http://www.ottawafuneralhome.com/

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

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.

Family and friends are encouraged to upload photos of Jakob by 9:00am Tuesday, to be used in a digital slideshow at https://www.tributeslides.com/up/18613455617203

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: Paula 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.

03/20/2026

Mark Hetelle

Mark Reagan Hetelle, 75, of Ottawa, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026 at his home.

Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.

Mark was born October 22, 1950 in Ottawa, IL to Kenneth and Loretta (Carrier) Hetelle. He worked for the City of Ottawa for 14 years before retiring.

He is survived by his wife Anne Hetelle; his children, Mark (Kim) Hetelle, Mitchell (Tianna) Hetelle; his grandchildren, Drake, Ethan, Shane, Emma, Abby and Jack; his sister, Kathy (Ron) Hermann, as well as many brothers- and sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Loretta; his step dad, Steve Magelli; and his sister, Carol Ator.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Mark's honor may be directed to the Community Food Basket in Ottawa, IL.

View Mark Hetelle's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/15/2026

Mark Warren

Mark Dwayne Warren, 60, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

A celebration of Mark's life will be held on Friday, March 20, at 11:00am at Praise Center Assembly of God Church. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home.

Mark was born October 3, 1965 in Kankakee, IL to Lyle J. and Thelma Mae (Henson) Warren. He married the love of his life, Felicia Jackson, on May 10, 2006. Mark enjoyed playing golf on the computer every day and going fishing any place that had water. He was an incredibly patient man always taking care of his wife, children, and his friends. He had a great sense of humor and regularly told his friends and family "Laughter is good for the soul". He worked as a truck driver for Garcoa Distribution Center in Ottawa, where he made lifelong friends and was loved by all. He was very involved at Praise Center Church, especially in the men's group.

He is survived by his wife, Felicia Warren; his children, Steven, Samantha, Anthony, Alphonsa, James, Joe, and Jeffrey; his siblings, Tina (Mike) Foster, Pam (Ron) Scott, and Monica (Rod) Merrick; his sisters in law, Francis (Warren) Jackson and Teresa (David) Scott; his brother in laws, Ernest (Tracy) Banks and Hollis (Jakeisha) Jackson; as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Thelma; and his siblings, Donna and Dean Warren.

Memorial contributions in Mark's honor may be directed to his wife, Felicia Warren.

View Mark Warren's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/06/2026

Mary Moreno

Mary Jane (Pellino) Moreno, 83, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at OSF. St Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 13, at 10:30am at St. Columba Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery.

Mary Jane was born August 14, 1942 in Ottawa, IL to Gerald "Dick" and Frances (Flamm) Pellino. She married Samuel Joseph Moreno on February 5, 1972 in Fort Myers, Fl. He preceded her in death on January 14, 2020.

Mary Jane was a retired nurse, having graduated from St. Vincent's School of Pediatric Nursing. She was a dedicated member of St. Columba Catholic Church, the Red Hat Society, Shoreline Boat Club, the Moose Lodge and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was known for her kindness, outgoing personality, and love for her family, who were the center of her life.

She is survived by her daughter, Shelley A. (Dale) Smith of Ottawa, IL; and her grandchildren, Jacob and Sarah Smith of Ottawa, IL.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Frances; her husband of 47 years, Samuel; and her siblings, Nancy A. (Jim) Fewell and Stephen (Phyllis) Pellino.

Pallbearers will include Dale Smith, Jacob Smith, Sarah Smith, James Fewell, David Smith, and Michelle Lenac.

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

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

03/05/2026

Charles James White

Charles James White, 82, of Ottawa, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Arc of Streator.

Burial with full military honors will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery on Wednesday, April 8, at 10:30am.

Charles was born June 28, 1943 in Chicago, IL to James and Edith (Hoffman) White. He married Barbara Kline on September 2, 2007 at First Presbyterian Church in Ottawa. He served in the United States Army and later in the Air Force. He was stationed in Germany and retired while in Colorado Springs, CO. He worked as a truck driver for many years. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, especially going through Starved Rock. He was very spontaneous and wouldn't hesitate to jump in the car and go for a drive down Route 66 or go for an afternoon cheeseburger. He had a kind, joyful soul, always having a kind word or gesture for those he loved, and was extremely passionate about his family, friends, and the Lord.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara White; his children, Debbi White, Chris (Shomari) Whitfield, Debbie Lucas, and Kimberly White; 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and one on the way; as well as his siblings, Joyce (Howard) Hayward and Robert (Judith) White; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Edith; and his daughter, Joyce Weber.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to the Marseilles Church of the Nazarene.

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

03/04/2026

James Bystrzycki

James John Bystrzycki, 82, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2026. James was born to John and Helen Bystrzycki in Chicago Heights, Illinois on July 24, 1943.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 4:00-6:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home.

James was a man of contentment and simple pleasures. He found peace sitting in his rocking chair on his porch overlooking the Fox River and watching his favorite TV programs. He enjoyed watching the Crusaders football team games, and spent many Saturday evenings watching golf with his grandson, Nicolas.

James loved his children and family more than anything. The majority of his career was spent at ACME Steel where he retired in his early sixties. James is survived by his children, Jill Keenan, and Jeffery and James Bystrzycki; his grandchildren, Nicolas, Trevor, Madison, and Noel Bystrzycki and Rachel Keenan; and his niece Dede (Tony) Artega. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, John Bystrzycki, and his sister, Cynthia Artega.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

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

Ottawa Funeral Home and Crematory

04/03/2026

04/03/2026

04/01/2026

03/31/2026

03/27/2026

03/26/2026

03/23/2026

03/20/2026

03/15/2026

03/06/2026

03/05/2026

03/04/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category