June 2023

Donald James Knudson

( July 11, 1928 – June 03, 2023 )

Gerald “Jerry” L. Halterman, 76, passed away on Wednesday, May 24th in his home in Ottawa. A private memorial Mass was held at Saint Patrick’s Church in Ottawa on Wednesday, May 31st. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Jerry was born on October 10, 1946 to Louis and Elizabeth (Furr) Halterman in Ottawa. He married Romalyn Miner and started what became a successful photography business.

A well-known member of the Ottawa community, Jerry served on many boards and committees to improve his home town. He enjoyed expanding his business, being with family and friends, having time with his dogs, and spending his winters in Key West, Florida.

He is survived by his three sons, Clint, Rodney, and Lance Halterman, three grandchildren, and his partner Cynthia Fowler.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Memorials may be directed to Friendship House or any local pet shelter.

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

Margie R. Johnson, 95, of Ottawa, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023 at home, surrounded by her family.

A private graveside service will be held at Oakwood Memorial Park. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Margie was born on November 3, 1927 in Cornell, IL to Arthur and Emma (Morris) Morgan. She was a graduate of Ryburn Memorial School of Nursing and worked as a Registered Nurse. Margie also worked at Libbey-Owens Ford and Pleasant View. She married Kenneth J. Johnson on May 24, 1953 at the First United Methodist Church in Ottawa. He passed away on December 15, 1994. Margie was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the No Township Home Extension. She had many hobbies, and enjoyed knitting and sewing.

She is survived by a son, Kim (Laurie Bradach) Johnson of Ottawa; a daughter, Gayle (Paul) Vaccarello of Batavia; a grandson, Morgan E. Johnson of Alexandria, VA; a sister-in-law, Delores Johnson of Waterville, OH; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister Joyce (Dale) Rabe, two brothers, David (Helen) Morgan and another brother, in infancy, brother-in-law, Gerald Johnson, and sister-in-law, Phyllis Bevington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be designated later.

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

Daniel A. Nawrocki, 80, of Ottawa, passed away on Sunday May 28, 2023 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Marseilles, with Rev. Bill Clark, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Visitation will be at the church, one hour prior to the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Daniel was born on November 7, 1942 in Hammond, IN to Andrew and Loretta Nawrocki. He was a graduate of Purdue University, where he earned his B.A. in Chemical Engineering. He worked as a chemical engineer. Daniel married Lois V. Archer on October 20, 1973 in Gary, IN. They will remain together forever. Daniel caddied at the Woodmar Country Club beginning at the age of 10 years old. He caddied for Jack Nicholas, Arnold Palmer, and also many dignitaries in Hammond, IN. He was also an avid train collector. Daniel received Christ as his personal Savior on May 18, 2023, when he was baptized.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lois; sisters Lois (Diane Robinette) Nawrocki of Lake Station, IN, and Alice (Dave) Barsic of Lake Station, IN; sisters-in-law Phyllis Moser of Lowell, IN and Patty (Ogie) Virijevich of Lowell, IN; and many nieces and nephews, including, Michael (Sarah) Barsic and Timothy (Mickie) Barsic.

He was preceded in death by his parents and cousins, Henry and Shirley Jaworski and Pat and Bob Dryjanski.

Pallbearers will be Brian Moser, Lois M. Nawrocki, Alice Barsic, Jason Causley, and Steve Sowa.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

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

Gary Neal Chandler, age 37, of Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday, May 19th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with interment following at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until service time.

Gary was born October 27, 1985 in Aurora, Illinois, a son of Gary N. and Sophie Margaret (Potochney) Chandler. Surviving are his mother, Sophie Hancock; brothers, Brian Hancock, Timothy Hancock, James Chandler, Chris Chandler and Herman Matasar; and sisters, Tonya Rodriguez and Tammy Pacheco. Gary was preceded in death by his father and sisters, Christine Hancock and Mary Potochney.

Gary greatly enjoyed sports, especially basketball and was an avid Bears fan. He enjoyed cooking and being outdoors. Gary was a good builder and handy with different craft projects.

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

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