November 2021

Thomas Ellis Albright, 74, of Ottawa passed away Saturday, May 1, 2021 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date. Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

Tom was born January 19, 1947 in Blue Island, IL to Charles Ellis and Rosemary (Carlson) Albright. He grew up in Tinley Park and always called it home. He played high school football and graduated from Tinley Park High School in 1965. He attended college at Michigan Tech for 2 years until he joined the United States Airforce, serving during the Vietnam War.

On January 8, 1974, he married Lillian “Cookie” Doty in Crown Point, Indiana, and together they spent 47 wonderful years.

Tom worked for the Village of Tinley Park for over 30 years before retiring as Director of Public Works. Most nights you would find Tom tinkering in the garage and playing with the kids in the yard. He spent his younger days with his family coaching sports teams, jumping in the pool, at the race track, and taking vacations. Tom was a true family-man and was always there to provide for them.

Tom had a strong spiritual faith. He taught Sunday school and even was a part of Soldiers for Jesus in Streator. He would pray for you any time, any place. He had a big heart and he was very generous. He was an amazing provider and an endearing father. He had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. Tom truly saw you for who you were; he let you make your own mistakes, but most importantly he never let you fall.

He is survived by his wife, Cookie; three children, Nora (Chris) Boen of Ottawa, Erin Bowman of Minooka, and Ellis (Robin) Albright of Tinley Park; eleven grandchildren, Kyla, Wiley, Lillian, Selah, Cooper, Hayden, Jameson, Ellis Jr., Jessie, David, and Angel; his sister, Diane Albright; and his brother, Charles Ellis (Rose) Albright. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Alice Hopman.

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

Patricia (Pat) Murphy, 78, of Biloxi, MS passed away from complications of Myelodysplastic Syndrome Monday, October 4, 2021 surrounded by her children.

There will be a short graveside service on November 6th at 10:30 AM at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa, IL followed by A Celebration of Life and lunch at the Dayton Ridge Golf Course in Ottawa at 12 PM.

Pat was born in Casper, WY to Lloyd Grant and Iva LaVonne (Hoy) Weaver on August 3, 1943. She married Edgar Larry Murphy on December 3, 1960 in Marshalltown, IA.

Pat and Larry lived in Colorado, Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana before moving to Ottawa in 1966 to raise their four children. Pat completed the nursing program at IVCC becoming a Registered Nurse working in the Ottawa hospital system. Later she obtained her certification to teach the Lamaze method of natural childbirth. Pat taught Lamaze at the hospital before moving her classes to her home. She was determined to improve the child birthing experience and was a great supporter for her Lamaze couples.

In 1985 Pat and Larry moved to Newport, MN. Upon Larry’s death in 1992, she returned to Marshalltown, IA where she became a Para Educator. She was also a caregiver for her mother during this time. In 2000 she moved to Biloxi, MS where she enjoyed working at the Palace Casino and Resort. She loved her time there and the many friends she met through her 15 years as a buffet hostess.

She was an active member of the Ottawa Church of Christ, Woodbury, MN Church of Christ and Marshalltown, IA Church of Christ.

Over the years she enjoyed working with the Boy Scouts, camping, crocheting, crafting, sewing, cards and dominos. Pat was an integral part of the clothing design process and sewed modified clothing for injured service members for the Sew Much Comfort organization.

Pat was a great support to many people with hidden disabilities and to others who harbored great heart aches from their past. She loved them and provided comfort without judgement.

She is survived by her 4 children, Christopher (Lisa) Murphy (Windsor, CO), Lisa (John) Dammann (Ottawa, IL), Debra (Patrick) Galligan (Apple Valley, MN), Kevin (Maria) Murphy (Biloxi, MS). Sister Bonnie (David) Moody, brother John (Vicki) Weaver, brother-in-law William (Miss Betty Stevens) Murphy and many nieces, nephews, family, the Girls and friends.

12 Grandchildren Megan (Brett) Harms, Ezra Murphy, Michael Murphy, Tim (Rachel) Dammann, Tara (Jerry) Wing, Daniel Dammann, Beth Dammann, Madeline (Daniel) Crist, Genevieve Galligan, Murphy Galligan, John (Andrea) Evans, Jessica (Michael) Marshall.

10 Great Grandchildren Bennett Harms, Beau Harms, Belle Harms, Ben Dammann, Ashely Wing, Ashton Wing, Averie Wing, Brianna Melling, Lily Marshall, Madeline Melling.

She was preceded in death by Larry Murphy, her husband of 31 years, her parents, sister Kay Chaumont, brothers Robert Weaver, James Weaver, Randy Grant, Ricky Grant, In-Laws: Colton and Analara Murphy and Sister-in Law Susan LePard Moore.

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

Gerald L. “Jerry” Nanouski, 65, of Naplate passed away unexpectedly on November 2, 2021.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Monday, November 8 at Ottawa Funeral Home, with Pastor Sherry Stevenson officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 pm, Sunday, November 7 at the funeral home. He will be buried at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Jerry was born on July 5, 1956 in Ottawa to Joseph and Patricia (Clements) Nanouski. He married Kathy Garland in 1977, and together they had two children. Jerry worked as a K-9 Officer for the Utica Police Department for 19 years, before retiring in 2017. He adored working with his K-9’s Bart and Fjolle, who have since passed away. He also worked for US Silica for over 35 years before his retirement. Jerry was also a volunteer fireman for the Naplate Fire Department.

After retirement, Jerry would spend most of his time with his son, Teegan and grandson, Brooks. He would pick them up from school most days, and together they would ride four-wheelers, fish, and help others with outdoor projects. Jerry cherished the time he spent with the boys.

Jerry was a family man and loved having everyone over, especially during the summer. You could usually find him lounging by the pool with a cold Coors Light, chilling and relaxing, more than likely listening to Safety Dance. He loved to sing and dance, and was always the center of attention with his jokes and sense of humor. He could fix everything and anything, and if it had a motor, he loved to either ride it or fix it.

Jerry was a very kind-hearted person and would give the shirt off his back to help you. He knew everyone around, and never met a stranger. He will be missed by all those who knew him.

He is survived by three children, Sarah (John McCarrens) Nanouski, Ashley (Bob) Bartman, and Teegan Nanouski, all of Ottawa; three grandchildren, Audrey and Ryan Chamberlain, and Brooks Bartman; his brother, Tom (Kim) Nanouski; his brother-in-law, Jerry DeBernardi; and his four nephews, Tommie (Sarah) Nanouski, Chad (Amy) Nanouski, Jeremy (Molly) DeBernardi, and Ronnie Callaway. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Dee DeBernardi.

Pallbearers will be John McCarrens, Bob Bartman, Tommie Nanouski, Chad Nanouski, Jeremy DeBernardi, and Ronnie Callaway. Honorary pallbearers Audrey and Ryan Chamberlain, Brooks Bartman, and Jake McCarrens.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Hymns.

Gary A. Jerde, age 72, of Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, October 27, 2021.

Private services will be held at Oakwood Memorial Park at a later date. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Gary was born July 31, 1949 in Ottawa, a son of Donald D. and Louise (Charlier) Jerde. He is survived by his sisters, Wendy (Gary) Hoffman and Denise (Frank, Jr.) Velez; nieces and nephews, Megan (James) Markey and their children Isabella, Savannah and Jack, and Jerry (Shilo) Velez and Isaac and Eli Hoffman. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jerry Jerde and a nephew, Josh Hoffman.

Gary was a member of St. Patrick Church in Ottawa and the Knights of Columbus.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

William Buckingham, 91, of Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa with family by his side.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am Tuesday, November 9, 2021 with Rev. John Walker officiating. Visitation will be 4-7 on Monday at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park with Military Services.

Bill was born June 26, 1930, in Ottawa, IL, to Laverne and Nellie (Meaney) Buckingham . He married his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, June Pray, on February 16, 1952 in Fort Benning, Georgia. She died December 15, 2015.

Bill proudly served in the army as a forward observer in the 25th Division in Korea with the rank of Sergeant First Class from 1952-1953. He was honored with a quilt of valor for his service.

He worked at Brickton and Libby Owens Ford. He retired after 31 years as a custodian at Ottawa High School. Even after retirement he drove the bus for Ottawa athletic teams and various other school functions for many years. He attended First Presbyterian Church. Bill enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was an avid camper. He and June spent many winters camping in Texas, and together they traveled to 49 states. He was a blood donor for the Red Cross, and was a member, and former president, of the Nat’l Campers & Hikers Association, and also a member, and former president, of the local chapter of the Twilight Travelers. He belonged to the American Legion, VFW, Moose Lodge, and the Good Sam Club. Bill will most definitely be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his two sons, David (Carolyn Chapman) Buckingham & Daniel Buckingham, four grandchildren, Tiffany Buckingham, Ashley McCullough, Justin Buckingham, & Heather Chapman, seven great-grandchildren, Avery, Kylin, Mara, Luke, Mia, Madison, & Ellawyn and two great great-grandchildren, Leo & Ezmae.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife June, his brother Don Buckingham and his sister LaVonne Harcharik.

Pallbearers will be Mike Weygand, Dwayne Davis, Drew Ferracuti, Dana Ferracuti, Kevin McCalpine, Jake McCullough, David Erwin, James Maccono, Justin Buckingham, & Avery Buckingham.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Devotion.

John William Milam, 87, of Ottawa, passed away Thursday, November 4, 2021 at the LaSalle County Nursing Home.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at the Fox River Lutheran Church with Rev. Kevin Garner, pastor, officiating. Entombment will follow the services in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Services have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

John was born February 28, 1934 in Hume, IL to Paul and Lilly (Friestad) Milam. John farmed in Farm Ridge Township and then in later years in Dayton Township in addition to operating Milam Parts and Equipment for 29 years. He was a member of LaSalle County Farm Bureau and Fox River Lutheran Church. He loved visiting with his many friends and neighbors who would stop by the “shop” to reminisce. In recent years, you could find him tending to his yard or overseeing the planting and harvesting of his crops. His grandchildren brought smiles to his face when they visited. John “Billy” Milam was a faithful follower of Jesus and believed in his salvation through him. He has joined his wife Elaine and is now at everlasting peace

John was survived by a daughter, Rita (Kurt) Missel, of Wyanet; a son, Richard Milam; five grandchildren, Samantha (Dan) Hall, Jacqueline Bell, Khari (Reece) Storey, Trevor Milam and Kassandra (Nelson) Seaborn and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Lilly; his wife, Elaine; a brother, Forrest Milam in childhood and his sister, Gladys Eichelkraut.

He was laid to rest in the Sanctuary of Memory.

Anthony “AJ” Angelico, 60, of Ottawa, passed away Thursday, October 28, 2021 at his home. Ottawa Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Graveside services 2:00 pm Wednesday November 10, 2021 at Oakwood Memorial Park.

AJ was born , December 27, 1960 in Ottawa, to James and Rita (Morris) Angelico.

He is survived by his two brothers, Michael Angelico, Phil (Tina) Angelico. two nieces Heather, Shayla and a nephew Phil Jr.; six great grandnieces and nephew; AJ was preceded in death by his parents

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.