July 2022

Denise Velez, 69, of Ottawa, IL, passed away Monday July 18, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family .

Memorial Services will be Saturday at 11:00 am July 23, 2022 at Ottawa Funeral Home, with Rev Nicolas Wilson officiating. Visitation will be 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Denise was born October 1, 1952, in Ottawa, , to Donald and Louise (Charlier) Jerde . She married Frank Velez on July 28, 1973 at St. Patricks Church.

Denise retired from the LaSalle Co. Housing Authority. She loved to bake cookies for her family and was known for her world famous mashed potatoes.

She is survived by; her husband, Frank Velez, her son, Jerry (Shilo) Velez, a sister Wendy (Gary) Hoffman. mother-in-law Alice Hermosillo, sister-in-laws, Janice (Jeff) Burke and Yvette Baiz and many nieces and nephews.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Gary and Jerry Jerde, and a nephew Joshua Hoffman.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

Mary Jane (Munson) Melton, 91, of The Villages, Lady Lake, Florida passed away on Sunday June 19, 2022 in hospice care. Jane was born December 26, 1930 in Ottawa, Illinois, a daughter of Mayme and Emory Munson. Jane married Albert B. Melton, Jr. on February 19, 1955. Al survives as well as three children, James Melton from Smyrna, Georgia, Diane Zosky from Normal, Illinois, and Terry Melton from Leesburg, Florida and one sister, Eleanor (Doll) Thomas from Marseilles, Illinois. Al and Jane have four lovely grand-daughters and four energetic great-grandchildren who adored their Grandma. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, two brothers, and one sister.

Jane was a homemaker through life, but as a farmer’s wife, that of course meant she helped out in many ways with the family farming. Jane and Al spent the majority of their lives in rural Ottawa, until building their retirement home in The Villages Florida in 1996. They split their time between Ottawa and Florida until 2014 when they moved permanently to Florida to spend their time enjoying golf, bocce ball, and many wicked card games with their friends and family. Jane enjoyed life.

Jane was a member of St. Timothy Catholic Church. A memorial celebration of life will be held on August 3, 2022 at 1:00 pm at BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society, 1008 Bichara Boulevard, The Villages, FL 32159.

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

Virginia (Modesitt) Mohkovic born on August 10th 1930, went to spend eternity with the love of her life Russell Mohkovic,on July 16,2022. Just 25 days short of 92 years old.

She married Russell Mohkovic on July 9, 1947. She raised 5 children, Cathy Mohkovic (deceased May 9 2019), Russell (Melody) Mohkovic of California, Debby (Ken) Gross, Connie (Bob) Wawerski, and Peggy Mohkovic all of Ottawa. She also leaves behind her sister-in-Law, Jean (Dooley) Modesitt, plus many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Russell Mohkovic on April 29th 2007; two grandchildren, Dawn and Robert (Robbie) Rush; her parents Lee and Leona (Bayer) Modesitt; one sister, Lorianne (Toots) Lieske; and three brothers, Bill Modesitt, Tom (Swampy) Modesitt and Russell (Skip) Modesitt.

She filled those years with Dancing, Golfing, Bowling, Camping, Fishing, Boating, laughter and Love. In her later years she loved shooting dice with her friends. She kept her sense of humor to the very end.

We will never forget that smile or that quick wit, we were so blessed to have her for so many years.

Until we meet again, we will laugh, cry, and remember you always with Love.

A funeral ceremony will be held on Tuesday, July 19 at 12:00pm noon, at Ottawa Funeral Home, with Pastor Brian Bullock officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00am until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.

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

Joseph VeZain, age 59, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, July 10, 2022 after a courageous battle with an aggressive cancerous tumor. His loving family was at his side.

Funeral services for Joe will be held at Noon Saturday at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until service time. Entombment will follow in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be his son, Kameron VeZain; his brother, Geoff VeZain, brothers-in-law; Jeff, Kevin and Bryan Kiper; and close friends, Rich Wilhelm, Marko Kossaris and Mike Wasilewski. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenny Kiper, Jim Seibert, Jim Eich and Jeff Warner.

Joe was born February 26, 1963 in Peoria, Illinois, a son of Wayne and Margaret “Peg” (Eich) VeZain. He married Karen Kiper May 26, 1995 in Ottawa. Surviving are his loving wife, Karen and son, Kameron. He also leaves a brother, Geoff (Kari) VeZain; a sister, Peggy Cummins; and his beloved canine companion, Hailey. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Daryl VeZain.

Joe was a faithful and highly respected employee of Southern Company – Nicor for nearly 30 years. An avid car enthusiast, he was a member of the LaSalle County Cruisers and LaSalle County Street Cars. Joe had a deep love and devotion to his entire family and his beloved collies. He was a warm and caring man who was always willing to help anyone in need. His radiant smile would light up the room. Joe will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.

He was laid to rest in the Sanctuary of Peace.

Bryan Lee Hackler of Ottawa passed away at home on Friday, June 24, 2022, at the age of 82, after a brief battle with an aggressive form of cancer. Bryan died peacefully with his beloved wife June and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by his side.

Bryan was born in Ottawa on September 26, 1939, to Bernard Ellsworth Hackler and Edith Lucille (Howell) Hackler. Bryan attended Ottawa Township High School where he met the love of his life, June Catherine Hendry, and they married in 1959. Bryan worked at Union Carbide for 26 years until his retirement in 1987. He then worked at Wolohan Lumber Company and later Golden Rule Lumber until his retirement in 2014 at the age of 75.

Bryan was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gary Allen Hackler and his son, Bryan “Scot” Hackler. He is survived by his wife June Catherine Hackler; children Jim (Debbie) Hackler, Becky (Chris) Jones, Rhonda (Scot) Hackler; grandchildren Cathy (Chris) Silotto, Dustin (Jenna) Hickey, Jessica, and Megan (Shane Anderson) Jones, Amanda (Paul) Snook, Emily (Brandon) Mabrey; great-granddaughters Carlee Silotto, Addison and Avery Hickey, Ainslee and Braylee Snook and great-grandson Miles Anderson.

Private family services were held. Pallbearers were Don Leonard and his grandchildren Cathy, Dustin, Amanda, Emily, and Megan. Honorary pallbearers were Bill Bailie, and his granddaughter Jessica.

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

Joseph Fricano, 91, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, formerly Streator, passed away on, Monday, July 4, 2022 at Provision Senior Living surrounded by loving family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 11th, at 11:30 am at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator.

Visitation will be at Solon- Telford Funeral Home from 9-11 am Monday, July 11, 2022.

Entombment will be in Oakwood Memorial Park Mausoleum, Ottawa.

Born August 9, 1930, in Casteldaccia, Sicily he came to the United States in 1949 through Ellis Island, New York. Upon arriving, he worked at various jobs in Chicago. He later moved to Streator and became a citizen of the United States. He was employed by the Streator Brickyard. He married Maria (Camarda) Fricano, also of Casteldaccia, Sicily, in 1953 at the former Immaculate Conception Church. They were married for 51 years until her death in 2004. He retired from Owens -Illinois Glass after 30 years of service.

He is survived by his son, Michael (Janet) Fricano, Delray Beach, Florida, his daughters, Angela (Dale) Toon, Northlake, Texas, Josephine (Duane) Andrus, Queen Creek, Arizona, Mary Lou (David) Klemann, Gurnee, Illinois, Theresa (Robert, Jr.) Pflibsen, Kalamazoo, Michigan; grandchildren, Nicholas Toon, Andrea (Toon) Pullen, Andrew Toon, Jessica (Armstrong) Southerland, Lucas Armstrong, Valerie (Klemann) Pope, Ryan Klemann, Whitney Pflibsen, and Shana Pflibsen; eight great-grandchildren, Ryleigh, Camryn, Clayton, Amberlee, AnnElise, Zachary, Natalie and Easton; many nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his wife Maria (Camarda) Fricano, his brother Frank Fricano, Itasca, Illinois, and his sister, Maria Fricano, Casteldaccia, Sicily and a son in law, Craig Armstrong.

Joseph loved his early morning walks, visiting with neighbors, fishing at the Lazy Acres Club, gardening and canning tomatoes. He was able to travel back with his wife to his homeland before she passed. He especially loved holiday gatherings with his family and telling many stories about the “old country”. He will be sadly missed and remembered by his children and grandchildren.

He was laid to rest in the Sanctuary of Peace.

David A. Bohannon, 77, of Ottawa, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at the Ottawa Pavilion Nursing Home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa with Rev. Duane Kaufman, officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park following the service. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

David was born on July 4, 1944 in Ottawa to Paul and Phyllis (Fosse) Bohannon. He was a graduate of Ottawa High School and Illinois State University. David worked at Shephard Junior High School for 34 years. He married Barbara Ann Olson on June 18, 1967 in Chicago. She passed away on July 27, 2010. He later married Janet Elvidge Smith on June 3, 2014. David was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Ottawa and attended Crossbridge Community Church, Ottawa and was also a member of the Illinois Education Association and the National Education Association.

David was a Caravan driver at Ottawa Community Hospital for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Bohannon; a daughter, Amy (Eric) Buscher of Ottawa; two granddaughters, Molly and Maggy Buscher; three step-children, Lanett Eddy, Troy Smith and Robert Smith all of Marseilles; two brothers, Randy Bohannon, of Tacoma, WA, Tim Bohannon of Inver Grove Heights, MN; and a sister, Brenda Southward of Basalt, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Barbara; and a brother, James Bohannon.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.

Robert Charles Majcina, age 88, of Sebring, FL, passed away Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

He was born October 10, 1933 in Ottawa, IL to John Joseph and Annie (Nachtnabel) Majcina.

He worked in the Grocery Industry, was of Catholic Faith, and has been a resident of Sebring, FL for 22 plus years. Robert enjoyed his work, golf, yard work, could fix anything and loved being on his computer.

He is survived by his Wife – Jean (Poutre) Majcina of Sebring, FL; Children – Lorri Kniss of Peoria, IL; Vicki Green (Dale) of Girard, IL; Bob Majcina (Lori) of Grand Coteau, LA; John Majcina of Lake Murray, SC;, Sister – Betty Ann Nawa; 9 grandchildren; and 5 Great Grandchildren. He is preceded in death by one Son – Steven Majcina, his parents and three brothers.

Graveside services at 11am will be held by Ottawa Funeral Home, Ottawa, IL, on June 29, 2022 at the Oakwood Memorial Park.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.

Roger S. Clark, 80, of Marseilles, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2022 at his home.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, June 27 at Fox River Lutheran Church. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the church with Pastor Kevin Garner officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Cemetery in Ottawa.

He was born on November 22, 1941, in Ottawa, to George S. and Betty L. (Behringer) Clark. On August 14, 1963, he married Lorraine Volker of Wenona, IL who survives.

Roger was employed by LOF for over 30 years until his retirement. He served in the U.S. Airforce for four years. He was a member of the Fox River Lutheran Church, and enjoyed being part of their Tuesday Cleaning Crew at the church. Roger had a skill for wood working, and he loved making saw dust. Fishing, camping, traveling, and painting ducks were some of his many passions. He was also a member of the Ottawa American Legion Post #33. He cherished spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine; his son, Mark (Amy) Clark of Ottawa; his grandchildren, Alexis and Jonathan Clark; his sister, Pam (Pete) Carretto; his brothers-in-law, George (Judy), Bill (Patti), Andy (Cynthia), and Otto (Cindy) Volker; and many nieces and nephews.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.

Robert Dale Leipold, 90, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottawa, with Rev. Philip Potaczek, Pastor officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where Full Military Rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard, and Laura Hall, Technical Sergeant with the US Air Force Band of Mid America stationed at Scott Airforce Base, playing Taps. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Bob was born on November 2, 1931 in Ottawa, to Harold Carl and Mildred Fern (Pettite) Leipold. He was a veteran of the US Navy and served in the Korean Conflict. Bob enlisted on January 4, 1951 and was discharged on November 9, 1954. He was a 3rd Class Quartermaster aboard destroyer escort, USS Raymond. Bob married Gloria D’Ercole on September 11, 1954 in Cranston, R.I., and returned to Ottawa where he worked at Libbey-Owens Ford and Happy Harold’s Honda, retiring after 39 years. He also drove for Kenn Motors and worked for Friendship Village. Bob was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Shoreline Boat Club, American Legion Post 33, the Moose and Variety Riders Motorcycle Club. He enjoyed boating, woodworking, motorcycle riding, and most of all spending time with his family and friends. Bob also loved watching birds, sitting on the lanai in Florida watching manatees, dolphins, and alligators, while lovingly taunting Gloria, the love of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria; two daughters, Cathy (Doug) Shumway of Ottawa and Lynne (Suzanne) Leipold-Bertolino of Commerce TWP, MI; two grandchildren, Tammara (James, Jr.) Kunard of Dublin, OH and Douglas (Sarah) Shumway, Jr. of Ottawa; three great grandchildren, Trey and George Shumway and Amelia Kunard; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Harold Carl Leipold, Jr., Glenn Leipold, and Donald Leipold, Sr.

Pallbearers will be Douglas Shumway, Jr., Douglas “Trey” Shumway III, George Shumway, James Kunard, Jr., Donald Leipold, Jr., and Rodney Morello.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.