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Lee Ilgen Obituary
Born: October 1, 1941 in Freeport, IL
Died: May 28, 2025 in Ottawa, IL
Lee Robert Ilgen, 83, of Ottawa, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at his home.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Jennifer Amy-Dressler, of Open Table United Church of Christ, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where Full Military Rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at the funeral home. Additional visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to time of service at 11:00 a.m.
Lee was born on October 1, 1941 in Freeport, IL, son of George and Viro (Schultz) Ilgen. He was a veteran of the US Army. Lee received his B.S and Master's Degree in Labor Relations from the University of Wisconsin. He retired from the IEA and the NEA as a labor relations organizer, after 30 years of service. He married Judith Lischmann Buchta on July 22, 1978 at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Edwardsville, IL He was a member of Open Table UCC in Ottawa, Oglesby Elks Lodge #21, Ottawa Noon Rotary, and the Ottawa Boat Club. Lee loved to read, follow the news, and golf.
He is survived by his wife, Judith of Ottawa; three children, Erica L. (Jeffery) Softley of California, Jeffery (Susan) Munz, of Rockford, and Jan David (Cindy) Buchta of Elkhart, IN; seven grandchildren, Brandy, Arlin, Zachary, Chandler, Alex, Noah, and Emily; great grandchildren, Darien, Devin, Sydney, and Chelsea; brother-in-law Hal D. (Shirley) Lischmann; one niece, one nephew, and one great niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a great aunt Gladys Ilgen.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Open Table UCC or Pet Project.
Pallbearers will be Jan David Buchta, Zachary Buchta, Chandler Buchta, Devin Tomlinson, Brandy Cochran, Arlin Cochran, and Darien Tomlinson
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lee Ilgen
Sponsored by Mueller Funeral Homes Ottawa.
2 Entries
Gerald Castelli
June 5, 2025
Sorry to hear of Lee´s passing, Judy. Our time negotiating together was memorable. Please accept my sincere condolences.
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Kent Terry
May 31, 2025
Judy, my sympathy to you & your family. I always enjoyed visiting with Lee when I saw him with you or at Rotary. He was a true Christian servant to others.
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