March 2022

Carl Martin Whitney, known as Marty, passed away at Aperion Care in Marseilles, Illinois on October 25, 2021, at the age of 67. 3 ½ years ago Marty gave the middle finger to cancer when he was told the best he could ask for was 3-6 months. Never tell a Whitney what they can or cannot do is the lesson we should take from that, but if you know a Whitney, then you have surely already witnessed that lesson.

Marty was born at Ryburn Memorial Hospital in Ottawa, Illinois to Carl and Eloise (Collier) Whitney on July 19. He joined brothers Don, twins Gene and Dene, and sister Libby at home. Twins, Dennis and Denise would join him less than three years later. You read that right, two sets of twins.

Marty and the Whitney kids ran wild all over ‘Hollywood’(as they called it back in their day) and the west side of Ottawa. They were having way too much fun and also possibly ruining the Whitney reputation for generations to come.

Marty was a veteran of the United States Navy. After discharge, Marty lived a large portion of his life in the village of Utica, Illinois, and had a special love for it and its townspeople. Marty enjoyed riding motorcycles. You may have seen him with one of his shelties riding on the gas tank of his bike. One time his beloved dog Cookie was riding with him, wearing her leather jacket, when Marty was pulled over by the police. Marty asked what was the problem. He was told that his ‘passenger’ would need to wear eye protection. The next day, Cookie the dog rode with her own eyewear, fashioned by her dad Marty.

Marty was a sportsman in his younger years. A hunter with expert knowledge in bow and arrows, black powder guns, rifles, pistols, shotguns, and all things ammo. His niece Christal often compared him to the character Q in the 007 movies, who was the genius behind all of spies’ best gadgets. If Marty could imagine it, he could build it. He once modified a TV remote control and a cane that could double as pistols. The tv remote had to be hidden away so as to not accidentally change the channel permanently.

Marty held several jobs over his life. His recent journey had him working out of his own garage making custom projects through his own business appropriately titled, “Custom Cool Sh!t”. He worked as a tree expert for Asplundh. Marty also worked for North American Hydro Operations, helping run the Dayton Dam.

Marty is survived by: his sister Libby (Jeff) Koenke; nephews Gene, Shon, Aaron and Todd; nieces Debbie, Christal and Kim, and his special friend, Janet McGowan. The family would like to extend its gratitude to the Illinois Cancer Care Center, Dr. Zaluduendo, and the staff at OSF Saint Elizabeth Radiation Oncology, Aperion Care of Marseilles, Compassus Hospice, and the staff at the New Oasis Family Restaurant, who always took great care of Marty. A graveside service will be scheduled at a later date. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

He was laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park, in the Garden of the Ten Commandments.

Arthur Duffield, 91, of Streator, passed away on Friday morning, March 18, 2022 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.

A private service will be held at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Duane Kaufman, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Arthur was born on a south Ottawa farm to Dewey and Leah (Capsel) Duffield on October 31, 1930. On July 24, 1953 he married Elaine Laatz in the Brookfield Presbyterian Church and three days later turned to the Army for two years. Some of that time was spent in Germany.

He enjoyed farming his entire life. He played softball, bowling, and golfing. He was the father of four children Art, Jr (Hiedi) Duffield of McNabb, Calvin (Patricia) Duffield of Ransom, Scott (Laura) Duffield of Grand Ridge, and Jeanne (Roger) Andrews of Harrisburg. He was the grandfather of 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was a 4-H leader and member of the Farm Bureau.

He has two surviving sisters, Leah June Riebe of Ottawa and Patsy Watts of Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Robert and Russell Duffield.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Duffield, Adam Duffield, Joshua Andrews, Jordon Pless, Gary Duffield, Rachel Monahan.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

Anne (Hage) Burton, 101, of Ottawa passed away on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at Pleasant View Lutheran Home.

Visitation services will be on Friday, March 18th at Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa from 4-6 pm and one hour before the funeral at the church. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 19th at 11 am at Zion Lutheran Church in Ottawa, with Rev. David Daniel, Pastor, officiating.

Anne was born on March 16, 1920, in Yorkville, Il to William and Anna (Behrens) Hage. She was the youngest of 13 siblings.

She married Arthur Leroy Burton on November 4, 1938. They were married for 74 years. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. She made their annual Sauerkraut dinners a family tradition. Anne and Art were longtime members of Deer Park Country Club. Where if she was not golfing, she was playing cards with friends. An activity she enjoyed her entire life. Her putting game was second to none, she encouraged her entire family to pick up the game and provided many pieces of advice while on the course. When not golfing, she could be found with a grandkid in tow shopping for their back-to-school outfits. She was an amazing baker, her family treasuring her famous chocolate chip cookies, brown bread, and rhubarb pie. She most looked forward to spending time with her great-great-grandchildren. She always asked after the “Little Ones” and made sure they were always warm enough no matter the season. Her lifetime of supporting all of her family’s endeavors is her greatest legacy.

She is survived by two children, Bonnie McGrogan of Ottawa and Ronald Burton of Salt Lake City, UT; five grandchildren, Michael (Barb) McGrogan, Karen (Chico) Corsolini, Beth Melvin, Brian (Amy) Burton, and Kelly (Craig) Edwards; eleven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren Avery and Atlee McGrogan.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings; her husband Art Burton; her daughter-in-law Kathleen Burton; and her son-in-law Larry McGrogan.

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

George William “Pickle” Hanselman, age 101, of Ottawa, departed this life and entered his Heavenly Home Saturday, March 12, 2022 with his loving family by his side.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M. Saturday, March 19th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Pastor Sherry Stevenson and Rev. John Paul Robbins officiating. Entombment with military honors by the American Legion Post 33 Veterans Group Honor Guard will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Tyler and Travis Ailor, Ryan and Chad Holloway, Kyle Hiller, Michael Gregory and Dalton Downey. Honorary pallbearers will be Alex Day, Mitchell Hanselman, Justin Downey, Mark, Christopher and Craig Weihman and Robert Lenac.

George was born November 8, 1920 in Eldorado, Illinois, a son of George Washington and Mary Ellen (Shomate) Hanselman. He married Dora Elizabeth Tyler May 16, 1938 in Morganfield, Kentucky. She preceded him in death August 3, 2003. He later married Margaret “Marge” (Lenac) Weihman December 28, 2006 at the Ottawa First Church of the Nazarene. Surviving are his loving wife, Marge; his devoted son, George (Judy) Hanselman of Ottawa; step-children, Mark (Kellie) Weihman of Loveland, Colorado, Christopher (Michelle) Weihman of LasVegas, Nevada, Renee Winjum of Urbandale, Iowa and Craig (Kathy) Weihman of Fowlerville, Michigan. George leaves ten grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; seven great-step-grandchildren and sixteen great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughters, Donna Downey and Norma Day; a grand-daughter, Velinda Day; brothers, Floyd, Simon, Guy and Earl; and sisters, Mary, Lou, Rose and Cruella.

George was a member of Crossbridge Community Church in Ottawa. He proudly served his country in the 17th Airborne Division of the U.S. Army in World War II and was the recipient of the Bronze Star. George was a life member of the American Legion and VFW in Ottawa. Leisure time would find George camping, traveling or tinkering with a project. He was a “jack of all trades.” Affectionately known as “Pop,” he dearly loved each member of his family. George was known to be a kind and generous man who would help anyone in need. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

He was laid to rest in the Sanctuary of Faith.

Marian M. Barkley, 89, of Glenview, passed away on March 13, 2022, surrounded by loving family. She was the dear daughter of the late Gordon B. and Roxie E. Martin. During her lifetime, she was the loving wife of Donald W. Zinn Jr., Peyton J. Barkley and Ralph B. “Turk” Tippet. She is survived by Turk, her loving children Donald (Stacy), Charles (Susan Siegel) and Kathryn, her grandchildren April, Derek (Angelica) and Leon Bohmer; her great-grandson Luke; her beloved sister Karen Martin (Jean Walbridge) and her dear cousin Valerie Buchan. Born and raised in Chicago, Marian graduated from Taft High School, then attended Lawrence College where she majored in English and graduated cum laude. After college she became a favorite elementary school teacher. Later in life she received a MSW from Aurora University and worked for The Salvation Army. Marian was a cherished and beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. As many were lucky to know, Marian was kind, beautiful, caring, grateful, compassionate, and, most of all, loving. Marian enjoyed great friendships wherever she lived. She was a talented artist and made everything she touched beautiful. Marian will be missed forever by many. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Salvation Army or a charity of your choice. Private burial. A Memorial Celebration will be held late Spring / early Summer.

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

Allan Ross Martin, age 70, resided at Liberty Village in Maryville, IL, when he died on February 2, 2022, surrounded by loving family members.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on March 19, 2022 at the Ottawa Church of Christ, a building which Allan, his father, his brother, and other church members helped build 50 years ago. Though fully vaccinated, Allan’s final illness was caused by Covid-19 which caused the failure of his remaining transplanted kidney. The family requests that all who attend his memorial service wear face masks and take the other well-known precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 to other vulnerable persons attending Allan’s service. Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, IL, is handling the arrangements. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa.

Allan, the eldest child of Dean and Erma Martin, was born in Bloomington, IL on December 18, 1951. After graduating from Ottawa Township High School in 1970, he continued his formal education at IVCC and the University of Illinois. Allan worked for several employers in and around Ottawa and DeKalb, but his passion was serving God, Christ’s church, and his fellow man. Allan was a devoted Bible student, Bible teacher, and servant at congregations of churches of Christ in Ottawa, DeKalb, and Sycamore, IL. Allan also served members of the community by driving them to medical and other important appointments.

Allan was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents. He is survived by his mother Erma of Chatham, IL; brother Anthony (Nancy) of Edwardsville, IL; sister Mary (Larry) Ponser of Chatham, IL; sister Marla (Bob) Housby of Andrews, TX; his beloved niece and nephews and cousins, fellow church members, and many other friends. Allan began having major health problems shortly after beginning high school, which resulted in numerous hospitalizations and surgeries (including liver and kidney transplants). Those health issues had a major influence on Allan’s life. He courageously fought his health battles for over fifty years. As the recipient of multiple transplanted organs, Allan was a strong advocate for organ donation for the rest of his life.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Tranquility.

Marlene Ann Hall, 70, of Marseilles, passed away Saturday, April 10, 2021, at her home.

Funeral services will be private. Seals-Campbell Funeral Home in Marseilles is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Marlene was born April 17, 1950, in Ottawa, to John and Arlene May (Hettle) Brunetto. On May 23, 1970, she married Peter Hall of Marseilles who survives.

She is survived by her husband, Pete; one daughter, Jessica (Andrej) Spec of St. Louis, MO; one son, Derek Hall of Marseilles; one granddaughter, Ana Avondale Spec; and one brother, Robert Brunetto of Kankakee, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

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

Rita M. (Kates) Hallett, 97, of Ottawa, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2022 at Pleasant View.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Rich Fassig of Serena United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, at the funeral home.

Rita was born on November 17, 1924 in Grand Rapids Township to Elmer and Carrie (Roser) Kates. She was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School, class of 1942. Rita married Willis E. Hallett on October 29, 1944 at the Grand Ridge United Methodist Church. She had worked at Walter Seed Com. and W.D Grain Co. Rita was a member of Harding United Methodist Church, Dayton Women’s Club, Harding United Methodist Women, 4H leader in Dayton, the chairwoman of the Turkey Dinner at Harding United Methodist Church for many years, and a member of Zonta for 35 years.

She is survived by two children, Virl (Connie Two) Hallett of Ottawa and Patricia (Gerald) Boe of Joliet; three grandchildren, Eric (Lisa) Boe, Tim (Kristi) Boe and Adam (Domènica) Hallett; seven great-grandchildren, Kathryn, Alayna, Sydni, Rayna, Olivia, Ethan, and Elyssa; a sister, Mary Lou Schmitt of Ottawa; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Willis, and a grandson, Isaac Boe.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Devotion.

Danny Lee Harden, 75, of Ottawa passed away February 24, 2022 at Aperion Care of Marseilles.
Graveside services will be held at 1 pm, Saturday, March 5 at Oakwood Memorial Park. Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.
Danny was born September 30, 1946, in Ottawa to Benjamin and Marie (Hicks) Harden. He married Judy (Taylor) on August 6, 1966; she passed away September 10, 2020.
Danny worked at US Silica for over 35 years before retiring in 2008. He was a fun-loving guy who loved to have fun and make people smile and laugh. He enjoyed riding his scooter and spending time outdoors.
He is survived by his children, Cora (late Michael) Anderson and Danny Junior; his granddaughter, Amanda Anderson; his sister, Lyla Distin; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved very much. He will also be missed by his favorite pup, Benji. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and four brothers, Kenny, George, David, and Eugene Harden.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.

Donald Link, 79, of Ottawa passed away Thursday, February 17, 2022 at his home.

Funeral services will be at 11 am, Friday, February 25 at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastor Phil Potaczek officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm, Thursday, February 24 at Ottawa Funeral Home; Also from 10 to 11 am, prior to services on Friday, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park, with military honors.

Don was born June 20, 1942, in Ottawa to Philip and Martha (Eisert) Link, II. He was a proud member of the United States Army, serving from 1962-1964. He married Carol (Cultra) Siebert on February 20, 1993 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottawa. Don enjoyed volunteering his time at the Ottawa Food Pantry and PADS Shelter, and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Moose Lodge, and the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; two sons, Barrie (Karen) and Steven Link; two step-daughters, Melissa (Kevin) Leslie and Carrie (Tim) Klein; seven grandchildren, Jake, Kayli, and Zack Link, Amanda Meagher, Jesstine (Tyler) Leslie-Frieders, Cooper, and Chloe Klein; one brother, Ronald (Melissa) Link; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Philip III, Richard, and William Link; and his sister, Dorothy Moore.

Pallbearers will be Shane Link, Todd Link, Jeff Porro, Kevin Leslie, Tim Klein, Tyler Frieders, Ron Merritt, and Rodney Merritt. Terry Link will serve as honorary pallbearer.

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