August 2021

Earl Lee Phillips, Sr., of Ottawa, passed away Monday, July 19, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Johnson, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Earl was born on May 9, 1945 in Jonestown, MI to Houston and Ledora (Washington) Phillips. He worked at Statemark for 13 years. Earl married Ernestine Ford on November 7, 1965 in Jonestown, MI. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He loved working on cars, being with loved ones, and watching the Cubs.

He is survived by his wife, Ernestine; his 11 children, Marvin Ford, of Streator, Earl Phillips, Jr., Dedra Phillips, of Springfield, Billy Phillips, Streator, Paul (Page) Phillips, of Streator, Rodney Phillips, of LaSalle, Tanta Phillips, of Ottawa, Leslie Phillips, of Ottawa, Brittney (Tristan) Finley, of Ottawa, Anthony Phillips, of Hillboro, Ashely Davis, of Ottawa, 33 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Phillips, of Chicago, Willie Phillips, of East Moline; a sister, Shirley Phillips, of Streator, and host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 9 brothers, Percy Phillips, Houston Phillips, Slyvester Phillips, James Phillips, Edgar Phillips, Roberts Phillips, Jessie Phillips, Odessa Phillips, Dennis James Phillips; and two sisters, Clara Davis and Viola Phillips

Pallbearers will be Billy Phillips, Paul Phillips, Aaron Phillips, Bobby Phillips, Terrance McKinley, Tristan Finley, Sr., Kimph Johnson, and Orlando Matos.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Marvin Ford, Tristan Finley, Jr., John Feehan, and Slyvester Phillips.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Hymns.

Jonathan E. Nichols, 37, of Ottawa passed away Monday, March 22, 2021.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation rites.

Jonathan was born July 30, 1983 in Chicago and raised in Ottawa by his mother, Linda (Nichols) McKittrick. Known by most as Tank Buffet, Tigger, Blaze, and Jon Dollar; Jon was known best for his contagious smile, love of all music, constant movie quotes, and wild sense of humor. He was loving and caring, and he made friends with everyone he met. He was a huge fan of the Chicago Bears and White Sox and was always getting a new tattoo. Jon was full of life and will be missed by his family, friends, and goon squad.

Jon is survived by Stacey Secrist and their daughters Justice, Sydney, and Violet; Suzanne Rich and their daughter Laylana; Rachael Matlock and their daughter Zoey, who is due in June. He is also survived by his mother, Linda; his foster mom, Jan Dombrowski; six siblings, Danny (Brigitte Hall) Nichols, Justin Nichols, Frankie (Jilian Wawerski) Nichols, Laura Fowler, Travis Nichols, and Sean Nichols; his uncle, DeWayne Nichols; his other family, Ryan (Krystal Hahn), Josh, and Jason Mueller, Katie Vaughn, Kelly Brucken, Skylar Young, and Brittany Carver. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Frank and Annie Nichols; and his Uncle Neeley.

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

Niki Leeann Hamilton born December 2, 1990 in Vista, California laid her earthly burdens down and transcended into the loving arms of her parents the late Joel and Jamie (Rudnicky) Hamilton. At 26 years old she passed away on Friday, January 20, 2017, after a hard fought battle with addiction. Niki had a loving spirit and a kind heart.

She gifted this earth with a beautiful daughter Gidget. She is deeply mourned by her brother, Brandon Hamilton of Ottawa; grandmother, Linda Hamilton of Cherokee Village, Arkansas; grandfather, Jim Wheeler of Marseilles; and her loving extended family. She was loved by many.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded.

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

Terry L. Greenrod of Sheridan passed away peacefully and comfortably at his home April 20, 2020 with his beloved wife Wendy at his side. Terry was born January 25, 1948 in Harrisburg, Illinois to William and Helen Greenrod. He moved to Sheridan, Illinois when he was 2 years old.

Terry graduated from Serena High School, Serena, Illinois, in 1966. Following graduation, Terry went to work as an Operating Engineer with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150, completing the apprenticeship program in 1972. For over 50 years, Terry traveled the world moving dirt, swinging iron and mastering his craft – operating the heavy machines he was born to run! He always appreciated the support he received from his Local 150 brothers and paid back by mentoring many fine young men in his trade.

In August of 1980, Terry married his wife of nearly 40 years, Wendy (Rudnicky) Greenrod. Their years together always brought new adventures. In their travels around the globe, they saw everything from dancing dolphins to delicate butterflies. Wendy and Terry enjoyed time in Florida, California and many destinations in between. They met and befriended many along the way, always returning to their roots in Sheridan. Wendy was his life partner and best friend. They provided one another companionship, peace and comfort throughout their life together. “You’re still the one, Red.”

Terry was an avid motorcyclist having ridden Triumphs, Hondas and Harleys. He enjoyed many, many miles of wind therapy. When he wasn’t on two wheels, he and Wendy felt the wind in their hair from the front seat of his convertible GTO.

Terry was a caring soul and passionate about ensuring all had what they needed for success. He opened his heart to those less fortunate and was always willing to lend a hand.

Terry’s was a life well-lived. Special thank you to his good friend, David Bardson, for all of his help and support over the years. And to his hospice team who supported him and Wendy through his last big adventure.

Terry is survived by his wife Wendy (Rudnicky) Greenrod of Sheridan, his family, Krista Love (Aaron McKinney) of Cable, WI; Travis (Denae) Love and their sons Tyce, Turner and Trapper of Ottawa, IL; Shelly (Steven) Swartz of Ottawa, IL; his nephews, Brandon Hamilton of Ottawa, IL, Bailey and Bryce Swartz of Ottawa, IL; his grand-niece, Gidget Hamilton of Deer Lodge, MT; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He will be dearly missed by his feline family, Tank, Tink, Alley, Boots and Romeo.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen Greenrod, his sister-in-law, Jamie Hamilton and his niece Nikki Hamilton.

Those who wish to remember Terry in a special way may direct memorials in his name to The Naplate Park Committee, 2000 West Ottawa Avenue, Ottawa IL 61350.

Arrangements are being handled by Ottawa Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held later in the summer to allow friends and family to gather in his honor.

He was laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park in the Garden of Tranquility.

Eustachia “Diane” Grubaugh, 75, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2015, at OSF Richards L. Owens Hospice House in Peoria surrounded by loved ones. Services will be held at Ottawa Funeral Home with Visitation on Friday, May 8 from 4-7pm, and a Memorial Service, led by Reverend Duane Kaufman, on Saturday May 9 at 11am. Diane was born February 8, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Roy Eldon and Nellie Darlene (Hall) Knoedler. She married Donald Leonard Grubaugh on October 5, 1963, in a candlelight service at the First Presbyterian Church in Grand Ridge, IL. Survivors include: husband, Don Grubaugh of Ottawa; daughters: Dawn (Doug) Tedrick of St. Clair, MO; Elizabeth (Tim) Drea of Springfield, IL; son: Donny (Julie) Grubaugh of Streator, IL.; grandchildren: Cameron and Kyle Tedrick; Andrew, Bridget, Lillian and Jack Drea; Jacob and Piper Grubaugh; sisters: Shirley (Brian) Painter of Appleton, WI, Marcia (Pete) Strigin of West Lafayette, IN, and; brother: Roy (Dottie) Knoedler of Boulder, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. Diane attended Grand Ridge Grade School and graduated from Ottawa Township High School. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing in 1963. She was a practicing Registered Nurse for more than 40 years, beginning at Ryburn Memorial Hospital, then Community Hospital of Ottawa. She was Administrator of the Home Health Department when the hospital created the program and she spent nearly half of her career as a Home Health nurse. She was a compassionate health care provider who took great pride in being an advocate for her patients. Active in her community in countless ways throughout her lifetime, some of her volunteer activities included: school room mother, Cub Scout and Campfire Leader, tutor and mentor. Diane was a strong advocate for women’s rights; she took a keen interest in current events and loved to engage in lively conversations. Quick to put others at ease with her caring smile and warm laugh, Diane was a special gift to all those who knew and loved her. Among her many passions were reading, knitting, cooking, gardening, nature, learning, travel and dancing with her husband. The anchor of her family, she was nurturing and supportive providing unconditional love and encouragement, in return Diane drew great strength and enjoyment from her family and close friends. She will forever be a guardian angel over her grandchildren, who were her inspiration and biggest joy.

She was laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park in the Shrine of Rest mausoleum in the Sanctuary of Seasons.

Dale Nelson, 85, of Peoria, formerly of Bloomington and Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at Lutheran Hillside Village, Peoria.

Private funeral services will be at the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa with Rev. Duane Kaufman officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa.

Mr. Nelson was born in 1935 in Ottawa to Alfred M. and Ella (Holm) Nelson. He graduated from Knox College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He received a Master’s Degree from Princeton University. Following graduation Dale worked at State Farm in Bloomington as an Actuary. He was a member of the Casualty Actuarial Society, American Academy of Actuaries and a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries.

He is survived by his sister, Ellen Titus; his nieces and nephews, Cheryl (Les) Greenfield, Linda (Hardin, Jr.) Cheatham, Nancy Titus, Brian (Irene) Titus and Kevin (Ruth) Titus; and two great-nieces and a great-nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Ann Ritzius.

Dale’s family would like to thank the staff at Lutheran Hillside Village for the wonderful care and kindness they gave to Dale.

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

Lorraine “Toots” Lieske, 93, of Ottawa passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at the LaSalle County Nursing Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, with Rev. Gary Caster, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Lorraine was born on July 27, 1927 in Ottawa to Lee and Leona (Bayer) Modesitt. She was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School. Lorraine married Henry August Lieske on December 15, 1945 at St. Mary’s Church, in Naplate. She worked at Westclox in Peru and Shepherd Middle School in Ottawa. Lorraine was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church and the Altar and Rosary Society.

She is survived by a son Henry Lee “Hank” (Mary) Lieske of Ottawa; a grandson Lee Lieske of Ottawa; four great grandchildren, Lindsey, Peter, and Emily Vasti and Rilee Lieske; a sister, Virginia Mohkovic of Ottawa; sisters-in-law, Jeanne Modesitt, and Josephine Lieske both of Ottawa; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Henry, on September 4, 1996; three brothers, William, Russell “Skip,” and Thomas “Swamp” Modessit; and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Vasti.

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

William E. Grobe, 92, of Ottawa, passed away Monday, July 19, 2021 at the Ottawa Pavilion Nursing Home.

Private funeral services were held at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa with Rev. David Ufkes, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Ottawa officiating. Burial followed at Oakwood Memorial Park.

William was born on January 1, 1929 in Ottawa to George and Bess (Modisett) Grobe. He served in the Army during Korean Conflict. He married Mary Louise Einhaus on August 26, 1950 at St. Patrick’s Church, Seneca. They later divorced. William later married Zelpha Scott on December 26, 1987.

Mr. Grobe retired from Libby Owen Ford after 43 years of service. He enjoyed fishing and was a die-hard bears fan and enjoyed watching and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.

He is survived by his wife, Zelpha of Ottawa; two sons, Michael (Kelly) Grobe and Jeff (Julie) Grobe both of Ottawa; one daughter, Jennifer (Jeff) Carretto of Ottawa; his daughter in-law, Holly Grobe of Ottawa 10 grandchildren, Chad Grobe, Kristin Burnside, Kyle Grobe, Emily Tyson, Kayla Moore, Zachary Carretto, Patrick Grobe, Katie Husted, Jacob Grobe and Jordan Grobe; 8 great-grandchildren, Mara, Maddox, Karsyn, Makenna, Cooper, Lyla, Payton and Reece; one sister, Velma Swartz of Ottawa; and Zelpha’s children, Rick Scott and Pam Wanken both of Ottawa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Richard and Eugene Grobe; one grandson, Clifford Charles Grobe; his first wife, Mary Louise Grobe; and one brother, Edward Grobe.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Sandra May, 74, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, July 10, 2021 at OSF St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Visitation will be Friday, July 16, from 3:00pm until 5:00pm at he Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. Cremation rites have been accorded to the Ottawa Funeral Home.

Sandra was born January 27, 1947, in Ottawa, IL, to Cleveland Joseph Kesler and Laura (Caldwell) Harris. She married Norbert G. May on April 7,1967 in Seneca. He died November 7, 2010.

Sandy was a graduate of Seneca High School. She retired to be the caretaker for her family. She had a very big heart. She loved to spend time with family and friends. She was always helping everyone she could and loved to cook.

She is survived by her mother, Laura “Ruth” (Caldwell) Harris; her son, Joseph (Lynn) May; her grandchildren, Curt Close Jr., Dezeray (Drew) Pfaff, Ashley May, Jennifer Hansen, and Addison May; three great grandchildren and one on the way.

Sandra was preceded in death by her father, her brother, Arthur “Butch” Kesler; and her two daughters, Jeri Linn May and Donna Jean May

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

Diane L. Telfer, age 61, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Ottawa, passed away unexpectedly on July 12 at University Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday July 19 at noon at St. Francis of Assisi Church with Reverend David Kipfer celebrating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday July 18 at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with prayers at 1:45 p.m. Pallbearers will be her nieces and nephews: Sarah Kahon, Jenni Hughes, Dan Ostby Jr., Bryan Gansen, Hayden Gansen, R.J. Cherry, Nicole Ramza, Jessica Tetter, Melissa Willingham, and Stephanie Willingham. Honorary Pallbearers will be her great nieces and nephews: Dylan Gansen, Sydney Gansen, Nevaeh Margherio, Zander Margherio, Hadley Hughes, Harper Hughes and Kennedi Kahon.

Diane was born June 27, 1960 in Ottawa, Illinois, a daughter of William and Leota (Studebaker) Telfer. Surviving are her sisters, Marilyn Ostby of Ottawa, Jan Ramza of Bettendorf, Iowa and Nancy (Charlie) Biffany of Ottawa; a stepsister, Penny (Bill) Willingham; and a step-brother, Bob Olsen. Diane was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Michael Telfer, sister-in-law, Juanita Telfer, brother-in-law Dan Ostby Sr., a great niece, Trista Margherio, a cousin, John Cherry, an aunt, Marie Telfer, her stepfather, Bob Olsen Sr., and her dear friend and mentor, Howard Clark.

Diane was employed as a broker for Holmes-Murphy Insurance and was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church. She dearly loved time spent with her family. She will be remembered for her giving heart and selflessness for her family which was her greatest joy. Diane was an organ donor and was able to donate the gift of sight to help others and for research.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.