http://www.ottawafuneralhome.com/

Ottawa Funeral Home and Crematory, 1111 LaSalle Street, Ottawa, IL (2026)

04/14/2026

Sue Coleman

Sue Ann Coleman, 80, formerly of Morris, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Round Lake Beach.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, April 17 at 10:30am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Seneca.

Sue was born May 4, 1945, in Marseilles, IL to James and Florence (Gettler) Coleman. She spent most of her life residing in Morris and worked for over 30 years for the United States Post Office. She enjoyed an early retirement to be able to spend as much time as she could with her grandchildren and family. She loved working outside and was an avid animal lover, especially horses and dogs.

She is survived by her son, Jeff (Divina) Coleman; her grandchildren, Tyler (Holly) Coleman, Haley (Geo) Jungles, Zander Coleman, and Jeyvin Coleman; her great grandchildren, Max, Ellie, and Leo Jungles; her sister, Sharon (Robert) Partridge; and many nieces and nephews whom she was very close to.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Florence; and her siblings, Ronald Coleman, Rose Smith, and Margaret Rasmussen.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be directed to Pet Project.

View Sue Coleman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/14/2026

Leontae D Petty

Leontae Dewayne Adonis Petty, 1 Month and 19 days, went home to the Lord on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 20, from 10:00am until 12:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will be held at 12:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Chicago.

Leontae was born February 24, 2026 in Peru, IL to Lemarcus Petty and Aryanna Freeman. He loved to watch Paw Patrol and was happiest being outside with his parents going on walks. He loved to eat and always had a bottle with him. His eyes lit up and he would go wild when he heard the sound of his great grandma's voice. He had the biggest smile and was always excited when he got to spend time with his brother, Monte.

He is survived by his parents, Lemarcus and Aryanna; his brother, Monte Petty; his maternal grandma, Sarah Chandler; his paternal grandma, Charletha Edwards; his paternal grandpa, Lemarcus Petty; and his great grandparents, Sharon Jackson, Roberta Hale, and Jerome Baugh; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and great aunts and uncles.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandpa, Dewayne Chandler; his great aunt, Grasha Lloyd; and his great great grandma, Dorothy Pence.

View Leontae D Petty's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/13/2026

Edward Joseph Martin Jr.

Edward Joseph Martin Jr., 95, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026 at the Pavilion of Ottawa with his family by his side.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 17 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be private at St. Columba Church. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery at a later date.

Edward was born December 10, 1930 in Ottawa, IL to Edward Joseph Martin Sr. and Nora (Donovan) Martin. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War for 4 years. He was a member of St. Columba Church, the American legion, and VFW. He greatly cherished his family. Edward also loved to hunt, fish, and his dogs.

He is survived by his sons, Edward Joseph (Julie) Martin III of Ottawa and Michael "Peaches" (Lisa) Martin of Ottawa; his daughters, Lynn (Kevin) Bruck of Ottawa, Susan McCullough of Ottawa, and Connie (Bob) Ham of Ottawa; 12 grandchildren, Brittany, Brooke, Eddie, Mike, Meaghan, Mark, Mike, Matt, Jenny, Jacob, Mike, and Nikki; and 13 great grandchildren, Brody, Addison, Gemma, Eddie, Elsie, Eli, Shea, Elizabeth, Payton, Taylor, Brooklyn, Layla, Everly and Cole.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Sr. and Nora; his brothers, Bill and Jack; his sisters, Frances, Margaret, Delores, Catherine, and Helen; and his best friend, Bob Strickland.

Pallbearers will be Edward Martin IV, Edward Martin V, Michael Bruck, Matthew Bruck, Michael Martin, Mark Martin, Jacob McCullough, and Michael Ham. Honorary pallbearers will be Shea Conner, Brody Osenkarski, Cole Chaney, and Eli Martin.

Memorial Contributions in his honor may be directed to the family.

View Edward Joseph Martin Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/13/2026

Mary Ellen Cruise

Mary Ellen Cruise, 71, of Seneca, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026 at her home.

Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.

Mary was born April 27, 1954 in Hinsdale, IL the youngest of Gordon and Marion (Powers) Campbell. Mary met the love of her life, Dennis Cruise, and together they embarked on a beautiful journey, exchanging vows on July 18, 1972, in Joliet, Illinois. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love, marked by devotion and mutual respect. Together, they nurtured a family that became her greatest pride and joy.

Mary's heart was immeasurably full when it came to her family, especially her grandchildren. They were the center of her universe, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Mary found immense joy in the holidays spent at her daughter's house, where laughter and love resonated through the walls. A devoted homemaker, Mary transformed her house into a home filled with warmth and love. Her passion for gardening was evident in the vibrant blooms that adorned her house, earning her the award for the most beautifully decorated house in the neighborhood. Mary's creative spirit shone through in her whimsical tradition of dressing her concrete teddy bear for every season, bringing joy to all who passed by. Summers were particularly special for Mary, spent at the Beach Club where she created enduring memories with her family. She was incredibly proud of her son's service in the military, and her heart swelled with pride for his dedication and bravery.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Dennis; her daughter, Geanean (Bill) Misener; her grandchildren, Samantha and Emily Misener, Cassandra (Jacob) Theissen, and Andrea and Matthew Cruise; and her siblings, Patricia Vance, Ronald (Joann) Campbell, David Campbell, and Gayle (Edward) Rasmussen; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Marion; her son, Dennis Cruise Jr; her siblings, Gordon Campbell Jr, Eugene Campbell, Gerald Campbell, and Bruce Campbell; her brother in law, James Vance; and her sister in law, Cindy Campbell.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Pet Project, ensuring that Mary's passion for caring for animals continues to have a lasting impact.

View Mary Ellen Cruise's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/08/2026

Tommy Lee Shorkey

Tommy Lee Shorkey, 42, of Ottawa, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026,

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 10, from 4:00pm until 6:30pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A eulogy and remembrances will be shared at 6:30pm. A celebration of life will follow.

Tommy was born August 22, 1983, in Mendota, IL to Jerome Shorkey Jr and Vicky Mills. Tommy loved motorcycles. He enjoyed taking rides, working on his bike, and was incredibly proud to be enrolled in school to be a Harley Davidson Tech. He enjoyed all types of music but was an avid Jelly Roll fan. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family and could always be found getting his girls a Polar Pop. He had a great sense of humor and had an infectious laugh that would light up a room. He was an avid cubs fan.

He is survived by his mother, Vicky Shamblin; his children, Miranda Shorkey, Makaylyn Vernoy, and Cameron Vernoy; his sisters, Micah Mills and Brittany Kokas; and his brothers, Aaron Murphy and Nathan Holley; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Jerome Shorkey Jr., and his brother, Jerome Shorkey III.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to the family.

View Tommy Lee Shorkey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/03/2026

Jakob Mancilla

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jakob Alan Mancilla, who lost his life due to a fatal automobile accident on March 31, 2026. He left this world far too soon, leaving a void that can never be filled.

Jakob was born on February 8, 2002 in Ottawa, IL, the son of Victor and Dana (Thompson) Mancilla. He attended Oglesby Public Schools and graduated from LaSalle-Peru High School. He was a proud union laborer with Laborers Local 393. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, playing pool, gaming, doing puzzles, and building Legos.

From an early age, Jakob brought light and warmth to everyone around him. Known for his kind spirit, radiant smile, and compassionate heart. He touched countless lives in ways that will never be forgotten. He loved spending time with his friends and family, and often went out of his way to help others.

He is survived by his parents, Victor and Dana; his sister, Loren Mancilla; his maternal grandparents, Glenn and Susan Thompson; his paternal grandpa, Lorenzo Mancilla Jr; his dog, Winnie; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandma, Diana Mancilla; his uncle, Brian Thompson; his cousin, Tyler Thompson; and his cat, Charlie.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 7 from 3:30pm until 6:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will take place at 6:00pm with a dinner to follow. Private burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to his family.

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

View Jakob Mancilla's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/03/2026

Betty Gene Gulbronson

On Tuesday, March 31, Betty Gene (Lehrling) Gulbronson passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her "good girls", just 14 days before her 102nd birthday. She died in the same home where she and her husband, Bud, raised their eight children.

The visitation will be held on April 21st from 9am to 11am at Ottawa Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30am at St. Columba Church, with Internment to follow at St Columba Cemetery.

Betty was born on April 14, 1924, to George and Geneva (Fraikin) Lehrling in Ottawa, Illinois. She attended Shabbona Grade School and graduated from Ottawa High School in 1942. On September 14, 1944, she married Joe Olson, who tragically passed away in a military accident the following April. During the war years, Betty worked at Geiger's Grocery Store, Libbey-Owens-Ford, and Luminous Processing, where she painted airplane dials.

She later met the love of her life, John (Bud) Gulbronson. They were married on February 26, 1948, and remained together until his death in 2013. Betty lived a remarkably rich and full life. She was a talented seamstress, an avid gardener, a sneaky card player, an enthusiastic reader, and a lifelong shopper. A true fashionista, her unmatchable style and grace left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She had a wonderful gift for having fun and was known for her quick sarcastic one-liners until the very end.

Betty worked at her beloved Carson Pirie Scott in downtown Ottawa for over 18 years, retiring only when the store closed. Though she worked in the Bridal and Juniors departments, many remember her best as the lady behind the cosmetics counter.

A devout Catholic, Betty was a member of St. Columba Church for over 70 years. She sang in the adult church choir, belonged to the Altar and Rosary Society and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and cared for the sacramental linens for many years. She also volunteered as a "Pink Lady" at CHO Hospital, earning a 5,000-hour pin, and enjoyed her time with the LaSalle County Home Extension Association.

During their 65 years of marriage, Betty and Bud enjoyed golf, cards, games, and shared a love of gardening and visiting with family and friends. They were especially fond of dancing and were a perfectly matched pair; she missed the old coot every day after his passing. She often joked that their greatest accomplishment was staying sane while raising eight children. She cherished her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was delighted to live to meet her great-great-grandson. She had a lifelong love for babies.

Betty is survived by her children: Jo (Olson) Bridwell, Cate Gulbronson, Beth Lessick, Julie (Paul) Pike, John (Marianne) Gulbronson, Jane Riddle, Jim (Sandi) Gulbronson, and Patty Rister.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: David (Delphine) Bridwell, John Bridwell, Sarah (Erik) Gimbel, Jenny (John) Fordonski, Adrienne (Leroy Adelphia) Pike, Jeremiah (Ali) Pike, John Gulbronson, Allison (Drew) Jurgenson, Nathan (Chelsea) Gulbronson, Shelby Gulbronson, Matt and Caitlin Riddle, Andrew (Kelsey) Gulbronson, and USAF Tech Sergeant Tyler Gulbronson; her great-grandchildren: Jerome Bridwell, Jessica Bridwell, Savannah Brody, Max and Grace Gimbel, Charlotte Adelphia, Magnolia and Isabelle Pike, Teddy and Remi Jurgenson, Hudson Gulbronson, and another great-grandchild on the way; and her great-great-grandchildren, Devin Messanger and Cristian Gustafson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bud; her brother, George Lehrling; and her sons-in-law, Mike Bridwell and Scotty Rister.

The family wishes to thank OSF Hospice for their wonderful care and Msgr. Merdian for his uplifting visits.

Memorials may be directed to St. Columba Church or OSF Hospice.

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

View Betty Gene Gulbronson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/01/2026

James McGinnis

James (Jim) McGinnis, 89, of Ottawa, IL passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, with his family by his side.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 7, from 9:00am until 11:00am at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:30am, at St. Columba Church, with Monsignor Mark Merdian officiating. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.

Jim was born on January 18, 1937, in Ottawa, IL to Dan & Ann (McGraw) McGinnis. He graduated from Marquette High School along with his sweetheart, Alice.

Jim & Alice married on May 11th at St. Francis Church in Ottawa, IL. They proceeded to build their life and legacy in Ottawa and raise their six children.

Jim was a graduate of Coyne Electrical College. He went on to join and apprentice with the local electrical union. He was an electrician for many years before becoming president of Halm General & Electrical Contractors. Upon retirement, Jim served in many roles in the Joliet NECA offices.

Jim was a member of St. Columba Church, the Knights of Columbus as a 4th Degree Knight and the Grand Knight. He was a board member & vice president of the Marquette High School Board along with being part of the Marquette High School Foundation as President.

He loved cheering on the Chicago Cubs & Bears and rooting for Notre Dame football.

He is survived by his wife, Alice; his children, Karen (Tim) Conness, Kathy Schultz, Jim (Melanie) McGinnis, Beth McGinnis, Mike McGinnis, and Molly (Brian) Hughes; his grandchildren, Caitlin (Charlie) McConnaughhay, Kaylee (Cade) Covi, Claire (Rich) Jurden, KJ Schultz, Michael (Chloe) Conness, Riley McGinnis, and Jack McGinnis; as well as his thirteen great grand children; his brother, Ed (Rosemary) McGinnis; his sister-in-laws, Mary L. O'Brien, Barb McGinnis, and Antoinette McGinnis; and more nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews than there are to count.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dan & Ann McGinnis; his brothers, Tom and Dan McGinnis; sisters, Ann (Sonny) Byers and Mary (Bob) Whren; brother-in-law, Patrick O'Brien; niece, Jeanne Byers; and nephews. Dan Whren and Robb McGinnis.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Friendship House of Ottawa or Ottawa Food Pantry.

View James Mcginnis's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/31/2026

Diane Eichelkraut

Diane Vicini Eichelkraut, 78, of Ottawa, Illinois passed away peacefully, at home, on March 29, 2026, with her daughters by her side.

Ottawa Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation rites. A Celebration of Life for Diane will be held at a later date.

Diane was born June 24, 1947 to Walter and Betty (Schwarzbach) Vicini in Ottawa, Illinois. Diane graduated from Marquette High School in 1965 and married her high school sweetheart Tom Eichelkraut in May of 1967. Together they had two daughters, Melissa and Julie. On December 26, 1977 life in the Eichelkraut family was forever changed when Tom passed away.

Diane worked and raised her daughters with all of her heart and soul. Diane worked several jobs throughout her life and retired from OfficeMax in 2013. Diane loved to cook, watch the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks and especially the Cubs. Diane loved being outside in the beautiful sun and peacefully sitting on the porch for hours. She never met anyone she didn't like and she had the biggest heart. Her laughter was unforgettable and her smile was equally infectious.

Diane was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Dementia in 2022 and she did not let that stop her from continuing to live her life the best way she knew how. She never complained about the disease, she just didn't understand it. Diane was able to stay in her home until the last days of her life with the support and care from her daughters, OSF Hospice Team, a very special nurse Melissa and her very special friend Beth Miller. Her Thursdays with Beth Miller were the highlight of her week, not to mention her ice cream cone from McDonalds every day.

Diane is survived by her daughters, Melissa (Earnest) Merritte and Julie Eichelkraut both of Ottawa; granddaughter, Alysha (Christopher) Frank of Warrenville, Il.; brother, Dave (Betty) Vicini of Shorewood, Il.; sisters, Susan (William) Long of Shorewood, Patsy Bennington of Ottawa; and sister-in law Kathi Vicini of Glen Allen, Virginia. Diane had many nieces, nephews and her special "second family" The Guerrero Family, who will forever hold a special place in her heart.

Diane is proceeded in death by her loving husband, Tom Eichelkraut; parents, Walter and Betty Vicini; brother, Daniel Vicini; sister, MaryBeth O'Brien; and her "son in law", Kenneth who passed away in 2022.

Alzheimer's Poem

Do Not Ask Me to Remember

Do not ask me to remember,

Don't try to make me understand, Let me rest and know you're with me, Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.

I'm confused beyond your concept,

I am sad and sick and lost.

All I know is that I need you To be with me at all cost.

Do not lose your patience with me,

Do not scold or curse or cry.

I can't help the way I'm acting, Can't be different though I try.

Just remember that I need you, That the best of me is gone, Please don't fail to stand beside me, Love me 'til my life is done.

- Owen Darnell

View Diane Eichelkraut's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/27/2026

Patricia McKinney

Patricia "Patty" McKinney, 82, of Marseilles, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026 at her home.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 4, from 9:00am until 11:00am at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will take place at 11:00am at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Patty was born March 15, 1944, in Ottawa, IL to Earl and Inez (Thomas) Gage. She married Michael McKinney in 1977 in Dale County, Florida. He preceded her in death in 1995.

Patty worked as a homemaker raising her two children, Joseph and Amy. She also worked as a waitress on and off throughout her life and had a business doing silk flowers out of her home. She was incredibly crafty, and was very skilled in oil painting, macrame, needle point, and crocheting. She loved to garden and would can her vegetables and made many jams and jellies. She and her husband, Mike, loved to travel in their motorhome; they had some of their fondest memories taking trips to Florida with the kids. She also enjoyed Nascar and frequented the track in Joliet, where she was able to do a ride along experience. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and boating.

She is survived by her children, Joseph (Kathy) Ernst and Amy (Ron Couch) Frankovich; her grandchildren, Amanda Ernst, Rachael (Troy) Ernst, Kaitlin Ernst, Michael Frankovich, Mitchell Frankovich, and Jacob "Casey" (Laurel) Frankovich; and her great grandchildren, Alex and Ben.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Inez; her spouse, Michael McKinney; her former spouse, Joseph Ernst; her significant other, Larry Neuman; and her siblings, Mark and Donna Gage.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be directed to the family.

View Patricia McKinney's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/26/2026

Jerry Michael Lebeau

Jerry Lebeau, 84, of Ottawa passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Morris Hospital.

Jerry was born November 26, 1941, the son of John and Elizabeth (Kehola) Lebeau.

Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home and cremated remains will be interred in the mausoleum at Ottawa Avenue Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Jerry's honor may be directed to Disabled American Veterans.

View Jerry Michael Lebeau's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/23/2026

James Sexton

James (Jim) Sexton, 61, of Sandwich, Illinois passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, IL, surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 28 from 9:00am to 11:00am at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will take place following the visitation at 11:30am at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ottawa, with Msgr. Mark Merdian officiating. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery following the mass.

Jim was born August 27, 1964 in Ottawa to Gerald (Jerry) and Mary Rygh Sexton. He graduated from Ottawa High School in 1982 and attended IVCC. Jim was a union carpenter with Carpenters Local 1889 working with Denk & Roche Builders.

Jim was always working or helping someone else who needed a hand. He was very capable and enjoyed repairing and updating older vehicles. Riding his dirt bike with his son, Sean, was a special time for Jim. He loved his family. Jim was a donor to Gift of Hope, an Organ and Tissue Donor Network.

He is survived by his son, Sean (Hailey) and granddaughter Ivy Mae; his parents, Jerry and Mary Sexton; his brother, Michael (Margaret) Sexton; his nieces, Erin (Aaron) Lorch and Mary (Ari) Sapinsley.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children Research Hospital or the donor's choice.

View James Sexton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Ottawa Funeral Home and Crematory

04/14/2026

04/14/2026

04/13/2026

04/13/2026

04/08/2026

04/03/2026

04/03/2026

04/01/2026

03/31/2026

03/27/2026

03/26/2026

03/23/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category