November 2022

JoAnn (Fisher) Greene, 77, of Ottawa, passed away on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at her home, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Alex Cross officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Additional Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

JoAnn was born on September 26, 1945 in Ottawa to Harry and Margaret (Whyte) Fisher. She married William A. Greene on March 7, 1964 in Joliet, IL. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Bill; two sons, Mark (Mary) Greene and Randy (Angie) Greene both of Ottawa; four grandchildren, Ashley (Logan) Hoyt, Nathan (Melissa) Greene, Lindsey (Nate) Rueckemann, and Maleah (Connor) Soenksen; and several great grandchildren.

JoAnn graduated from Marquette High School in 1963. Throughout her life, she worked various jobs and retired from OSF as a medical records keeper. JoAnn adored spending most all of her time with her family and friends. Anyone who knew JoAnn knew how skilled she was at making her famous popcorn, cream puffs, and potato salad. If you were lucky enough to meet JoAnn you were touched by her sincerity, compassion, and her contagious smile. She had an amazing talent for storytelling of her many lifelong friendships and numerous vacations. Nothing meant more to JoAnn than her family, there was never a birthday or holiday missed by one of JoAnn’s handwritten cards. Some of the best memories revolved around family dinners where the house was filled with laughter. JoAnn was so much more than words can simply express. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Harry, sister Marge, nephew, Bob Fisher, and brother-in-law Bobby Greene.

Pallbearers will be Nathan Greene, Nate Rueckemann, Logan Hoyt, Connor Soenksen, Joe Hughes, and Adam Diss.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

JoAnn has been laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Michael John VanZuiden, 72, of Ottawa, passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday October 14, 2022 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Duane Kaufman 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 Friday, at the funeral home.

Michael was born on February 13, 1950 in Fulton, IL to Marvin and Margaret (Schaver) VanZuiden. He was a graduate of Fulton High School Class of 1968. After high school, Michael enlisted in the US Navy. He served in Vietnam and was Honorably Discharged in 1972. Michael married Regina Jensen on October 28, 1972 in Morrison, IL. He worked at Caterpillar for over 35 years, starting on the plant floor and working his way up to Engineering Supervisor. He was a member of the American Legion Post 33. Michael enjoyed fishing and golfing, but more than anything he loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending their activities.

Michael is survived by his wife, Regina; four children, Jon (Rhonda) VanZuiden of Oglesby, Gary (Rose) VanZuiden of Ottawa, Angela VanZuiden of Ottawa, and Kevin (April Catlin) of Leonore; four grandchildren, Hayley VanZuiden, Gavin Jonassen, Maddison VanZuiden, and Gracie VanZuiden; a brother, Don (Terry) VanZuiden of Rio Rancho, NM; two sisters, Linda Davis of Fulton, IL and Arla (Ron) Tomman of Fulton, IL; and one great granddaughter on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Larry.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

Michael has been laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Dorothy Louise Monroe Lowery, 87, died peacefully on October 21, 2022 in Keller, TX.

She was born September 20, 1935, in Ottawa, IL to George and Thelma Monroe.

She was married to her husband Gordon Lowery for 67 years before his passing in 2020. They were recently members of New Hope Lutheran Church in Wautaga, TX. They were former members of Salem Lutheran Church in Sandwich, IL. Along with her family she enjoyed bowling league, boating, snowmobiling, travelling, and studying genealogy. Dorothy was an excellent seamstress and won awards for her pie baking skills. She started her career as a hair stylist and then worked for many years as a telephone operator. She dearly loved and was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughters Dyann (Matthew) Lundberg, Jean (Bret) Phillips, her son-in-law Scott Ehrhart, her grandchildren Jennifer (Dave) Heubel, Tasha (Chris) Mitchell, Brittany (Stephan) Schaeper, Luke Phillips, Colton Phillips, Letah (Sean) Lundberg, Miles Lundberg, great-grandchildren Tyler Houser, Emma Lee Houser, Noah Heubel, Lilabeth Skodachek, and Eleanor Schaeper, her niece and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gordon Lowery, her daughter Natali Ehrhart, granddaughter Bethany Gosnell, and her sister Marie Lindenbaum.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 10:00 AM until a funeral service at 11:00 AM at GABEL-DUNN FUNERAL HOME, 102 S. Johnson Street, Newark, IL, 60541. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Ottawa, IL.

Dorothy has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Ten Commandments at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Josephine Spears Guido (21 March 1950) beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend passed away on Thursday, September 30, 2021. A private service will be held in her honor. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Little Portion Hermitage.

Josephine has been laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Margaret M. Lavery, of Ottawa, IL, passed away Thursday, October 13, 2022 at her home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on October 20, 2022, at 10:30AM at St. Columba Church, with Monsignor Merdian officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00AM until the time of service at St. Columba Church, with The Catholic Daughter’s of the Americas reciting the Rosary.

Entombment will take place at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Margaret was born in Marseilles, IL, to John and Mary Elizabeth (Lavery) Lavery.

Margaret was a graduate of Marseilles High School.  Margaret’s career was spent as an executive secretary in the silica industry.  She began her career at Bellrose Silica and retired from Unimin.  Margaret was a proud and devout Roman Catholic, being a member of St. Columba Church, as well as active in other Catholic Churches in the area. Margaret was also a first generation Northern Irish-American.  She was a volunteer at the Ottawa Hospital and a member of the Altar & Rosary Society, and a former member of the Ottawa Boat Club and the Ottawa Elks Club.  Margaret was a spirited bridge player and belonged to several bridge groups.  She was also an accomplished baker, crafter and a fiercely loyal friend to those she held dear.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews, special cousins, Malachy and Margaret Lavery; and many good friends.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Richard M. and Patrick L. Lavery; and her uncle John Lavery.

Pallbearers will be Nelson Nussbaum, Dick Gerding, Kevin Steward, Rich Meyers, Tony Morgan, and Wally Briepohl.

Memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Margaret has been laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest in the Sanctuary of Peace at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Judith Marie (Chase) Bottoms, 76, of Ottawa, passed away on Friday, September 9, 2022 at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.

Funeral services will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Judith was born on December 31, 1945 in Sandwich, IL to Fritz and Helen (Sorenson) Vernoy. She was a graduate of Ottawa High School. She worked as a manufacturing operator at Bakelite, American Hoechst, and Carus Chemical for 35 years. Judith married Jerry Bottoms on November 24, 1966 in Ottawa. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa. She loved spending time with family, camping, road trips with country music, traveling, and helping others.

She is survived by her daughter, Betty (Randy) Ehret of Ottawa; three grandchildren, Randy (Ashley) Ehret, Jr. of Geneva, Sam Ehret of Chicago, and Danni (Kaz) Ehret of Ottawa; a brother, Robert (Dee) Chase of Camden, AR; a sister, Linda Fletcher of Ottawa; Terry (Tammy) Caldwell, Mary Grant, Alice Ehret family, Roger Fogle family, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry; a sister, Sandra Emm; a granddaughter, Jessica Ehret, and a long-time friend, Roger Fogle.

Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa.

Judith has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Ten Commandments at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Patricia J. Kain

Born: April 20, 1940
Died: August 16, 2020

Pat passed away at her home in Port Charlotte Florida with her loving husband of 45 years, Kent Kain by her side. She has 4 children, Kathleen Brown of Wedron IL, Sandra Eastman of Ottawa IL, Eric Janssen of Rotunda West Fl, Jeffery Janssen of North Port Fl. 5 stepchildren, Jeffery Kain of Melrose Park IL, Timothy Kain of Greenville SC, Barbra Brown of Utica IL, Jill Buck of Dalzell IL and Renee Barsizitias, deceased. She was also blessed with 27 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be at a future date not yet determined.

Patricia has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Mary Rosier, 95, of Ottawa, passed away Friday evening, October 7, 2022.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 15th at Ottawa Funeral Home, with  Fr. Michael Driscoll officiating.  Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at Ottawa Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Mary was born May 29, 1927, in Ottawa, IL, to Thomas and Victoria  (Pfeiffer) Grossman. She married Jack Rosier in 1947 in Ottawa. He passed August 15, 1998.

She worked for, and later retired from, the City of Ottawa Water Department, and was a member of AFSCME Local 2819.

She attended St. Francis Grade School and graduated from St. Xavier High School.

She loved to travel, and did so with her husband Jack, until his passing, then she continued traveling with her friends. When her son Dan retired, they traveled together for many years throughout the U.S. and Canada. And for several years she enjoyed spending a few weeks in Florida each winter to get out of the cold and snow in Illinois.

She also loved Bluegrass and Country Music and attended many Bluegrass Festivals and Country Music Concerts, and made many trips to Nashville, TN and Branson, MO.

She was a long-time Die Hard Cubs Fan, and cheered them on through the good times and the bad, and was elated when her Cubbies won the 2016 World Series. She attended quite a few Cubs games at Wrigley Field with her sister Marcella, her son Dan, or with her friends.

She enjoyed going to plays at Circa 21, Drury Lane, The Barn II, and Engle Lane where she held season tickets for several years.

Playing BINGO, or an occasional trip to one of the gambling boats with her friends was something she enjoyed also.

She is survived by her daughter, Patti Arnold of Louisiana, her sons, Jack (Jenny) Rosier of Massachusetts, and Dan Rosier of Ottawa, four grandchildren, Shannon Miller, Matthew (David) Arnold, Sarah (Brian) Waits, and Katie (Charles) Soignet, five great-grandchildren, Dylan, Bo, Theo, Ocean, and Charles III, along with several nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jack Rosier, her sisters, Betty Blazik and Marcella Bliss, her brother, Bob Grossman, and her nephew, Larry ‘Buffalo’ Bell.

Mary’s family would like to express our most sincere gratitude and thanks to the staff of Ottawa Pavilion, especially the 600 Wing, for providing excellent care, comfort, and compassion to our Mom while she was with you!

Also a very special thank you to the Doctor, Nurses, CNAs, Social Worker, Chaplain, and Volunteers of OSF Hospice for always being there, 24/7 whenever we needed you, as well as for each of your regular scheduled visits each week! You continually went above and beyond our hopes and expectations, and gave Mom the absolute best care and comfort, from your first visit on. She always looked forward to seeing each of you and enjoyed every visit.

We also want to thank Mom’s long-time home care Aide, Tiffany Perry. Your visits always put a smile on her face, and made her day.  THANK YOU!!!

Thank you to everyone who has offered their prayers and support.

Memorials may be directed to Ottawa Friendship House, PADS Homeless Shelter, or the Community Food Basket in Ottawa.

Mary has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper at Oakwood Memorial Park. 

Leona Louise Chevalier, 95, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. A Tracy, California resident for the past 60 years, Leona was born on March 13, 1927 in Ottawa, Illinois to Joseph A. & Edith A. (Joslin) Roux.

A bright young girl fresh out of high school, Leona found her calling early in life. “Enlist in a Proud Profession” was a clear and easy decision, she joined the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II. The demand for nurses was described by US Public Health as a “war job with a future”. A future it was, after completing the 3 year nursing program at Ryburn Memorial Hospital she continued her career as a Registered Nurse for nearly 55 years before retiring.

The end of WWII also lead Leona to the love of her life, Narcisse Arthur Chevalier. In 1948 Narce & Leona married, starting their family in Ottawa before moving across the US to California in 1962.

Their 64 years of marriage brought them love, laughter and family. Together they were blessed with two sons, Jay and Joe. Being a wife & mother gave her great joy, but nothing prepared her for the love that filled her heart when she became a grandmother. She treasured her grandsons, Derek and Marc, they were truly the greatest joy of her life.

Leona is survived by her sons Jay Chevalier of Tracy, CA, and Joe Chevalier & wife Ellen of Garden City, ID; Grandsons Marc Chevalier of Folsom, CA and Derek Chevalier & wife Brandi and their children, 2 cherished great grandchildren all of Omaha, NE. She is also survived by her siblings Charles Roux, Marjorie Biffany both Ottawa, IL and Cheryl Udvance of Mount Prospect, IL, along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family & friends
Leona was preceded in death by her parents, along with her devout husband, Narcisse “Narce” Chevalier.

Fry Memorial Chapel, Tracy, CA is handling funeral arrangements for the Chevalier Family. In following with Ms. Chevalier’s wishes there will be no funeral services. She will be laid to rest privately at Oakwood Memorial Park with her beloved Narce. An online guest book is available for condolences and special messages to the family at www.frymemorialchapel.com

Leona has been laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Mary Josaphine “Jo” Bohler 79, of Ottawa passed away peacefully October 6, 2022 at Pleasant View Lutheran Home.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 11th at 5:00 pm Ottawa Funeral Home with Monsignor Mark Merdian officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 until 5:00 pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mary Jo was born February 3, 1943 in Ottawa, IL to Alfred “Boy” and Marie (Vittone) Panier.

Mary Jo attended St. Francis grade school and Marquette High School where she met and married her childhood sweetheart, Francis “Butch” Bohler, on May 4, 1963.

Mary Jo retired from Wal Mart where she spent over 20 years.  During retirement she enjoyed gardening, traveling, long Florida winters, spending time with family and friends and most of all watching the birds.

She is survived by her son, Bradley (Victoria) Bohler of Plainfield, IL; her sister, Marlene (Dale) Stechman of Columbia, Missouri and Charlene (James) Bailey Ottawa, IL; her nephews, Tim and Jim Bailey of Ottawa; and her niece, Shelby Wells of Columbia, Missouri.

Mary Jo is preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Special recognition and gratitude to Ray and Paula Bailey; whom for over 60 years have been close family friends and provided countless meals, visits, zoom calls and card parties for Mary Jo during her stay at Pleasant View.

To Pleasant View, the staff on the 2nd floor, whom are too many to list became Mary Jo’s daily family.  Their unwavering patience, assistance and compassion was always appreciated and noticed.  Special recognition Angie Chiaventone, who had the innate ability to “connect” with Mary Jo on a professional and personal basis making Mary Jo’s days more enjoyable.

Finally, the Price Subdivision family who have been pillars of strength for over 50 years.

Memorials may be directed to the family who will make a single donation to a Charity of their choosing.

Mary Jo has been laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms at Oakwood Memorial Park.