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Joseph VeZain Obituary
Joseph VeZain, age 59, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, July 10, 2022 after a courageous battle with an aggressive cancerous tumor. His loving family was at his side.
Funeral services for Joe will be held at Noon Saturday at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until service time. Entombment will follow in the Shrine of Hope Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be his son, Kameron VeZain; his brother, Geoff VeZain, brothers-in-law; Jeff, Kevin and Bryan Kiper; and close friends, Rich Wilhelm, Marko Kossaris and Mike Wasilewski. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenny Kiper, Jim Seibert, Jim Eich and Jeff Warner.
Joe was born February 26, 1963 in Peoria, Illinois, a son of Wayne and Margaret "Peg" (Eich) VeZain. He married Karen Kiper May 26, 1995 in Ottawa. Surviving are his loving wife, Karen and son, Kameron. He also leaves a brother, Geoff (Kari) VeZain; a sister, Peggy Cummins; and his beloved canine companion, Hailey. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Daryl VeZain.
Joe was a faithful and highly respected employee of Southern Company – Nicor for nearly 30 years. An avid car enthusiast, he was a member of the LaSalle County Cruisers and LaSalle County Street Cars. Joe had a deep love and devotion to his entire family and his beloved collies. He was a warm and caring man who was always willing to help anyone in need. His radiant smile would light up the room. Joe will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.
To share a memory or sign the guestbook, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com or Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home on Facebook.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph VeZain
Sponsored by Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
3 Entries
Michael and Evelyn Denny
July 16, 2022
So sorry to hear of Joseph´s passing. Please accept our sincerest condolences for your family's loss.
Al Wasilewski
July 15, 2022
From your fellow 1981 Graduate of Ottawa High School, I am going to miss you. You were such a great friend, especially during high school. I think the best way to share our memories, is to post the entries you made in my yearbooks -
ALAN - To one of my best friends at OHS. We had a lot of fun together. Good luck next year and the years to come, be good this summer, and I am looking forward seeing you next year. Friends Always, Joe.............ALAN - Didn't get to hang around you much this year, but I know you had a lot of good times. Have fun this summer and come back next year as an upper classman. Do me a favor and don't look at my shirt in my picture. Joe VeZain...............ALAN - Have fun this summer. Maybe we can get together this summer and play some baseball. I hope that strike doesn't last long. About the only class I am able to have you in next year is PE Class. After we're out of high school, we'll have to get together and do something. It was fun having you in health class. Good luck in the years to come. Now we're seniors. Joe VeZain "307 V-8 Power".....
Tears are rolling down my cheeks as I am typing these out and remembering our high school years together. What a memorable Graduation Night we had also as you, me, Bruce, and Brian stayed up all night long and stayed awake by playing midnight softball, going fishing on the Fox River at 2AM, eating at Oogies, eating at the New Chalet, talking, and just having fun together. I attached a photo from that day. I always enjoyed hearing about your ongoing restoration project of that red AMC Gremlin. Also great memories of you, Dave Godwin, and me cruising around the streets of Ottawa in that red Pontiac. We saw each other a few times later on at class reunion and during my visits back to Illinois. I will treasure our several talks together at the Hardee's at North Ottawa. Thanks again for being such a great friend. Rest in Peace. AL
The Staff of Gladfelter Funeral Home
July 13, 2022
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home & Cremation Services1601 East Norris Drive, Ottawa, IL 61350
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