September 2021

Linda Chalus, age 77 of Utica, IL, died Thursday morning, September 16, at her farm home in Utica, IL. She was the daughter of the late Porter and Myrna (Sebby) Arneson, born March 21, 1944 in Sandwich, IL. She grew up in Sheridan, IL with two brothers, Paul and Dwight. She attended Sheridan Grade School and graduated from Serena High School in 1962.

A private service will take place at Waltham Presbyterian Church. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park.

A “Celebration of Life” for Linda Chalus will be held on the Chalus Farm (1045 E US Highway 6, Utica, IL 61373) on Sunday, September 19th from 12-5PM. All are welcome. Funeral arrangements are with Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

On June 1, 1963, she married her husband, Ron, where they began living and loving a lifetime dream of raising a family on the home farm in Utica Township. She is survived by her husband Ron of 58 years, her brothers Paul Arneson (Francie) of Chatsworth, California and Dwight (Peggy) Arneson of Sheridan, Illinois. Also surviving are three daughters, Robin (Tim) Leonard of Spring Green, Wisconsin, Debbie (Rick) Hayne of Marseilles, Illinois and Melissa (Michael) Dapkus of Homer Glen, Illinois.

Grandchildren- Brent (Sidney) Leonard of Spring Green, WI. Paige Leonard (Noah) of Boulder, CO. Dayne Leonard of Spring Green, WI. Kelsey Hayne and Jordan Hayne of St. Charles, MO. Christopher Dapkus of St. John, IN. Zachary Dapkus and Morgan Dapkus of Homer Glen, IL.

She was preceded in death by her father, Porter and her mother, Myrna.

Linda and her husband were former 4-H leaders, former leaders and officers of the LaSalle County Pork Producers, and she was an active supporter of the Ottawa High School Booster Club of which she was made a lifetime member. She was a member and supporter of all programs at the Waltham Presbyterian Church and an active member of the Waltham Presbyterian Women.

On the family farm, Linda was an avid gardener and could often be found taking care of the yard. She loved raising her three beautiful daughters and taking care of the household on the farm. She also became well known for her professional sewing abilities and had a hand in many of the alterations for the local proms, homecomings, weddings, etc. She sincerely and dearly loved her customers and would often ask for a hug once their alterations were finished. Although she kept very busy throughout the year, when harvest time rolled around, you could find Linda in her John Deere combine harvesting corn and soybeans. She absolutely loved working with Ron during harvest.

If you know Linda, you may have been to the farm for a visit and/or garden walk, to the Chalus Barn for a High School reunion, a Christmas Under the Cross, a wedding anniversary, a wedding, or possibly a Sunday morning church service.

Linda had a love for anything that involved her children and grandchildren. Her support along with her husband for her favorite baseball team (The Chicago White Sox) and her love of following the Ottawa High School basketball teams to every game they could each season. She also loved being in Kingman Gym and watching the games from their seats in the West balcony.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Devotion.

Brenda Kay (Braun) Veronda, 69, of Ottawa passed away peacefully Friday, August 13, 2021 at her home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Reverend Michael Driscoll, Pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Utica, officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home.

Brenda was born April 16, 1952 in Turtle Lake, North Dakota to Benjamin and Shirley (Howe) Braun. She graduated as Valedictorian from her high school. Brenda married Daniel Veronda on July 12, 1977 in Crosby, North Dakota.

Brenda graduated from Minot State University with a degree in Medical Technology. She worked for many years at the Community Hospital of Ottawa as a medical technologist. She then worked for Carus Chemical Corporation as a research chemist.

Brenda was a member of Saint Francis of Assisi, Ottawa and the Elks Lodge No. 588 in Ottawa. She was a member of the sorority Xi Alpha Zera of Beta Sigma Phi. She enjoyed playing bridge with her friends for many years.

Brenda was an amazing Nonie to two grandsons. She attended as many sporting events and school events as she could make it to.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Dan of Ottawa; daughter Stacey (David) Mills of Mooreville, Indiana and two grandsons, Tye Veronda-Link and Lucas Veronda.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her daughter Sarah Veronda on March 14, 2021.

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

John Budach, Sr., 91, of Ottawa, passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at Pleasant View.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Cheri Stewart, Pastor of First 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 3 to 6 p.m. on Monday, at the funeral home. Due to current State of Illinois guidelines, face coverings will be required.

John was born on August 23, 1930 in Ottawa, to John F. and Mathilda M. (Mitchell) Budach. He was a graduate of Marseilles High School. John married Barbara Logsdon on February 18, 1980 in Ottawa. He was a veteran of the US Navy and served in the Korean War. John was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Ottawa. He worked for G.E. Plastics.

He is survived by his five children, John (Amanda) Budach, Jr. of Ottawa Edward J. Logsdon, Jr. of Michigan, Patrick F. (Michelle) Logsdon of LaSalle, Annette J. (Joe Baines) Logsdon of Ottawa, and Michael J. Logsdon of Ottawa; 5 grandchildren, Hailey, Tori “Sam,” Ethan, Airiana, and Jazalyn; 16 step grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Barbara on June 28, 2020; a grandson Jacob Logsdon, in infancy, 2 granddaughters Megan Rose Budach, and Catherine Mae Logsdon, in infancy; a son, Wesley Logsdon; and a sister, Elaine Fox.

Pallbearers will be John Budach, Jr., Nick, Michael and Sean Logsdon, Richard Coit, and William and Andrew Davis.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.

Suzanne Lemke, a friend to many, died unexpectedly on Saturday September 4, at the age of 71.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, September 9 at 11:00 am at the Ottawa Funeral Home, with Pastor Cheri Stewart officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 until 11:00 am prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park .

Suzanne was born March 14, 1950 in Nashville, TN to Herbert A Lemke and Edna Mae (Gregory) Lemke. Suzanne came to reside in Ottawa, Il in 1999 at the age of 49.

She was a devoted daughter, cousin and friend. Suzie enjoyed people and eating, especially at McDonalds, where she always order two sausage biscuits, a strawberry pie and a large coke. She had many friends there especially Toni who was an angel in disguise to Suzanne.

Suzanne was a spiritual women who believed God was going to give her a miracle, When in fact he gave us the miracle of Suzanne. She attended Ottawa Friendship Village for many years where she was loved and accepted and gave unconditional love to the staff and clients alike.

Suzanne could be seen around the area eating at restaurants or going to the movies; attending Church, ball games, picnics, and holidays; going on vacations to Tennessee; and visiting friends at hospitals and nursing homes chaperoned by her cousin, pen pal, and best friend, Mary Ann. Suzanne enjoyed life and had a quote she shared while talking to many “you got what you got, not what you ain’t got.”

Suzanne is survived by her devoted cousin and best friend, Mary Williams and special loved ones she held close to her heart, Van Williams, Elsie Caldwell, and Rachel Arroyo.

She was preceded by her parents, Herbert and Edna Lemke; twin brothers, Michael and Bruce Lemke; and many friends.

Memorials may be offered to the Developmental Training Department of Friendship Village.

Her kindness and friendliness to all people and animals is a tribute to the beauty of her heart and soul.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Hymns.

Donald L. Anderson, 86, of Kangley, passed away Thursday morning, September 2, 2021 at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 Noon Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa with Rev. Luella Loveless, officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services Tuesday at the funeral home.

Donald was born February 16, 1935 in Sheridan to Sydney Newmann and Evelynn Grace (Vincent) Anderson. He married Mola Smith on April 1, 1953 until the time of her passing. On December 13, 1997, Donald married Mary Hutchcraft Reynolds in Ottawa. He held employment with Libby Owens Ford and McConville-Anderson Home Builders.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; two daughters, Sandra (Jerry) McConville and Barbara (Dave) Bell; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; a sister, Joan LaPradd, and two brothers, Dean Anderson and Harlo Anderson. Also surviving, are Mary’s children, Melody (Tim) Fuller, Marty (Carolyn) Reynolds, Kathy (Tino) Rubio and Debbie O’Hara.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Mola; sisters, Betty Elko and Marilyn Tunget; brothers, Sidney and Ray Anderson.

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

Leo Wayne Schunke, Sr., age 72, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, May 28, 2021.

Services with Military Honors by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 18th at Oakwood Memorial Park with Pastor David Daniel officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be his children and grandchildren. There will be no visitation.

Leo was born January 23, 1949 in Ottawa, Illinois, a son of George and Dorothy (Krafft) Schunke. He married Carol Arwood who preceded him in death. He later married Janet Sisk on November 20, 2006 at Zion Lutheran Church in Ottawa. Surviving are his loving wife, Janet; children, Leo (Brenda) Schunke, Jr. of Ottawa, Lisa (Brian) Rockford of Marseilles and Luke (Heidi) Schunke of Ottawa; grandchildren, Ty (Beth) and Brina Rockford, Matt Schunke and Luke Schunke, Jr. and Emily Hughes; and great-grandchildren. He also leaves brothers, Ron (Mary) Schunke of Ottawa, Kevin (Lisa) Hillner of Marengo, Derrick (Chrystal) Schunke and Ryan Schunke of Ottawa and Gary Schunke; a sister, Candace (Joe) Wolfe; Sisters-in-law, Lois Sisk and Barbara Savill; brother-in-law, Pastor Bradley Sisk; and nieces Jamie (Charlie) Clark and Terry Hott. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Leo was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He proudly and honorably served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was a member of American Legion Post 33. Leisure time would find Leo enjoying hunting, fishing, woodworking and woodburning, metal work, assembling scale models of military vehicles and reading. His most treasured time was that spent with his family.

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