William H. Stevens

OTTAWA -William H. Stevens, age 73, of Ottawa, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2009 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 9, 2009 at Gladfelter Funeral Home with Pastor Jimmie Evans officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2009 at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Frank Picchi, Brian Brenbarger, Randy Phelps, Mark Clinch, Ray Seibert, and Bill Cairns. William H. Stevens was born November 7, 1935 in Ottawa, a son of Henry and Ida (Rossiter) Stevens. He married Mary Lou Bruck on October 17, 1954 at Nashville, Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; his son, Michael (Maeanne) Stevens of Ottawa; his daughter, Lori (Karl) Lengfelder of Ottawa; five grandchildren, Shannon (Steve) Doerrer of Ottawa, Erica (Bill) Zeman of Urbana, Lauren (Jerry) Myers, Drew and Grant Lengfelder all of Ottawa; two great grandchildren, Ryan and Luke Doerrer of Ottawa; two brothers, Gerald (Joanne) Stevens and Robert (Pam) Stevens of Ottawa; and a sister, Patricia (Jesse) Guerrero also of Ottawa. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Craig, and two sisters, Beverly Rice and Darlene Stevens. Mr. Stevens was one of the founding members of the Ottawa River Rescue Squad where he served as captain for many years. Albin-Stevens Drive was named in his honor. He was retired from Quantum Chemical in Morris. Bill was a member of the Moose Lodge. His leisure time would often find him fishing, trapping, hunting or collecting antiques. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ottawa River Rescue Squad.