Robert Henry Garcia

Robert “Jake” Henry Garcia, age 92, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, August 6, 2021.

Funeral services with military rites by the Ottawa American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard will be 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 10th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Reverend Duane Kaufman officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Private entombment will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Jake was born June 9, 1929 in Ottawa, Illinois. He was raised by his mother Elisa and step-father Michael Aguayo. Jake married Mary (Gage) Sweet March 26, 1965 in Marseilles. They were married fifty years when she passed away October 4, 2015. He is survived by his children, Lisa (Bob) Landis, Mark (Norma) Sweet and Rhonda (Dale) Roketa all of Ottawa; grandchildren, Alexis (Mal) Landis of Indianapolis, Travis (Erica) Donovan and Katie and Taylor all of Marseilles, Shane (Anna) Donovan of Ottawa, Benjamin Sweet of Channahon and Drake Roketa of Joliet. He also leaves sisters, Eva Castillo and Mary Jane (George) Hernandez, and several nephews. His parents, wife and a daughter, Cherie (Donovan) Sweet preceded him in death.

Jake proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was employed at LOF for thirty-eight years, and was a member of the Elks, Moose Lodge and VFW in Ottawa. He enjoyed traveling, music, dancing and telling jokes. He especially loved a cold one after a long day. Later in life he returned to guitar lessons with his former teacher, Evelyn Brue. The family would also like to give their utmost appreciation to his caregivers, Joni, Jodie, Shane and Anna. Joni and Jake had a very special bond for the past 7 ½ years.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Honor Flight Chicago, 9701 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 310, Rosemont, IL 60018 of which Jake was able to attend in 2018. It was one of the highlights of his life.