jack and William Knot.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Devotion.

Dale D. Myer, 91, of Ottawa, passed away on Wednesday morning, April 28, 2021 at the LaSalle County Nursing Home, in Ottawa.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 30, 2021 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with his grandson, Rev. Nick Sandeno, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where full military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Due to current State of Illinois guidelines we kindly request that guests attending the service or visitation wear face coverings and maintain social distance.

Dale was born on March 22, 1930 in Ottawa to George Herbert and Margaret (Hileman) Myer. He was a veteran of the US Army. Dale married the love of his life, Norma Jean, Marsden on March 8, 1958. They were married for 63 years. He was a lifelong farmer who loved the Lord and his family. He lived most of his life on the family farm, where he started his side business, Dale Myer Garage. He enjoyed working on tractors and lawn mowers. He was known for baking his famous oatmeal cookies that the whole family enjoyed. He was a special man who rarely complained, with God’s grace, he lived his faith and felt very blessed every day of his life. Some of his happiest moments were spent with his grandchildren. Anyone who got to meet him would say he was a hardworking, kind man whom you never forgot.

He is survived by three children, Katherine McGarvey of Streator, Connie (Mark) Sandeno of Verona, IL and Steven (Lesley) Myer of Highland, IL; nine grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and two sisters, Mildred King and Mae Thompson both of Lakeland, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers; Herbert, Harold, Floyd, Lloyd, Howard, Everett and Maynard Myer; and a sister, Dorothy Sass.

Pallbearers will be Steven Myer, Mark Sandeno, Jacob Cook, Bradley Sandeno, Gary Nelson and Chuck Gleason.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Reginald P. Ator, 76, of Ottawa passed away Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Morris Hospital.

Memorial services will be held at 1 pm, Friday, April 30 at Ottawa Funeral Home, with Pastor Kevin Donoho officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 am to 1 pm, prior to services, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Family and friends attending will kindly be asked to wear a face covering and maintain social distance.

Reggie was born November 14, 1944 in Ottawa to Lyndle and Shirley (McNanna) Ator. He married Carol Hetelle on April 29, 1967 at the First Baptist Church in Ottawa.

Reggie retired from Bill Walsh Automotive. He enjoyed trips to Branson, Missouri, where he and his bride enjoyed eating at different restaurants and going to shows. Reggie was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. He enjoyed playing BINGO and attending senior luncheons at Crossbridge Community Church. Reggie’s favorite times were spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Carol; their three daughters, Trisha (Dave) Martin, Missy (Mike) Ciesielski, and Julie Burnley; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; his brother Lyndle Ator; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law, and his father-in-law.

Memorials may be directed to any of his three daughters, Trisha, Melissa, or Julie.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.