Andrew P. Ftacek

Andrew P. Ftacek, 94, of Ottawa passed away Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Ottawa Pavilion. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, March 1 at St. Mary's Church in Naplate, with Rev. Tony Fevlo officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30-12:30 Wednesday, prior to the services, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery, with full military honors. Andy was born May 13, 1922 in Streator to Steven and Mary (Visocky) Ftacek. He married Colleen L. Hamilton on July 31, 1948 in St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Ottawa; she passed away February 16, 2017. Andy graduated from St. Bede Academy, class of 1940, where he played on their undefeated football team. He was a proud member of the United States Army Air Corps, serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theater as a bombardier, and during WWII in the TAPP Squadron. Andy retired in 1984 from Chapman Sheet Metal, after 35 years of service as a sheet metal worker. He was very active at St. Mary's Church, taking on many jobs. He was a member of the St. Mary's Church Men's Club, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and AARP. He is survived by one daughter, Christine (Ralph) Mathes; two sons, Andrew (Barbara) Ftacek and Michael (Virginia) Ftacek; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife; four brothers, five sisters, and two infant siblings. Pallbearers will be Andrew Ftacek, Jr., Michael Ftacek, Mark Ftacek, Sean Leheney, Kraig Mathes, and Ralph Mathes.