Michael J. Mente, 65, of Ottawa, died on Thursday morning, February 19, 2015 at OSF Medical Center in Ottawa.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 23, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Corey Krengiel, St. Columba Church, officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, at the funeral home.
Michael was born on March 16, 1949 in LaSalle to Valentine and Rena (Tamborini) Mente. He was a graduate of St. Bede Academy and IVCC. Michael married Jackie (White) Branson on December 16, 1995 in Ottawa. He was the owner of MJ’s Pub and Grill in Oglesby and former owner of the Vermilion Inn, Photo Press and Jac’s Convenient and Cafe. Michael was a member of the National Guard for 6 years as well as the Elks Club and various other organizations throughout his life. Michael enjoyed golf, spending time with family and friends, working in his yard on his green machine with neighbors, loved music and in his former years he was a band member of Kracker Barrel Komplex.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie, of Ottawa, 2 stepsons, Brian and Kevin Branson, of Ottawa, 1 brother, Robert (Charlene) Mente, of Oglesby, sister-in-law Shari White, of Ottawa, nephews Chad Mente, of Oglesby, Neil Mente, of Arizona, Ricky White, of California and nieces, Leigh-Ann (Joe) Soucie, of Aurora, Tara Leigh (White) Kubiak, of Ottawa, Alexandria (Seth) Dale and Bianca White of California and Halee Mente of Oglesby as well as several great nieces and one great nephew.
He was preceded in death by his son Christopher Mente and his parents.
Pallbearers will be Chad Mente, George Kasap, Tim Armstrong, Stan, Steve & Rick White.
Memorials may be directed to Easter Seals or Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Michael is laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.