February 2022

George J (Pudgie) Mason, 93 years and 355 days young of Ottawa, formally from Marseilles, was called home by the Lord while he slept peacefully on February 12, 2022.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Saturday, February 19 at the Ottawa Funeral Home with Kevin Mason officiating. Visitation will be from 4:30 pm until 7:00 pm Friday and 10:00 to 10:30 Saturday at the Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park with military honors.

George was born on the February 22, 1928 in Marseilles to Samuel and Mary Julia (Berutti) Mason. He was a graduate of Marseilles High School in 1946, and later drafted into US Army and fought in the Korean War from 1952 – 1953. He married JoAnn C Hadley on June 6, 1953 at the Evangelical United Brethren Church “Evangelical United Methodist” Ottawa. George was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. When he was not at work, he had a love of hunting, fishing, gardening and flowers; along with attending high school sporting and concert events at both Ottawa and Marquette. He participated in a trivia team in the late 1990’s thru mid 2000’s, had a love for traveling, square dancing and playing cards (euchre, cribbage, poker and pinochle with anyone that had a deck or 2 of cards.) He enjoyed most of all people; he said there aren’t any strangers, just people I haven’t met yet.

He retired from LOF in 1990 after a 38+ year career and enjoyed being a McKinley School crossing guard from the fall of 1990 until the end of school year 2005. During the 1960’s, he served as PTO President as well as Cub Scout Pack Master for Pack 45 (Trinity Lutheran Church), grew Roses for Jackson Perkins for many years, and was a member of the Marseilles Lions Club, (Melvin Jones Fellow 2001/Foundation Fellow 2007) Ottawa VFW Post 2470, (Chaplin) and American Legion Post 33 Ottawa and was involved with other various Veteran events and causes. He was a member of the Evangelical United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; son, Kevin (Nancy) Mason of Ottawa; grandsons, Cory Willet of Ottawa, J. James Mason of Fayetteville Tn; along with 3 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Alabama and Colorado.

He is preceded in death by both parents, his sisters, Effie Mason, Dorothy (M) Sherman, Jean Ann (M) Kerosene, Mary (M) Eye; and his brothers, Samuel and John.

Pallbearers will be Robert Fiesel, Wendell Sherman, Cory Willet, J. James Mason, Kayden Mason and Damien Mason. Honorary Pallbearer will be Robert Kinkin and Arthur Barron.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.

Louise L. Haefner, age 91, of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, February 15, 2022.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Tuesday February 22nd at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Funeral Services with be immediately following the visitation at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Gary Caster Officiating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Louise was born June 12, 1930 in Ottawa, Illinois, a daughter of Frank Christopher and Elizabeth Ruth (Johnston) Plate. She married Walter Haefner August 14, 1954 in Crown Point, Indiana. He preceded her in death December 25, 1963. She was also preceded in death by two daughters, Deborah Tavares (Tom) and Cheryl Jackson (Tom), two grandchildren, Tracy and Shelley Billiot, and three sisters, Ruth Burke, Frances Plate and Elizabeth Spinazola.

Surviving are her children, Denise (Kenneth) Cupples, Gary (Deborah) Haefner and Tina (Ronald) Podschweit), a brother George Plate; eleven grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Louise was a devoted Catholic who enjoyed reading the Bible. She retired from Aurora Pump, Sears and the Fox Valley Park District. Louise enjoyed being outside doing yard work.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.

Dale M. Branson, 71, of Marseilles, passed away Friday, February 11, 2022 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, February 17, 2022 at the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa with Rev. Sherry Stevenson, officiating. Burial will be held at Oakwood Memorial Park following the services. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. Due to current State of Illinois guidelines, face coverings will be required.

Dale was born May 2, 1950 in Ottawa to William and Margaret (Wallace) Branson. He worked in the Laborer Union Local 393. Dale enjoyed fishing, golfing, socializing with friends, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his four children, Thomas (Ann) Dobbels, of Yorkville, Laurie (Scoots) Collins, of Ottawa, Brian Branson, of Ottawa, Kevin Branson, of Ottawa; ten grandchildren, Gavin Dobbels, Nick Damato, Alyssa Damato, Mandy Stephens, Craig Stephens, Mark Collins, Matthew Collins, Haley Collins, Olivia Branson, Christian Branson; one great-granddaughter, Aubree Stephens; a brother, Norm Branson; and his former wife, Jackie (White) Mente.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Don “Wildman” Branson, Roger Branson, and Neal Branson.

Pallbearers will be Harry Donnelly, Craig Durkee, Dave Brue, Bill Govednik, Craig Linton, and Mark Collins.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Paul Joseph Zickler, age 98, of Peru, formerly of Ottawa, passed away Thursday, January 27, 2022 at St. Margaret’s Health in Peru.

Per Paul’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Paul was born August 4, 1923 in Ottawa, Illinois, a son of Joseph and Anna (Gausinn) Zickler. He married Josephine Slovinski February 7, 1946 in Chicago. She preceded him in death February 5, 2009. He is survived by a daughter, Roslyn (Randy) Slimko of LaSalle; grandchildren, Ashlyn (Logan) Noble, Tyler (Stephanie) Slimko, Natasha Slimko and Jacob Slimko; and a great-grandson, Roman James Noble. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Margaret Josephine Zickler and Helen Marie Zickler.

Paul attended St. Valentine’s Catholic Church in Peru. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and retired from Libbey Owens Ford. Paul enjoyed watching NASCAR races and loved to drive, particularly for vacation trips to Florida. He treasured time spent with his loving family.

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

Josephine Zickler, of Ottawa, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2009 at Pleasant View. There will be no visitation or services. Gladfelter Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Josephine was born in Ottawa, a daughter of Charles and Catherine Slovinski. She married Paul J. Zickler February 7, 1946 in Chicago. She is survived by her husband, Paul of Ottawa; a daughter, Roslyn Marie (Randall) Slimko of LaSalle; two brothers, Fred Slovinski of Wisconsin and Stanley Slovinski of Ottawa. She also leaves grandchildren, Tyler Joseph, Ashlyn Rae, Natasha Lynn and Jacob Paul Slimko. She was preceded in death by brothers Vincent, Joe, Lottic, Victor, John Lawrence and Stanley in infancy; and sisters, Mary and Alice. Mrs. Zickler was affiliated with St. Francis of Assisi Church.

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

Michael “Mike” Hanson, age 52, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 8th at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria with his wife at his side.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 14th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Pastor Harold Flach officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be Sunday, February 13th from 1:00 to 5:00 at the funeral home. Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers will be Riley Hanson, Taylor Frandin, Justin Schmanske, Scott Sesto, Ben Marshall, Jesse Eich, JJ DeBernardi, Max Wilson, Brian Zaremski, Ali Shakoor, Mark Hanson, Randy Crase and Jerry Siebersma.

Mike was born August 16, 1969 in Morris, Illinois, a son of DuWayne and Jackie (Crase) Hanson. He married Cheri Baxter August 21, 1993 at St. Patrick’s Church in Ottawa. Surviving are his wife, Cheri; children, Danielle Hanson (Justin), Jessica Hanson (Taylor), Ashley Hanson (Jordan) and Riley Hanson; and grandchildren, Brycen, Liam, Kellen and Hunter. Mike also leaves his mother and step-father, Jackie and Jerry Siebersma; brother, Mark (Holly) Hanson and their daughter Jaden; half-brother Mike (Kathleen) Anderson of Texas; “sister,” Billie Jean (Joe) VanDyne; mother-in-law Gloria Baxter; sister-in-law, Chandra Baxter; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his father, DuWayne Hanson; grandparents, Burnell and Violet Hanson and Ray and Mary Ellen Crase; and his father-in-law, Glenn Baxter.

Mike was the proud owner and operator of Starved Rock Guide Service. He earned his USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials in 2018. Prior to turning his passion for fishing into a career, Mike worked as a union plumber. He loved being able to share his fishing knowledge with clients, friends, and strangers of all ages. He especially strived to get the younger generation hooked on fishing. He knew the joy and positive outlet fishing provided him and wanted to share it with the world. As a professional tournament angler, his most prized accomplishment was never a trophy or a title, it was the fishing family he gained and treasured dearly.

It was no secret that Mike impacted many lives. His love for his family, contagious laugh, huge heart and infectious smile left a monumental impact on this world that will be deeply missed. He was one of the most down to earth, genuine guys you could ever meet. He never took life too seriously and his silly and goofy ways always kept us laughing. He took pride watching his family participating in many sports and never missed an opportunity to give even their teammates words of encouragement. He was a proud cooking master that loved to cook for all of his family, friends and clients. He was famous for sharing his chef-like talents on SnapChat. He wasn’t too tech savvy so we loved to tease him about sending us the same snap in 6 different groups instead of posting it to his story. He was the strongest, toughest man but had the kindest heart with a knack for making you feel so special and loved.

His wish is that we all live life to its fullest. Take time for family because life is too short. Work hard but play harder. Think outside the box. Put your head down and grind. Tight lines and keep fishing but NEVER GIVE UP! Cast away all your fears knowing Captain Mike has gone fishin’ in heaven and will be waiting to guide us to all those sweet honey holes when we meet again.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Hymns.

Gerald W. Oelschlager Jr., 75, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, January 22, 2022 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 25 at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home. Funeral services 11 a.m. Wednesday at Marseilles Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Bill Clark officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa.

He was born on January 9, 1947, in Streator, to Gerald W. Sr. and Doris (Connell) Oelschlager. On January 12, 1974, he married Janet Latimer of Morris who survives.

Gerald was a member of the Marseilles Church of the Nazarene. He was employed by The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 for fifty years until his retirement. He loved all the Chicago sports teams.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; two daughters, Jennifer Bickhaus of Ottawa and Jackie Oelschlager of Ottawa; one daughter-in-law, Tiffany Oelschlager of Ottawa; two granddaughters, Nicole and Kaci Oelschlager of Ottawa; four sisters, Kathy (Fred) Hickey, Patty Oelschlager, Kristy (Eric) Walker, and Judy Oelschlager; and three brothers, Gary (Meri Jo), Larry (Carol), and Mike Oelschlager.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Shawn; and one sister, Mary Sue Wheeler.

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

Cathy Brue, 69, of Manville, IL passed away on Monday, January 31, 2022 at Kindred Hospital in Sycamore.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday February 7, 2022 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Randy Mortenson, Pastor of Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, at the funeral home. Due to current State of Illinois guidelines, face coverings will be required.

Cathy was born on February 21, 1952 in Ottawa to Curtis and Bernice (Sampson) Grunstad. She married Ron Brue on December 7, 1991 in Ottawa. Cathy attended Freedom Lutheran Church in Harding. She worked at Pizza Hut, Walgreens, Borg-Warner, and the Wenona Cookie Factory. She enjoyed shopping, garage sales, Burgoo in Utica, bingo, euchre, and music. Her favorite song being Old Time Rock ’n Roll, and her favorite color was purple. She enjoyed fishing trips with her husband Ron and son Travis. Cathy loved and enjoyed her family, friends, and the holidays. Her son Travis was the love of her life. Cathy would not miss a baseball game to support her nephews in the game they love. She was a kind and loving person, and those who knew her were fortunate.

She is survived by her husband Ron; son Travis Brue; step-children, Tracy Taylor of Austin, TX, Tiffany Brue Kenney of Peru, and Ashley Brue Jansen of Renville, MN; two granddaughters, Kaydence Jansen and Emma Kenney; three grandsons, Jasen, Jaxon, and Jameson Jansen; three sisters, Kay Grunstad of Bloomington, Vicki Carroll of Ottawa, and Brenda Grammer of Ottawa; two brothers, Keith (Charlene) Grunstad of Oklahoma and Gary (Vickie) Grunstad of Ottawa; and sister-in-law Rhonda Brue McAlpine. She is also survived by nieces, Lacey Spencer, Shannon Triolo, and Brooke DeGuilio; nephews, Cody Grammer, Chance, Beau, and Kiley Grunstad, and Matt, and Sean McAlpine; and many great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Jeffery Goestch, 62, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday January 29, 2022 at OSF St. Francis in Peoria.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at St. Patrick Church in Ottawa, with Rev. Bruno Byomuhangi, 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 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Due to current State of Illinois guidelines, face coverings will be required.

Jeff was born on August 30, 1959 in Ottawa to Louis and Barbara (Raymond) Goetsch. He was a Veteran of the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1986. In 2015 he retired from the Ironworker Union Local 444, after 30 years of service. He married Kathy Erwin on December 25, 2001 in Ottawa. Jeff lived his life to the fullest, often the life of the party and always good for a laugh. He had his own unique sense of humor, which will never be forgotten. He always had a love of gardening and after his retirement, spent more time on it. He enjoyed growing fresh produce for his family and friends. He took pride in maintaining his beautiful yard and providing a good life and home for his family. Everyone who knew Jeff knew they could count on him for help if needed. He cared deeply for his family and friends. Although his family, friends, and puppy Lucy will forever miss him, we have been blessed for him to have shown us all so much love and laughter. We have so many great memories that will be left with for our lifetimes.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his father Louie of Ottawa; a daughter, Mollie Goetsch of Ottawa; two step children Megan Byrd of McKinney, TX and Jared Byrd of Nashville, TN; four grandchildren, Charlie, Carter, Cooper, and Cameron; and two brothers, Louis (Michelle) Goetsch of Ottawa and Tim Goetsch of Ottawa.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara, and a brother Gary.

Pallbearers will be Billy Johnson, Joe Grey, Tim Goetsch, Todd Gay, Bob Grady, and Bill Dawson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Louis, Jr., Jared Byrd, Dan Mennie, Kevin Day, David Erwin, and Curtis Allen.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.

Dianne Marie (Richardson) Bottoms, 65, of Ottawa passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 5, 2021 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Memorial services will be held at 11 am, Saturday, September 18 at Ottawa Funeral Home with Rev. John Paul Robbins officiating. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 am, two hours prior to services, at the funeral home.

She is survived by her husband, Ed; her daughter, Debbie (Carlos) Ramirez; three sons, Todd (Regina) Richardson, Bill (Tammy) Bottoms, and Bob Bottoms; ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, four sisters, and one brother. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Bonnie Richardson.

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