December 2022

Don Gordon, 70, of Ottawa, IL, passed away on December 21, 2022, at Parker Nursing Home, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation will be at Ottawa Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. A funeral service to follow the visitation at 1:00PM, with Monsignor Mark Merdian officiating. Entombment will be in Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Don was born December 27, 1951, in Ottawa, IL, to Donald and Violet (Vignochi) Gordon. He married Lani Garifo on October 24, 1981 at the First Church of Nazarene.  Lani preceded him in death on October 17, 2006.

Don worked  as a pressman assistant at Nabisco Brands Inc., Commonwealth Edison, and Mitsubishi Motors.

He is survived by a son, Patrick Gordon of Utica; six grandchildren, Emma, GiAnna, Jaxon, Aiden, Dominick and Hunter Patrick.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Donald & Violet; his wife, Lani; and a son, Michael Gordon.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Don has been laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in the Sanctuary of Hope at Oakwood Memorial Park

Donald Lewis Gillette, 87, of Ottawa passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Seamus Enright, Pastor, of the First United Methodist Church, 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 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Don was born on January 1, 1935 in Chatsworth, Illinois to William and Goldie (Lear) Gillette. He was a veteran of the US Army and served from 1957 to 1963. Don married Betty Lou Soulsby on December 29, 1956 at St. Stephens Church in Streator. He was an industrial electrician and worked for 41 years at Libbey Owens Ford. Don and his wife, Betty, also owned and together operated Gillette Parade Products for 30 years. Don was a member of the Ottawa Jaycees, the Moose Lodge, the Ballroom Dance Association, the International Festival Association, and the Harley Owners Group. He also served as a board member of Friendship House and was director and treasurer with Financial Plus Credit Union for 19 years. Don was also a member of the Ottawa Special Events Committee, where he was the driving force in starting Music in the Park, a tradition that is still living on today. He received the Key to the City in 2019.

Don is survived by his wife, Betty; 3 children, Jane (Rodney) Schomas of Ottawa, Juli (Jeff) Stillwell of Ottawa, and Joyce Gillette-Cartina of Aurora; 13 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Wayne Gillette, in infancy, and William Gillette, a sister, Eileen Marie Sliker, and a son Jeff Gillette.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Stillwell, Rodney Schomas, Harley Stillwell, Tim Lingle, Dominic Cartina, Dustin Cartina, and Collin Jeffries.

Memorials may be directed to the family to be designated later.

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

Joseph Jackson passed away on January 10th, 2006.

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

David William Waldorf, Jr. passed away on July 22, 2017.

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

Lawrence Vicini passed away on December 14, 2019.

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

Terri L. Thomas passed away on May 9, 2017.

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

Jack D. Shroyer, 54, of Ottawa died Monday, July 21, 2008 at Ottawa Pavilion. There will be no services.

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

Betty D. Working passed away on July 24, 2009.

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

Cathy Jo Elzer, 70, of Marseilles, passed away on Monday, December 12, 2022, at Aperion Care Marseilles.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 19, 2022 at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Seals-Campbell Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

She was born on January 20, 1952, in Ottawa, IL, to Joseph Ray and Darlene June (Martin) Elzer. Cathy was employed by Friendship Village. She enjoyed crocheting, plants and her cats. She is survived by her siblings, Carol Jo Baker and Joseph John (Kathy) Elzer; her nieces and nephews; and her best friend and roommate, Dorothy Rexroat. Cathy was preceded in death by her parents; and her aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Ottawa Friendship Village.

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

Barbara Harden, 83, of Ottawa, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Parker Nursing Home in Streator.

A graveside service will be held at 9:30am Monday, December 19, at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Cremation rites have been accorded to Ottawa Funeral Home.

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