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Ryan Brooke

Marilyn J. Rorem, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, IL

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Marilyn J. Rorem, age 85, of Ottawa, passed away Monday, March 25, 2024 with her loving family at her side.

Marilyn was born May 27, 1938 in Streator, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur and Ruth (Morse) Anderson. She married Leonard Mance in January 1959 and later married Keith Rorem August of 1969. He preceded her in death December 20, 2010. She is survived by her loving children, Richard (Jody) White of Katy, TX, Patti (Tony) Ferguson of Morris, IL and Joe Mance; adoring grandchildren, Lindsay (Dan) Thomas, Garrett (Deanna) Aubry and Tabor (Nicole Tierney) Aubry; and great-grandsons, Grayson and Hudson Thomas. Marilyn’s parents and husband, Keith preceded her in death.

Marilyn was a proud and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and always enjoyed attending all of their various functions and sport events. She enjoyed flower gardening and taking care of her beloved dogs, Coco and Honey. Marilyn enjoyed the music and was a member of the music group “The Islanders.” She had an extreme passion for the music of Jon Bon Jovi!

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, March 28th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Pastor Sherry Stevenson officiating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to time of service Thursday. Pallbearers will be Richard White, Tony Ferguson, Garrett Aubry, Tabor Aubry, Dan Thomas and Al Morse. Honorary pallbearers will be her great-grandsons, Grayson and Hudson Thomas.

Memorial contributions can be directed to the family for donation to organizations dear to Marilyn. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com

Marilyn was laid to rest in the Garden of Devotion at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Glenn Arthur Chivers, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, IL

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Glenn Arthur Chivers, 95, of Ottawa IL, (formally of Sandwich) passed away peacefully on March 11th, 2024 surrounded by family at his daughter’s home. Private services will be held on March 14th at Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

He was born on May 13, 1928 (Mother’s Day) in Mecher, Iowa to Arthur and Ruth Chivers. He attended high school in Orion IL and was a three sport Hall of Fame athlete. He was drafted into the Army and served on the front line in the Korean War from 1951-1954. He received a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. He met the love of his life Ruth in a dance hall where he was known as quite the dancer. The two along with close friends danced regularly and enjoyed Big Bands such as the Johnny K Orchestra.

They married on November 18, 1951 before he went off to war. They were married for 72 years.

Together they had two children. A son, David (Simone) and a daughter Diane (Charles) who they raised in Sandwich IL. Glenn had five grandchildren, Heather, Andrew, Jordan, Lauren, and Dillon. He also had five great-children and was excited to have one on the way. Glenn adored his grandchildren and loved seeing them in educational activities, field trips, many sporting events, and taking them to the horse races. Glenn was a man of faith and raised his children and grandchildren to have a strong faith in God.

He was an active member in The United Church of Sandwich where he sang in the choir, was on the pastor-parish, and the trustee committee. He enjoyed being on the building committee to that church being built. We know Heaven’s gates were opened easily as God welcomed them into the kingdom of Heaven. Glenn later attended Epworth United Methodist Church in Ottawa and sang in the choir.

Glenn was a teacher- grade school, high school and later became principal, athletic director, and

dean of students.

Discipline was very important to him and his students referred to him as “Chief Chivers” (the mascot of Sandwich High School was the Indians) He was a proud member of the Sandwich teacher’s union where he stood on the picket-line during a teacher’s strike. He was also a track coach and helped many students get scholarships. Glenn was a proud Democrat and he and Ruth supported peace in times of war. Glenn and his wife Ruth, along with son-in-law Charles Funk operated Funk Studio Graphics and Wide Water Gallery. He especially liked wildlife and religious art.

His hobbies included cheering on the Chicago Bulls and St. Louis Cardinals, golfing, going to the horse races, and poker. Glenn and Ruth went on cruises and were part of the Nifty 50’s group where they played cards and traveled to Hawaii, Spain, Greece, and the Holy Lands. They also built five houses throughout their marriage. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, parents Arthur and Ruth Chivers, daughter-in-law Cheryl Chivers, and grandson, Andrew Chivers.

Memorials may be directed to Epworth United Methodist Church in Ottawa or United Church of Sandwich.

Glenn was laid to rest at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Joanne Elizabeth Stortz, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, IL

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Joanne Elizabeth Stortz, 89, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2024 at Pleasant View Lutheran Home.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 15, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 16, at 10:30am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, with Msgr. Mark Merdian officiating. There will be no visitation or prayers on Saturday morning, only Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis Church. Entombment will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Joanne was born September 7, 1934, in Ottawa, IL, to John and Mary (O’Donnell) Walsh. She married John “Jack” Stortz on August 20, 1960 at St. Columba Church in Ottawa. He passed away February 2, 2016.

Joanne was a mother and homemaker until her children were off to college when she started her business, The Punkin Patch, a children’s clothing store. She owned and operated it from 1983 until 1997. She adored her grandchildren, and always attended their sporting events and activities. She enjoyed wintering in Longboat Key, FL with her husband for many years. She was a great story teller and had a laugh that would brighten a room.

She is survived by her children, Jodi (Brian) Porter and Jay (Kris Tuuk) Stortz; her grandchildren, Jake Stortz, Trent Porter, and Maddie Porter, as well as Ethan, Noah and Emma Tuuk; and her sister, Margaret “Marge” Aubry.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary; her husband of 55 years, Jack Stortz; and her siblings, Mary Irene Walsh, Rita Pillion, Catherine Harmon, Leo Walsh, and Tom “Bud” Walsh.

Memorials may be directed to the LaSalle County Historical Society or the Ronald McDonald House charities.

Pallbearers will be Jake Stortz, Trent Porter, David Aubry, Steve Aubry, Dan Aubry, Paul Aubry, John Walsh, and Nathan Holland.

Joanne will be laid to rest at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Steven Beryl Tullis, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

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Steven Beryl Tullis, 54, of LaSalle, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at his home.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa with Rev. Alex Cross, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Ottawa, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the funeral home before the service.

Steven was born on June 24, 1969 in Ottawa to Beryl Wendal and Madeline Marie (Corliss) Tullis. He worked as a warehouse worker for J.C. Whitney for 25 years and at Menards for 14 years. Steven was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He married Georgia Danner on November 16, 2006. He enjoyed being on his computer.

He is survived by his wife Georgia Tullis, of La Salle; his four step-children, Kathy Danner-Thomas, George Danner, Misty Abbott, Richard Danner, all of La Salle; 14 step-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Linda Pubentz, and Cheryl Damron.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Beryl and Madeline Tullis.

Pallbearers will be George Danner, Sean Danner, Sam Danner, James Bergeron, Roy Bergeron, Richard Thomas, Ryan Pubentz, Jake Damron, and Chris Shut.

Memorials may be directed to his wife, Georgia Tullis.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Steven, please visit our floral store.
Steven will be laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper at Oakwood Memorial Park.

James “Kaler” DeBernardi Jr, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, IL

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James “Kaker” DeBernardi Jr., 96, of Naplate, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024 at La Salle County Nursing Home with his family by his side.

Visitation will be on Saturday, March 9, from 10:00am until 10:30am at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00am at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Kaker was born May 28, 1927, in Ottawa, IL, to James and Mary (Patruski) DeBernardi Sr. He married Leona Ballock on June 18, 1949 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Streator.

Kaker attended Ottawa High School and started working at Libby Owens when he was 17 years old. He then served in the United States Coast Guard in Germany. When he returned, he went back to LOF and worked there for 42 years before his retirement. When he wasn’t working, he was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt in southern Illinois and go on fishing trips to his cabin in Minnesota. He was very talented working with his hands, even making his own plugs and lures.

He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Leona DeBernardi; his son, Gary (Debby) DeBernardi; his granddaughters, Shannon (Jesse) Eckenroth and Kendra (Robbie) Sorensen; his great grandchildren, Caden, Davin, Jaxon, Makenna, and Eliana Eckenroth and Van, Gemma, and Freya Sorensen; his sister, Joyce Piercy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Sr. and Mary DeBernardi; his son, Daniel DeBernardi, and his siblings, Jack DeBernardi and Betty Thumm.

Memorials may be directed to Naplate Police and Fire Departments, please reference the addresses below on where to direct the memorials.

Naplate Volunteer Fire Department: 2000 W. Ottawa Ave, Naplate, IL, United States, Illinois

Naplate Police Department: 2000 Ottawa Street, Ottawa, IL, United States, Illinois

The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com

Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory
1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa Illinois 61350
815-433-0300
www.ottawafuneralhome.com

James was laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Fred E Carlson, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, IL

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Fred E. Carlson, 85, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2024 at his home.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 9, from 11:00am until 1:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at 1:00pm, with Rev. Duane Kaufman officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Fred was born December 24, 1938, in Ottawa, IL, to Fred and Arlene (Anderson) Carlson. He married Mary Armstrong on December 12, 1980. She passed away August 31, 2005.

Fred was a certified printer and worked at Illinois Office Supply for many years. He then went to work at Libby Owens, and then ultimately worked and retired from the Marseilles National Guard Base. He loved history and the civil war. He loved to read books and collect memorabilia from the civil war. His love for history was pivotal in his love of Ottawa. He liked to learn the history of Ottawa and just take rides through town. It is said he liked pets more than most people, especially his dogs, Jake, Rosie, and Beau. He was the biggest supporter of his children and grandchildren and enjoyed spending as much time as he could with them. In his free time he enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles.

He is survived by his daughter, Katie (Aaron) Willet; his grandchildren, Avery, Easton, and Emersyn Willet; and his sister, Pam Carlson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Arlene; his Wife, Mary; and two daughters in infancy, Erin and Elizabeth.

Pallbearers will be Aaron Willet, Justin Rick, Jason Kennedy, Pete Dilley, Mike Wolf, and Carl Theissen.

Memorials may be directed to Pet Project.

Fred was laid to rest in the Garden of the last Supper at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Donald L. Schlink, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, IL

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Donald S. Schlink, 97, of Ottawa, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.

Private funeral services were held at Oakwood Memorial Park with Rev. Phillip Potaczek, officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Donald was born on December 26, 1926 in Wenona, IL to Orville and Helen (Nelson) Schlink. He was the business owner of Don Schlink’s Boot Shop in Ottawa for 55 years. Don married Rita Prosinski on February 14, 1953 at St. Valentine Church in Peru.

He is survived by his wife, Rita Schlink, of Ottawa; his three daughters, Karen (William) Swenhaugen, of Ottawa, Laurie (Gary) Yount, of Oswego, Christine (Bjorn) Erlandson, of Maui, HI; six grandchildren, Ingrid (Michael) Cushing, Andrew (Basia) Yount, Alexander (Katelyn) Yount, Benjamin (Megan) Yount, Leda and Ayla Erlandson; eight great-grandchildren, Luke and Emma Cushing, Zachary, Natalie, Lucas, Audrey, Beckett, and Nolan Yount; and a brother, George Schlink.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Helen Schlink; a daughter, Kathy Jo Schlink; a grandson, Thomas P. Swenhaugen; a brother and two sisters.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Donald was laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park in the Garden of Inspiration.

Nadine F. (Talioli) Turnquist, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, IL

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Nadine F. (Talioli) Turnquist, 86, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at the OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi Church with Rev. Nicolas Wilson, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Nadine was born on December 3, 1937 in Chicago to John and Theresa (Ballerini) Talioli. She moved to Ladd at the age of 12 and graduated from Hall High School in Spring Valley, class of 1955. Nadine retired from Farm and Fleet after 23 years. She married Arthur Turnquist on June 3, 1961. She was a fan of the Chicago Cubs, U of I, and the Ottawa High School. Nadine enjoyed bowling and played for over 20 years. She loved animals, gardening, golfing, and traveling the country with her husband, Art and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Arthur Turnquist of Ottawa; two children, Todd (Barbara) Turnquist of Batavia, Traci Turnquist of Ottawa; and two grandchildren, Alexandra (Donovan) Kilker and Katelyn Turnquist.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Theresa Talioli.

Pallbearers will be Alexandra Kilker, Donovan Kilker, Katelyn Turnquist, Christopher Ripley, and Marc Wielgopolan.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to the family.

Nadine was laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park in the Garden of The Last Supper.

Pamela Jean Miskell, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, IL

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Pamela Jean Miskell, age 77, of Ottawa, passed away Monday, February 19, 2024 at the LaSalle County Nursing Home in the presence of her devoted family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 23rd at St. Francis Church with Father Nicolas Wilson celebrating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 22nd and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Roger “Trey” Miskell III, Tyler Miskell, Logan Miskell, Tanner McQuilkin, Patrick Sanchez and Dean Kuk. Honorary pallbearers will be Pat Jackson, Bob Jackson, Kevin McQuilkin and Andy Sokol.

Pam was born December 7, 1946 in Ottawa, Illinois, to John and Verlena (Daggett) Sanchez. She married Roger Miskell, Sr. August 12, 1967 at St. Francis Church. He preceded in death March 1, 2004. She is survived by her loving son Roger Miskell, Jr., his girlfriend Rachel Bohne of Oglesby; and her adoring grandchildren, Roger “Trey” Miskell III, Tyler Miskell and Logan Miskell. Pam also leaves a sister, Marcy Monroe of Ottawa and a brother, John (Diane) Sanchez, Jr. of Ottawa. Her parents, husband and a sister, Caroline Jackson preceded in death.

Pam was a member of St. Francis Church where she dearly loved attending Sunday Mass and planted and maintained flowers on the church property. She formerly had been employed to clean at Monte’s Riverside Inn and Wedron Silica. Making homemade candy brought Pam tremendous joy and was known for “Pam’s Candy” at Handy Foods as well as her sought-after taffy apples at the Burgoo. She enjoyed being outdoors taking great care of her flowers and adding to her rock collection. The time Pam enjoyed most was that spent with her family and friends and going to church on Sunday.

Memorial contributions directed to the Alzheimer Foundation would be appreciated. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com .

Pamela was laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park in the Garden of Psalms

Joan “Joni” Marie Eich, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, IL

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Joan “Joni” Marie Eich, 81, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, March 1, 2024 at her home.

A graveside service will take place on Thursday, March 7, at 11:00am, at the chapel at Oakwood Memorial Park. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.

Joan was born June 23, 1942, in Ottawa, IL, to John and Leona (Chorzempa) Kuk. She married Gerald Eich on August 17, 1968 at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

She worked for over 10 years as a beautician at Sandy’s Hair Salon and then out of her home. She was also a car hop at the Silver Frost and a caregiver for Help at Home. When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed flowers and gardening, playing euchre, and going bowling. She and Jerry both enjoyed cars and went to many car shows and races. She loved her kids and grandkids and was always at their school and sporting events.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Eich; her children, Jodene (Michael) Denham, Jim Eich, and Angela (William) Scerini; her grandchildren, Kristin Eich, Kayla (Josh) Reimann and James Eich; her great grandchildren, Johnathon Reimann, Jared Reimann, Paisley Eich, Jonah Reimann, Paxton Rodriguez, Pierson Rodriguez, Jaelynn Reimann, and Kayson Reimann; and her sister, Irene (Frank) Rathbun.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Leona; and her siblings, Delores Thompson, Carol Pavy, and John Kuk Jr.

Memorials may be directed to St. Francis of Assisi Church.

Joan was laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park in the Garden of Prayer.