Ryan Brooke

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, 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 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, 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, 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, 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.

Rita Jean (Dippel) Honer, 91, of Ottawa, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at her home. Rita was born on March 19, 1932 in Granville, IL.
Funeral services will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
Rita was born on March 19, 1932 in Granville to Albert and Evelyn (Wallin) Dippel. She married Joseph J. Honer in 1952. Rita, along with her husband Joe, owned and operated House of Frames for over 25 years. She was an active member of the Reunion Committee of the Ottawa Township High School, Class of 1950. Rita was also proud of the time she spent volunteering at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. She loved decorating the home for the holidays, card club gatherings, following her grand kids and great-grand kids.
She is survived by her two sons, Stephen Honer of Ottawa and Rick Honer of Winter Haven, FL; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her parents, Albert and Evelyn Dippel; two brothers, Bill and Leland Dippel; and a close friend, Joan Bretag.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433

Rita was laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa, IL in the Garden of Inspiration.

Betty L. Blake, 89, a long1me resident of Elkhart, Indiana passed away on Tuesday, February 13,
2024 at Elkhart Meadows, where she had been living in memory care since 2020.
Born Betty Lou Stevenson on July 3, 1934, to Milton and Ethel Stevenson of Ottawa, Illinois, Betty
was the eighth of their nine children. She met Kenneth A. Blake, the love of her life, at Ottawa
Township High School, where they were elected Homecoming Queen and King as seniors in 1952.
After gradua1on, Betty worked for the American Association of State Highway Officials (now
“AASHTO”) and in 1957, she and Ken moved to Tokyo, Japan where Ken served in the United
States Armed Forces.
Upon their return Stateside in 1960, Betty worked for the Peace Corps while Ken completed his
master’s degree at the University of Northern Illinois in De Kalb, where they had the first of their
three children. They relocated to Elkhart in 1965 where Ken began a long career with Miles
Laboratories, and Betty thrived as a stay-at-home mom, as a floral design expert, and
as president of her kids’ PTA. Betty returned to the workforce in 1980 at Pierre Moran Junior High
and ul1mately retired from the Elkhart Community Schools a decade later.
A relentless volunteer and charity event organizer, Betty was constantly focused on improving the
lives of those around her, as well as the lives of people she had never met. We will miss her greatly.
Betty was preceded in death by Ken in 2022, just one month shy of their 70th wedding anniversary.
She is survived by her three children: Steven of Palm Springs, California; Stephanie of
Bloomington, Indiana; and Jennifer (Weaver) of Zionsville, Indiana; and three grandchildren:
Blake, Brock, and Whitney.
A special memorial service and celebration of life for both Betty and Ken will be held at a later
date in their hometown of Ottawa, IL, with interment at Oakwood Memorial Park. The family
requests that in lieu of flowers, tribute dona1ons may be made to the Alzheimer’s Associa1on at
act.alz.org.

Charles L. Anderson, 81, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, February 9, 2024 at The pavilion of Ottawa with his family by his side.
Visitation will be Tuesday, February 13, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, February 14, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. Charles was born July 19, 1942, in Morris, IL, to Clyde and Theresa (Thompson) Anderson. He married Sharon Anderson on April 17, 1970 in Ottawa, IL.
Chuck was the proud owner of Chuck’s Shell Service Center from 1982 until 2016. He loved his work and spent many nights and weekends there. He was an avid sports fan, watching the White Sox, Bears, and Bulls as well as spending many Friday nights watching the Ottawa Pirates basketball and football teams. He was an Elvis Presley fanatic and was known by many of his customers and suppliers as Elvis. He loved his family and would give the shirt off his back to anyone that needed it.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharon; his children, Kathy (Keith Sr.) Zehr, Kevin (Karen) Anderson, Kim Reynolds, Tim (Marilyn) Anderson, Scott (Naro) Anderson, Terry Anderson, Ryan (Jamie) Anderson, and Becky Anderson; his 15 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Charles A. Anderson; his granddaughter, Priscila Anderson; and his siblings, Alan Anderson, Jerry Dummitt, and Marilyn Anderson-England.
Pallbearers will be family members.

Memorials may be directed to the family. The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com

Charles was laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park, in the Garden of Hymns

Esther Lee (Fosdick) Stone, 86, of Ottawa, passed away on January 13, 2024 at the Ottawa Pavilion.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in Ottawa with Rev. Seamus Enright, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa, IL. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Esther was born on September 21, 1937 in Cabery to Sylvester and Mary (Watkins) Fosdick. She worked as a bookkeeper at Carson Pirie Scott, Nappa, and worked as warranty administrator for Sierra Motors and other offices for over 30 years. Esther was a financial secretary at First United Methodist Church where she was a member for over 60 years. She married Birdle “Stonie” Stone on August 15, 1960 at First United Methodist Church. Esther and Stonie were the owners of Stonie Yellocab. She loved working in her yard, reading devotions, word searches, pictures of her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Connie L. Stone-Oberholz, of Ottawa; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Birdle “Stonie” Stone, a son, Steve Stone; a great-granddaughter, Amelia; a brother and two sisters.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Johnathan, Caleb, Adam, and nephews, Larry, Harry, and Duane.

Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church in Ottawa.

Esther was laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper at Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, IL