August 2023

Georgiann (Hughes) Engels, 85, of Ottawa, went to be with her Savior and Lord on Sunday, July 16, 2023.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 21, 2023, at the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa, with Pastor Tom Schmidt of Cross of Christ Fellowship, Naperville.
Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Georgiann was born May 27, 1938, in Osgood, IN, to Dallas and Hetty (Wright) Hughes. She married Robert O. Engels on October 7, 1961, in Indianapolis. She had worked in the office at Illinois Bell for ten years and at the Community Hospital of Ottawa for 13 years. Georgiann attended Crossbridge Community Church and was a teacher at the Kids Klub Summer Club. She also volunteered with Freedom Flyers Ministry at the LaSalle County Detention Home for 20 years and was a group leader for RUI and Celebrate Recovery. Georgiann moved to Naperville, IL, in the fall of 2020 to be closer to her family. She resided at Independence Village and held a weekly bible study with the residents. Her final days were spent at St. Patrick’s Residence Home, surrounded by family, friends, outstanding nurses, and the presence of the lord.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Richard) Baumgartner of Naperville; three grandchildren, Colin (Mary Kate Herion), Sloane, and Cale Baumgartner; and many
nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, on November 4, 2005, and two sisters, Lyla Rayner and Joan Hughes. Richard, Colin, Cale Baumgartner, Joe Martin, Doug Willet, Dale Ball, and John Fisher will be pallbearers.

Memorials may be directed to Crossbridge Community Church or Feed My Children.

Georgiann has been laid to rest in the Garden of Hymns at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Steve Allen Stone, 63, of Leland, passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023 at his home.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at Oakwood Memorial Park with Rev. John Wenger officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Steve was born on March 9, 1960 in Pontiac, IL and adopted into the Stone family on 1962 by Bert and Esther Stone. He attended Ottawa grade schools and was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School in 1978 then Olivet Nazarene University in 1987. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology. Steve also attended Army ROTC training in Fort Knox, KY. In his younger years, Steve was a carrier for the Daily Times. He was a confirmed member of First United Methodist Church. Steve worked at IVCH as a counselor of Psychology and then worked at several factories, and was also a LaSalle County Detention Officer.

He is survived by his mother Esther Lee Stone; a sister, Connie Stone Oberholz; two sons Caleb (Kat) and Adam (Lexi) Stone; grandchildren, Emma and Isaac Stone; and the mother of his children Angela Terry Wollet. He is also survived by Joleen Kelly and Norma Ann Rice.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bert “Stonie” Stone; grandparents, Garfield and Sarah Stone, and Sylvester and Mary Fosdick; sister, Betty Lewandowski; granddaughter Amelia Stone; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

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

Patricia Ann Janssen was born on July 19, 1955 and passed away on Febuary 2, 2022.

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

Norma Myre, 92, of Seneca, passed away on June 17, 2023 at Pleasant View, surrounded by her family.

Funeral Services will be held at 12 noon on Friday, July 14, 2023 at the Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church, with Rev. Randy Mortenson, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service, at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Norma was born on January 5, 1931 in Wedron, IL to Glenn and Myrtle (Tufte) Wilkinson. She was a graduate of Serena High School. She married Martin Myre on September 9, 1950 at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church. Norma lived with passion and devotion to her family, her faith, and her farm. Music was also one of her passions. While attending Serena High School her vocal prowess earned her first place at state competitions. After high school, Norma joined a women’s barbershop quartet, performing throughout central Illinois. Her musical talent took a backseat when she married Martin Myre, a farmer in Seneca. A year later she began a new adventure… farmer’s wife. God blessed Martin and Norma with four children. Despite busy schedules, Norma rarely missed a ball game, a concert, or a play. In the evenings she enjoyed singing with her children, gathered around the piano. A faithful member of Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Ottawa, Norma shared her musical talents through solos and accompaniments. She served Bethel through various committees, VBS ministry, and as a longtime member of the Christian Ed. Board. Norma’s community also felt her impact through a family business, The Bestseller Christian Book & Gift Store. She was a friend, prayer warrior, and counselor to many. Her last few years were spent at Pleasant View, and depending on the season, Norma enjoyed watching her beloved White Sox or cheering for the Packers. However, Norma’s earthly home was “The Farm,” where grandma/Gigi shared more than Christmas carols and home-cooked meals. Her love and enthusiasm are rooted in the soil she shared with generations of family: nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by four children; Martin Glenn Myre of Seneca, Monica Sue Myers of Seneca, Michael Wayne Myre of Marseilles, and Matthew Brian Myre of Naperville; eight grandchildren, Martin James Myre, Cara (Glenn) Manning, Grant (Jameli) Myers, Nathan (Holly) Myers, Chad (Christine) Myre, Brian Myre, Sarah (Mark) Hilde, and Emily (Lukas) Willems; 21 great grandchildren, Pearl, Bode, Gus, Sophia, Angelina, Natalie, Simeon, Jack Myers, Crewe, Caroline, Jack Myre, Emily, Myla, Joshua, Leah, Emma, Isaac, Katherine, Ellison, Reese, and Wells; and former daughters-in-law Nancy and Dena.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Martin, a brother, Glenn Wilkinson, son-in-law Jack Myers, and daughter-in-law Cathi Myre.

Memorials may be directed to Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church or Hope Life Center in Ottawa, IL.

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

Leanne Marie Baker, 62, of La Salle, passed away Sunday, July 9, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 12, from 4:00 until 7:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, July 13, at 10:30am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, with Fr. Jeff Windy officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Leanne was born January 4, 1961, in Ottawa, IL, to Mark and Joellyn (Corrigan) McConville. She married the love of her life, Jerry Baker on May 29, 2006 in Mexico.

She worked for over 40 years as a dental hygienist for Dr. Harbeck and Dr. Faber in Ottawa and Dr. Bond in Naperville. When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed traveling to Disney and spending time on the beach. She was ferouscious when it came to Fantasy Football. She was always up early to make sure she got her team ready. She was also an avid Bruce Springsteen fan. She will be remembered as being kind and generous to her family and friends and will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know her.

She is survived by her father, Mark William McConville; her husband, Jerry Baker; her siblings, Pat (Elise) McConville, Colleen McConville, Barb (Mark) Harmon, and Peggy Meyer; her sister in law, Rhonda Higgins; her brother in law, Lee (Juli) Baker; her nieces and nephews, Will McConville, Kristin Rowley, Jacob Krouse, Emily Krouse, Lauren Harmon, Anna (Michael) Flores, Patrick Harmon, Gabe Meyer, Luke Meyer, Joe (Amanda) Higgins, Krystal (Luke) Mitchell, Jessica Baker, and Jeff (Megan) Baker; and her great nieces and nephews, Quinn Rowley, Cayden Tipton, and Lilly Flores.

Leanne was preceded in death by her mother, Joellyn McConville and her nephew, Andrew Harmon.

Pallbearers will be Will McConville, Jacob Krouse, Luke Meyer, Gabe Meyer, Patrick Harmon, Jeff Baker, Luke Mitchell, and Joe Higgins.

Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Flores, Devin Mitchell, Alex Higgins, and Aunnie Helfrich.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

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

Sue Jennings Barber
Born: June 1, 1946
Died: July 12, 2020
On the evening of July 12th, 2020 in the company of family in Marion, Iowa Sue Jennings Barber took her last breath and departed. She had fallen three days earlier which led to her death. She was born June 1, 1946 in Beardstown, Illinois. Her parents Mary Opal Stapleton and Okaw Odell Jennings preceded her in death.
She is survived by her husband Joe and four children Shannon (John Meyer), Justin, Amy (Josh Williams), and Joseph. Also surviving are three brothers Kenneth, Jon, and Steve, and two sisters Sandi and Debra. In addition to seven grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and friends will miss her.
Her celebration of life will be held 1:00 PM July 8th, 2023 at Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her honor to Feral Fixers, Lombard, Illinois at www.feralfixers.org would be appreciated. Click the three bars on the left side of the home page and choose donate.

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

Marcia Joan Stroud
July 4,1942- August 8,2022

Marcia went home to the Lord on August 8, 2022. She was born on July 4, 1942 in Ottawa, Illinois to Edward Johnson and Catherine Biffany.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, Catherine & Edward Johnson; husband, Abraham Stroud; daughter, Mary Ellen Panko; son, Kevin Wayne Stroud; grandson, Christopher Stroud; great grandson, Skyler Panko.

She is survived by her sons, Sam (Tammy) Stroud, Frank (Wayvon) Stroud and Clay Stroud; daughter, Catherine Pace-Stroud; grandchildren, Brett, Brittany, Matthew, Robert, Jessica, Melissa, Theresa, Lindsay, Kylie; 22 great grandchildren and all her Fur Babies.

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

Clyde Smith
Born: February 21, 1935 in Ottawa, IL
Died: June 19, 2023 in Marseilles, IL
Clyde R. Smith, 88, of Ottawa, passed away on June 19, 2023 at Aperion Care, Marseilles, Illinois.
Clyde was born February 21, 1935 in Ottawa, to Vincent and Edna (Reynolds) Smith. He was retired from Caterpillar Tractor Company.
He is survived by five nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, John, Russell, and Weirick Smith; four sisters, Beulah Blue, Velma Love, Edith Schrader and Wanda Gill; and a niece, Geraldine Borchert.
Burial was in Oakwood Memorial Park. Arrangements were entrusted to Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home.

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

Dorothy L. Stohr, age 83, of Ottawa, passed away June 21, 2023 at LaSalle County Nursing Home.
Funeral services will be Monday June 26, at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor David E. Daniel officiating. Visitation will will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Josh Harstead, Luis Castro, Tim Darif, Ray Linn, Kurtis ‘Ryan’ Stevenson, Jacob Stohr, and Ryan Stohr. Honorary pallbearers will be Tyler Lewis and Patrick Grobe.
Dorothy was born March 4, 1940, the daughter of Walter and Mildred (Walkling) Knox. She married Dale Stohr on June 28, 1958 in Ottawa. She worked as a bookkeeper at Carpet Tile and later at The Christian Bookstore. Dorothy was always quick with a joke. She enjoyed vacationing in Arizona, cooking, and playing in Euchre tournaments. Most of all she loved her family and will be dearly missed.
Dorothy is survived by her husband Dale; children, Michael (Cheryl) Stohr, LaVonne Sipula, Lisa Girard, and Jeffrey (Lilly) Stohr; a brother, James Knox; a sister, Carol (Terry) Girard; 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by a son, Martin Dean Stohr, and her parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.

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

Mark Allen Mason, 51, of Ottawa, Illinois passed away at his home surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday, June 18, 2023. Mark fought his battle against cancer for 11 long months. Despite spending much time in and out of the hospital, he never lost his sense of humor. Throughout his entire journey, he cracked jokes and made silly faces with his family, and even pulled some light-hearted pranks on the nurses. He had a great ability to make others smile and laugh.

Mark, fondly known as Mas, was born to Terry Sr. and Mary Mason on September 9, 1971, in Ottawa Illinois. After graduating from Ottawa Township High School in 1989, Mark worked in design and became a packaging engineer. He was a talented athlete who raced motocross and played football and baseball. Mark was an accomplished triathlete, completing three IronMans and Tri-Shark. As he got older, this talent sparked a passion for coaching.

Mark married the love of his life, Kendra Salsman, on August 6, 2016. When they got married, they blended their families together and have three children, Jared, Kylie, and Mia. Mark and Kendra enjoyed travelling together, shared a love for sports, and could always be found at a Kenny Chesney concert or Margaritaville.

Mark wore many titles: husband, brother, son, uncle, friend, coach, and, perhaps his favorite title, dad. He loved nothing more than spending time with his son, Jared, and stepdaughters, Kylie and Mia. He was always there for them, whether it was attending a sporting event or academic honor, he was cheering for them from the sidelines. He was their number one fan, always there to offer his love, support, and encouragement.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Kendra Mason; children, Jared (Lainey) Mason, Kylie Swartz, Mia Swartz; mom, Mary Mason; brothers, Terry (Melissa) Mason Jr., Barry (Sarah) Mason, and numerous other friends and family members.

Mark is preceded in death by his father, Terry Mason Sr.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 24th at the Ottawa Funeral Home from 10:00am- 1:00pm. A memorial service will take place at 1:00pm, with Joe Kolp officiating. Burial will follow in the cremation garden at Oakwood Memorial Park. Please wear your favorite sports apparel as a way of honoring Mark’s passion for athletics.

Mark has been laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park in the Garden of Tranquility.