James Katrein

James "JJ" Allen Katrein Jr, 33, of Ottawa, passed away Thursday July 17, 2014 peacefully at home. JJ passed away after a long struggle with brain cancer surrounded by family and friends that loved him. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 am on Monday July 21, 2014 at the Ottawa Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm Sunday July 20, 2014 at the Ottawa Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park. JJ was born November 23, 1980, in Peoria, Illinois to James and Cindi (Marshall) Katrein and was a 1999 graduate of Ottawa High School. Every since JJ was a little boy his heart was always bigger then his body. He loved as a child to collect dandelions and bring them to his mother; so proud of the flowers that he picked for her. It was the smile that was always on his face that told everyone he would always give you the shirt off of his back. While JJ was beginning high school he developed a NF brain tumor. But that didn't stop him. He put everything he had into living his life. He was always known for his overwhelming love and support for his family. JJ loved his truck and was always dreaming of new things to have dad put on it. He loved his four-wheeler and giving rides to his nieces and nephews. And he was a complete Garth Brooks fan and county man all the way. JJ had an amazing heart and everyone who knew him knew what an incredible man he was. He is survived by his parents James and Cindi (Marshall) Katrein; two sisters, Jennifer (Katrein) Rob Bennett, Jamie Katrein; his maternal grandmother, Dolores Marshall; his paternal grandmother, Florence Katrein; aunts and uncles, Edward (Maryann) Marshall, Albert Marshall. Danny (Linda) Katrein; cousins, Eric Marshall, Melanie (Dennis) Dewey, Matthew Marshall, Chad Marshall; two nephews, Ashton Bennett and Darien Dillavou; one niece Madison Dillavou; his special friend, Chrissy Wawerski; and childhood friends, Johnnie Declue, Brandon Miller, and Todd Butzen. JJ was preceded in death by his niece Paige Bennett; maternal grandfather, Edward Marshall; and his paternal grandfather, William "Pete" Katrein. Pallbearers will be Rob Bennett, Johnnie Declue, Brandon Miller, Edward Marshall, Ashton Bennett, and Darien Dillavou. Honorary pallbearers Dominic Crum, Steve Smith, Steven Smith, and Dave Hedlin. Memorials to the family Lastly, the Katrein family would like to extend the most gracious thank you to the community for all of the love and support they have received. We could not be more humbled or grateful for the love shown to us and JJ. The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory 1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa Illinois 61350 815-433-0300 www.ottawafuneralhome.com