May 2017

Robert “Bob” E. Kosnick, a lifetime resident of Ottawa, died May 16, 2017 just shy of his 94th birthday. The oldest son of Elmer and Myrtle (Hall) Kosnick, Bob was born June 1, 1923 at Ryburn Memorial Hospital in Ottawa.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 22, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottawa with Rev. Nathan Feig, pastor officiating. Burial will be held in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa with full military rites conducted by the American Legion Post #33 Veteran’s Group Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Additional visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11a.m. Monday at the church.

Bob graduated from Ottawa High School and was subsequently employed by Chicago Bridge & Iron Company as a draftsman in November 1942. His career as a drafter was cut short when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 10, 1943.

A veteran of WWII, Bob proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to November 26, 1945 as a Motor Machinist’s Mate on the USS Sway (AM-120), a warship acquired by the U.S. Navy for the dangerous task of removing naval mines from waterways. Bob was issued the American Campaign medal, the European-Africa-Middle Eastern Campaign medal, the Asian-Pacific Campaign medal, and the World War II Victory Medal to commemorate his service in the Pacific Operations.

While serving in WWII, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Jean (Armstrong) Kosnick on April 14, 1945 at the Presbyterian Church in Dade County, Miami Florida. After being discharged from the Navy, Bob was employed as an auto mechanic at Chapman Motors and W&W Motors in Ottawa where he also did auto upholstering. Based on the excellent reputation he established as an upholsterer, in 1968 he started his own business, Bob’s Auto Upholstering. Bob was self-handedly responsible for the success of his business, which was known county-wide when he sold it in 1970.

Bob was a lifetime Chicago Cubs’ and Bears’ fan and lived to see the Cubs win the World Series. He loved to talk to anyone he met and was a friend to many. He was a well known and respected resident of Ottawa and rarely could go anywhere without meeting someone who knew him.
Bob was an avid reader, loved boating and was our anchor. His heart never wavered toward the love and concern he had for the welfare of his family. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and loved his church and his relationship with God. But Bob loved his wife Jean above all else. They celebrated 72 years of marriage prior to his passing.

Bob was a loving father of Cynthia Eichelkraut, Cheryl Baker (Bobby), and Terry Kosnick (Amy). Bob’s five grandchildren Lisa Bongartz, Shelly Carey (Mike), Angela Sonday (Brent), Mia Kosnick, and Sabina Kosnick brought him great joy, as did his seven great grandchildren Jordie (Bongartz) Wahl, Bailie Bongartz, Riley Bongartz, Lackyn Sonday, Lucey Sonday, Luke Sonday, and Louis Sonday. Bob left behind his brother Howard Kosnick (Lorraine). He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, June Ellen Jameson (Bob) of Ottawa, and a great grandchild, Jenna Sonday.
All of us he left behind will be forever grateful for the joy and love he brought us. He will live in our hearts forever.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottawa.

Bob has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.

OTTAWA – Daisy Gene VeZain, age 82, of Ottawa, died Tuesday morning, May 16, 2017 at Heritage Manor in Peru.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Charles Warger officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the services Friday at the church. Gladfelter Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Daisy was born July 29, 1934 in Ottawa, Illinois, a daughter of Daniel Arthur and Teresa Julia (Leason) VeZain. She was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School, and the Baptist Missionary Training School, formerly of Chicago. She worked in Christian Education with the American Baptist Churches ABC/USA and Social Work through the State of Illinois and The Salvation Army.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and great great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by five sisters, Teresa Mae Baker, Martha Eletta Marsh, Florence Lillian Peterson, Rachel Shay and Eldora “Betty” Herrera; and five brothers, Fred Arthur VeZain, Eugene Lavern Vezain, Leslie Charles VeZain, Frank Joseph VeZain, and William Edward VeZain.

Memorials may be directed to the First Baptist Church Memorial Fund or The Salvation Army.

Daisy has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.

Wesley O. Tendall, 96, formerly of Seneca passed away Friday, March 24 at Pleasant View Luther Home.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. He will be buried in Oakwood Memorial Park. Osborne-Nelson Funeral Home has
been entrusted with cremation rites.

Wesley was born November 5, 1920 in Seneca to Otto and Clara(Fosse) Tendall Sr. He married Betty E. Larsen on December 12,
1943 in Enterprise, Alabama. Wesley was a proud member of the United States Army from 1942-1946, serving as Staff Sergeant in the Philippines during WWII. He retired as an office supervisor from DuPont. He was a long-time member of the American Legion Kasal Post 457 in Seneca and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Seneca. Wesley loved sports (especially the Cubs) and taking care of his yard.

He is survived by his wife, one son Bruce A. (Katherine) Tendall of Austin, TX; and two daughters, Lynn A. (Richard) Noon of
Ft. Myers, FL and Gail L. (Paul) Schmitz of Ottawa. His third daughter, Meri S. (Ray) Rhodes passed away March 27, 2017 in
Ft. Myers, FL. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and one brother, Russell (Martha) Tendall
of Seneca.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Otto Tendall Jr. and Wayne Tendall.

Wesley has been laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

Betty Jean Bayer, 87, of Ottawa, died on Monday, May 15, 2017 at OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday in the Mueller funeral Home in Ottawa. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11a.m., at the funeral home.

Betty was born on December 3, 1929 in Lostant to Lawrence and Edith (Dean) Rose. She was a graduate of Lostant High School. She worked as a bookkeeper at Westclox, and retired from housekeeping at LaSalle County Nursing Home. She was a member of St. Joseph Church in Wedron, and IMRF. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

She is survived by 6 children, Jerre Marie (Ken) Ross of Earlville, Jacqueline Ogden, of Ottawa, Joanne Binion of Ottawa, Gerald Christopher (Carla) Bayer of Greenville, Tennessee, Judy Ann Hinterlong of Sheridan, Thomas G. Bayer of Gadsden, Alabama, and 17 grandchildren, Susie Fleming, Michele Runge, Shannon Staton, Jen Rix, Kristal Fisher, Brandon Haff, Clint Schintz, Jeremy Scarber, Amy Ross, Joel Binion, Kayley Bayer, Carissa Bayer, Hayley Hinterlong, Christina Schwab, Christian Lady, Jerry Bayer and Renee Bayer, and 26 great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, and her step father, George Sendelbach, her former husband Gerald “Jughead” Bayer, one daughter, Janet Rose Scarber, one grandson, Ryan Michael Scarber, and two sisters, Shirley Sendelbach and Doris Alderson.

Memorials may be directed to donor’s choice.

Betty has been laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

OTTAWA – Betty L. Thrush, age 85, passed away Friday afternoon, May 5, 2017, at Ottawa Pavilion.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at Gladfelter Funeral Home with Chaplain Richard Hillenbrand officiating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Chris Thrush, Nick Thrush, Bobby Thrush, Gary Hedlin, Jason Thrush, and Jimmy Thrush Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Matthew Thrush and George R. Hedlin IV.

Betty was born February 21, 1932 in Ottawa, a daughter of Orville and Lillyian (Hoffman) Grooms. She married Robert A. Thrush on June 23, 1951 in Streator and they were married 54 years until his passing on October 2, 2005. She is survived by her son, Robert A. Thrush Jr. (Pamela) of Ottawa; daughter, Julie (Thrush) Hedlin of Ottawa; daughter, Patricia Burgh (Steve) of Ottawa; son, Steve Thrush (Annette) of Marseilles; son, James Thrush Sr. (Susie) of Ottawa; son, Thomas Thrush (Brenda) of Ottawa; thirteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren; and sisters, Florence Robinson of Rockford and Darlene Vargo of Ottawa. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; two grandsons, Timothy Hedlin and Brian Thrush; one brother; and four sisters.

Betty was a past member of the Women’s Auxiliaries of the Moose, American Legion, and VFW. She was a devoted wife to her late husband and mother to her six children. Betty cherished her family and the time spent with them. Our fond memories of her will forever be in our hearts. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

To share a memory or sign the guestbook, please visit www.gladfelterfuneralhome.com or Gladfelter Funeral Home on Facebook.

Betty has been laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

Mary C. Collins, 92, of Ottawa passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at Manor Court in Peru.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm Friday, May 5, 2017 at Ottawa Funeral Home with Rev. Tony Fevlo officiating. Her visitation will be from 2:00 – 3:00, one hour prior to services, Friday at Ottawa Funeral Home. She will be buried in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Mary was born May 21, 1924 in Streator, Illinois to Glenn and Edith (Slingsby) Maier. She married Floyd Collins on February 10, 1944 at St. Patrick’s Church in Seneca; he passed away January 26, 2017. She was a member of St. Francis Church.

Mary and her husband, Floyd, were avid square dancers, making many friends along the way. They were also involved in round dancing and boot kickers.

She is survived by her children, Mark (Diane) Collins of Marseilles, Larry (Kathleen) Collins of Marseilles, and Darlynn (Ray) Pelton of Wilmington; seven grandchildren, Amanda, Andrew, Peter, Adam, Karrie, Emily, and Amy; five great-grandchildren, Luke, Colin, Elora, Darlynn Rose, and Lilly; and one sister, Lila Earhardt.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Floyd; her parents; and her three brothers, Emmett, Clarence, and Francis Maier.

Mary has been laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

Mark Lewis, 63, of Ottawa, formerly of Grand Ridge, died Sunday morning, May 6, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 9, in the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa with Rev. William Clark, officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Visiatation will be one hour prior to the services.

Mark was born on July 11, 1953 in Ottawa to Eugene “Gene” and Eleanor (Christiansen) Lewis. He was a 1971 graduate of Ottawa Township High School. He was a Licensed Insurance Agent with the Christiansen Agency in Grand Ridge, and had worked at Star Ford in Streator and at Caterpillar in Pontiac. He was a volunteer at PADS in Ottawa.

He is survived by his mother of Ottawa, his former wife Dianne (Straznickas) Lewis, of Ottawa, a step-daughter, Gretchen Mattingley, a grandson, Travis Mattingley, and cousins, including Gary (Diana) Carlson, of Ottawa, and David (Rebecca) Carlson, of Ft.Myers, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his father, and one brother Keith Lewis.

Memorials may be directed to PADS or Pet Project.

Mark has been laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

Troy Andersen, 46, of Columbus, GA, formerly of Ottawa, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at his home. Private graveside services will be held at a later date at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Troy was born on June 25, 1970 in Streator, to Walter and Barbara (King) Andersen.

He is survived by his mother, Barbara, of Cartersville, GA, 2 brothers, Walter (Kathy) Andersen, of Streator, and Russell (Debbie) Andersen, of Cartersville, GA, and a sister Rene (Robin) Forsyth, of Ottawa, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter.

Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association.

Troy has been laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.

Shirley J. Murrin (nee Gretencord), age 68 of Lansing, IL, passed away at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, April 28, 2017.

She is survived by her beloved husband: Dennis L. Murrin Sr.; son: Dennis (Carrie) Murrin Jr. of Lansing, IL; daughters: Kelly (David) Fabris of New Lenox, IL, and Katie (Darnell) Tillman of Lansing, IL; and grandchildren: Dennis III, Ashley, Alyssa, and Allison Murrin; Marissa, Lauren, and Anthony Fabris; Nathan Flores and Mia Tillman. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents: John and Dorothy Gretencord, and brother: Johnnie Lee Gretencord.

Funeral services for Shirley will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 beginning with 9:15 closing Prayers at the Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Rd., Lansing, IL and proceeding to St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 768 Lincoln Ave., Calumet City, IL for a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial. Shirley will be laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa, IL.

Friends are invited to visit with Shirley’s family on Monday, May 1, 2017 from 3:00 – 8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in Shirley’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Shirley had worked as an X-Ray Technician at the Hammond Clinic in Munster, IN.

Shirley has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.

Genevieve Lillian (Grubaugh) Hall, 86, of Ottawa, died early Friday morning, April 28, 2017 at OSF St. Francis in Peoria.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at First United Methodist Church in Ottawa, with Rev. Cheri Stewart, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, May 1, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Gen was born on April 16, 1931 in Ottawa to George and Lillian (Philhower) Grubaugh. She was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School. She married William I. Hall on May 14, 1950 in Ottawa. He passed away on June 25, 2010. For 28 years she worked at the front office of OTHS, where she was known as “The Voice of OHS.” She was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, member of the Central Illinois Jazz Society, Zonta, and former board member of the LaSalle County School Credit Union.

She is survived by 3 children, Max (Cathy) Hall, of Marshall, VA, Roberta (Jack) Gourley, of Pontiac, and Tanya (Shawn) McCambridge, of Ottawa, 9 grandchildren, Diane (Kyle) Schott, Casey (Ann) McCambridge, Tami (Jeff) Harmon, Breanne (Tyler) Ailor, Kathi (Dustin) Cade, Jordan (David) Zarka, Amanda Gourley, Roxanne (Ed) Novak, and Emily (Kyle Alessi) Gourley, 6 great grandchildren, Madeline and Audrey McCambridge, Harrison Ailor, Tucker Cade, and Haylie and Luke Schott, and a brother Donald Grubaugh.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, 2 sisters, Pauline Klein and Cecilia Carter, and a brother George Grubaugh.

Pallbearers will be Casey McCambridge, Tyler Ailor, David Zarka, Kyle Schott, Jeff Harmon, and Dustin Cade. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ann McCambridge, Breanne Ailor, Jordan Zarka, Diane Schott, Tami Harmon, and Kathi Cade.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to First United Methodist in Ottawa, or to the family for a memorial to be established.

Gen has been laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.