October 2021

Joseph J. Ernst, Jr. 81, of Marseilles, IL, passed away Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Monday, October 4 at Ottawa Funeral Home, with Pastor Sherry Stevenson officiating. Visitation will be from noon to 2pm, prior to services, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Joe was born October 14, 1939, in Ottawa to Joseph J. and Mollie (Jarmosck) Ernst, Sr. Joe was a proud member of the United States Navy, serving from 1956-1960. He married Patricia Gage in 1961, and together they had two children, Joe and Amy. He then married Carla Olsen, and together they had their daughter, Sara. Joe was the owner and operator of Joe Ernst Auto Salvage on Marquette Street in Ottawa for over 30 years. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, and spending time with his grandchildren. Joe was also known for being the singer and bass player in several country and rock bands, including Rock’n Rebels and the Tumbleweeds, for over 40 years.

He is survived by his three children, Joseph (Katherine) Ernst of Oglesby, Amy (Ron Couch) Frankovich of Marseilles, and Sara (Steven) Ernst-Cutcher of Evert MI; eight grandchildren, Amanda, Rachel, and Kaitlin Ernst, Michael, Mitchell, and Jacob Frankovich, Marcus, and Holly Cutcher; and his brother, Ernest “Ernie” (late Marie) Ernst.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his four sisters, Rosemary Carlson, Alice Nicholson, Margie Gray, and Irene Slovinski.

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

Richard T. Thorson, 90, of Ottawa, passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 27, 2021 at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church, with Rev. Randy Mortenson, Pastor, 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 4 p.m. on Sunday, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, and one hour prior to the service, Monday, at the church. Due to current State of Illinois guidelines, face coverings will be required.

Richard was born on October 30, 1930 in Ottawa to Torvald and Mildred B. (Thompson) Thorson. He was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School, class of 1948. Richard was a member of the National Guard and served in the US Army in Korea in 1952. He married Thelma Marie Brue on May 1, 1955 in Helmer Lutheran Church. She passed away on June 3, 2012. Richard worked for the Daily Times as the head pressman, and retired in 1989 after 45 years of employment. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church.

He is survived by three children, Martha Jacobs of Seatonville, Rosemary Thorson of Ottawa, and Paul (Teresa) Thorson of Sugar Grove; four grandchildren, Amanda (Bear) Pope of Glen Ellyn, Brittney (Justin) Wegener of Yorkville, Ellen Jacobs of Seatonville and Jacob Thorson of Ottawa; and three great grandchildren, Tomyris Pope, and Henry and Hallie Wegener.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Thelma; a son, Bruce Thorson; and a son-in-law, Joseph Jacobs.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Thorson, Justin Wegener, Bear Pope, Jim Thoms, and Josh Rhodes.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Devotion.