December 2022

It is with great sadness that our Family announces the passing of our Beloved, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Aunt.

Joanne Knutson passed away peacefully at The Ottawa Pavilion at the age of 89 years. Visitation for Joanne Knutson will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022 from 10:00 AM until Chapel Service begins at 12:00 PM at The Maple Funeral Home located at 24300 S. Ford Rd, Channahon, IL 60410. Interment Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, IL.

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

Guy Russell Gamons, 53, of Westchester, IL, passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at his home.

Visitation to be held on Saturday, December 10, at Ottawa Funeral Home, from 10:00am until noon, followed by a memorial service at 12:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Guy was born July 2, 1969, in Ottawa, IL, to Charles and Sue Gamons.

He worked as a Professional Relocation Expert. Guy was an avid karaoke singer, singing any time he had the chance and had a great singing voice.

He is survived by his mother and step-father, Sue and Rick Nickel; a brother, Joe (Gina) Gamons; and a sister, Kelly (Ron) Ansteth. Nephews Tyler Gamons and Noah Ansteth, and a niece Madison Ansteth.

Guy was preceded in death by father, Charles Gamons and a sister, Debra Sue.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

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

Donald Leonard Grubaugh of Ottawa died November 25, 2022 at Ottawa Pavilion in Ottawa, IL.

Don was born on March 26, 1941 in Ottawa to George and Lillian (Philhower) Grubaugh. He married his high school sweetheart Eustachia “Diane” Knoedler on October 5, 1963 in a candlelight service at the First Presbyterian Church In Grand Ridge, IL. She passed away on May 3, 2015 after 51 years of marriage.

He is survived by 3 children: Don Grubaugh of Ottawa, Dawn (Doug) Tedrick of St. Clair, MO, and Elizabeth (Tim) Drea of Springfield, IL. Grandchildren: Jacob and Piper Grubaugh, Cameron and Kyle Tedrick, and Andrew, Bridget, Lillian and Jack Drea. He is also survived by his beloved companion, Diane McCurdy of Ottawa and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Diane; three sisters, Pauline Klein, Cecilia Carter, and Genevieve Hall; and a brother, George Grubaugh.

Don attended Lincoln Elementary School, Graduated from Ottawa Township High School, and earned a Certificate in Banking from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. At OTHS, he played the trombone and tuba and participated in Track. He had a 39-year career at First National Bank of Ottawa working his way from bank teller just after high school, to Vice President. He enjoyed helping people purchase homes and invest in the community. An avid and very skilled golfer, he always had his clubs in the trunk of his car so he could play wherever he went; Pine Hills Golf Course was a cherished local venue. He was a life-long member of First United Methodist Church, and an extensive volunteer with many community and service organizations, including: Elks Lodge #588, Community Hospital of Ottawa/OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center ER, Reddick Library Board, AMBUCS, Jaycees, Camp Tuckabatchee, Camp Fire Board, Civil Defense, River Rescue Squad, and Little League Coach. He was active with a variety of military veterans groups, including: the American Legion, VFW, and Lasalle County Veterans Home. For 45 years Don traveled to Akron, OH, every summer as a logistics/radio volunteer for the PGA World Series of Golf and World Golf Championship Tournaments held at Firestone Country Club; in 2016 he was awarded the David H. Franklin Volunteer Award for his contributions to the annual tournament. In retirement he served as an IHSA track and cross country officiant for many years.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army during Vietnam and stationed from March of 1967-March of 1968 assigned to D Company, 52nd Infantry Regiment at Bien Hoa/Long Binh. He was wounded in an explosion during the TET Offensive on January 31, 1968 and earned the Bronze Star for bravery and other service medals.

Don never met a stranger; he liked a good steak and a good joke. He loved jazz, dancing, model trains, golf, fishing, and his family. He especially loved the opportunity to be ‘Grampa,’ traveling to attend school functions, sports events, dance productions, and anything else he could do to support his grandchildren, who were his greatest source of pride.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 13, from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at 1:00pm. Inurnment will immediately follow at Oakwood Memorial Park with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to: Ottawa Elks Scholarship Fund and VFW.

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

Robert “Bob” Barnett, 90, of LaSalle, passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at the Illinois Veterans’ Home, LaSalle.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 12, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottawa with Rev. Phillip Potaczek, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park where Full Military Rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post #731 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa and 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday at the church.

Bob was born on August 6, 1932 in Ottawa to Roland and Elsie (Cummings) Barnett. He was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School. Bob married Dolores M. Hoelzer on August 17, 1958 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mendota. He was a Veteran of the US Army and served as a combat medic in the Korean War. Bob participated in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2014. Bob worked in the sand business for 30 years at Wedron Silica and Unimin Corp. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Ottawa, Utica American Legion Post #731, the Ottawa Chapter of the Barbershoppers, and over the years sang in various barbershop quartets. Bob loved his time singing, raising quarter horses and spending time watching his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s sporting events.

Bob is survived by his wife, Dolores; 3 children, Lori (Kevin) Kimes of Ottawa, Karen (Daniel) King of Western Springs, and Brenda (Bryan) Killelea of Ottawa; 7 grandchildren, Ashley (Chad) Holloway, Ryan (Corrine) Kimes, Abigail (Hudson) Stern, Stephanie King, Kathryn (Jack) Donahue, Patrick (Libby) Killelea, and Michael Killelea; 6 great grandchildren; a sister, Elaine (Don) Farmer; and brother-in-law, Barney Sesto.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Ruth Sesto.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Kimes, Patrick Killelea, Michael Killelea, Chad Holloway, Dr. Hudson Stern, and Jack Donahue.

Memorials may be directed to American Legion Post #731 in Utica, Trinity Lutheran Church, Ottawa, and the Illinois Veterans’ Home, LaSalle.

Bob has been laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Mary Lou Schomas, age 83, of Ottawa, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2022 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held 6:00 PM Sunday, December 4th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Rev. Seamus Enright officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home. Private entombment will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Mary Lou was born August 4, 1939 in Mendota, Illinois, a daughter of Harold and Florence (Morrison) Locke. She married Edward C. “Sonny” Schomas, Jr. February 9, 1958 in Ottawa, he preceded in death April 13, 2011. Mary Lou is survived by her children, Randy Schomas of Ottawa, Rick (Brenda) Schomas of Marseilles and Mike Schomas of Ottawa. She also leaves grandchildren, Nicholas Edward (Amanda) Schomas and Kailey Christine Schomas; great-grandchildren Fletcher Alan Schomas and Finley Marie Schomas; a brother, Harold “Bud” Locke of Ottawa; and a sister, Linda (Earl) Grooms of Marseilles. Her parents, husband and a sister, Cathy Bloomer, preceded in death.

Mary Lou was a member of the First United Methodist Church and worked as a waitress at several local restaurants for 43 years. She enjoyed craft work, gardening and collecting angels. Mary Lou loved traveling with her husband, Ed and would turn many heads as the little lady driving the big truck! Her loving family was most important to her. She treasured her family and always looked forward to the annual fishing trips to Wisconsin, a 45 year tradition, and going to horse shows with her granddaughter.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. To share a memory or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com or Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home on Facebook.

Mary Lou has been laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in the Sanctuary of Seasons at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Edward C. “Sonny” Schomas, Jr., 73, of Ottawa passed away Wednesday morning, April 13, 2011 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Gladfelter Funeral Home with Pastor Polly Klimson officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date. Edward was born August 4, 1937 in Ottawa, Illinois, a son of Edward Sr. and Emma (Seibert) Schomas. He married Mary Lou Locke February 9, 1958 in Ottawa, Illinois. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Lou, of Ottawa; his children, Randy Schomas of Ottawa, Rick (Brenda) Schomas of rural Marseilles, and Mike Schomas of Ottawa; two sisters, Ann (Wright) Rasmusson of Canada and Martha (Robert) Trosper of Ottawa; a brother, Ronnie (Mary Lou Wilson) Schomas of Ottawa; and two grandchildren, Nicholas Edward and Kailey Christine Schomas of rural Marseilles. He was preceded in death by his parents. Edward was retired from U.S. Silica. He enjoyed many hobbies including woodworking, fishing, gardening, camping, and midget auto races. He was an avid lover of nature and animals, enjoying his cat and dog and especially the horseshows his granddaughter participated in. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and cherished his time spent with his family. Edward will truly be missed by those whose lives he touched. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

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

Martha Decker, 84, of Ottawa, IL, passed away Friday, December 2, 2022 at Aperion Care in Marseilles.

Funeral Service will be on Friday, December 9 at 1:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home, with Pastor Sherry Stevenson officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, December 8 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Martha was born July 17, 1938, in Leitchfield, KY, to Leslie and Luzetta (Vincent) Kinkade. She married Vanco Decker on June 27, 1977. She worked a Borg Warner prior to her retirement.

She is survived by her husband, Vanco Decker; her three daughters, Roberta Stredwick, Valerie (Leo) Downey, and Darla (Dennis) Brady; her two step sons, Mike and Charles Decker; eight grandchildren, Nick and Josh Johnson, Leo, Mike and Chris Downey, Jason Wicks, and Jessie Stredwick; fourteen great grandchildren, Sadie, Paige, Cassie, Madison, Leo III, Leah, Olivia, Liam, Hayden, Jemma, Vincent, Jerzi, Onna,and Zoey; and a sister, Linda Dornan.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Bobbie Johnson; her sisters, Hellen Eads and Barbra Capsel; and her brothers, Robert and Dale Kinkade.

Pallbearers will be Mike Johnson, Josh Johnson, Hayden Johnson, Vincent Morscheiser, Mike Downey, and Chris Downey.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

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

Jerry L. Bickett, 69, of Ottawa, passed away on November 17, 2022.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday November 22 at 5 p.m. with Deacon Ron Wackerlin officiating. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday.

Jerry was born on July 28, 1953, the son of Joseph and Betty (Stanton) Bickett. He married Laura Cottingham on June 8, 2007 in Ottawa. He is survived by his wife Laura; sons, Brandon (Christy) Longbein and Nathan Bickett; daughter, Marisa Bickett; stepsons, Chad and Joshua Ginter; grandchildren, Zoey Camino and Ava and Aria Rosenstiel; brothers, Joe (Cathy) Bickett and Tom Bickett; sister, Pam Richardson; many nieces and nephews and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jerry was a volunteer firefighter for the Village of Seatonville. Jerry enjoyed the outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish, cook on the grill, work in his yard and Hank’s hayrack rides. He was full of life and lived every moment to his fullest. Jerry was never seen without a smile on his face. He was a family man. He talked to his sister every week on the phone and loved spending time with his family and his granddaughters. Jerry also enjoyed vacationing down in Florida. He will be dearly missed by his family and his friends.

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

Dominic  “Dom” Verona of Ottawa, IL, passed away at Pleasant View Lutheran Home, on November 25, 2022.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am Friday, December, 2, 2022, at St. Francis of Assisi Church with Msgr. Mark Merdian and Rev. Walter Miller officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park followed by a luncheon at St. Francis.

Dominic “Dom” was born October 27, 1939, in Ottawa, IL to John and Sarah (Zaccaria) Verona. He married Bonnie Callahan on December 1, 1962, at St. Columba Church.

He worked as the CEO/President of Marine Transportation. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Knight of the Year, a Marquette Crusader, and a member of Pine Hills Golf Club.

Dominic “Dom” is survived by his wife, Bonnie Verona; his son, Jeff Verona, his daughter, Jennifer Bergeron; his sisters, Dolly Miller and Sarah Kranz; his brother, John (Pam) Verona; and four grandchildren, Audra, Sara (Steve), Belle, and Graham.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Sarah Verona; his sister, Mary Verona; and his brother, Russell Verona.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Marquette Academy, 1000 Paul Street, Ottawa, IL 61350, attention: Julie Verona, Advancement Office.

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

Benjamin Garland, 23, of Ottawa passed away Sunday, August 2, 2020 in Colorado Springs, CO.

Military services will be at 3pm, Friday, August 14, at the pavilion in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 11 to 2 pm, Friday, prior to services, at Ottawa Funeral Home.

Ben was born July 3, 1997, in Ottawa, to Trisha (Garland) and William Strong, III. He graduated from Putnam County High School in 2015, and was an avid wrestler during high school. After graduation, Ben enlisted in the United States Army, where he eventually served as a Sergeant, stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO. He was assigned to the Forward Support Company I, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st SBCT. Ben worked as a Stryker Systems Maintenance Sergeant. Ben loved being part of the Army and planned to continue his Army career for many years.

Ben enjoyed riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers and working on trucks and other vehicles. He knew how to make people smile, and his goofy spirit was contagious. He was considered a very good friend and a brother to many. Ben encouraged everyone he knew to never give up.

He is survived by his parents, Trisha (Ryan) Kreiser and William (Jamie) Strong, III; four siblings, Samuel Garland, Grace Deponett, Chase and Shiloh Strong; his grandparents, James and Valerie Garland, Ann Day, Carol and Dan Kreiser, and Kathy Strong; aunts and uncles, Matt (Michelle) Garland, Stacy (Chris) Aubry, and Danielle Kreiser. He was loved by many cousins, great aunts and uncles, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his two grandfathers, William Strong, Jr. and Donald Berogan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ben’s memory may be directed to Fisher House Foundation: fisherhouse.org/ways-to-give/ or Memorial Hospital Foundation, UC Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs: uchealthmemorialcares.org/donate/.

Ben has been laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration at Oakwood Memorial Park.