Joseph Herrera

Joseph "Pene" Herrera, 89, of Ottawa, Illinois passed away Sunday, April 15, 2018 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am, Wednesday, April 18 at St. Columba Church with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be from 4 - 7, Tuesday, April 17 at Ottawa Funeral Home, with prayers at 3:45. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery. Joseph was born December 12, 1928 in Joliet, Illinois to Jose and Isabelle (Torres) Herrera. He married Faith Lightner on December 13, 1958 in Ottawa; she passed away September 4, 2017. Joseph was a member of the United States Army, serving during the Korean War. He worked as a business agent for Labors Local 911 for 22 years, retiring in 1992. Joseph loved working in his yard and was a fan of Notre Dame and the Chicago Bears. He was a member of St. Columba Church and a dedicated union member for 62 years. Joseph loved helping people and was a caring husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by five children, Beth Harris, Louise (John Lyons) Streicher, Anna Tunget, Joseph Herrera, and Jason Herrera, all of Ottawa; 11 grandchildren, Brandy, Michael, Dalton, Cheyenne, Brooke, Alicia, Amber, Amanda, Jimmy, Addison, and Nathan; 22 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and his favorite pets, Tipper and Sheba. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, one child in infancy, two brothers, Paul and Jess Herrera; and his sister, Lola Guerrero. Pallbearers will be Walt Davis, Michael Miller, Ronnie Burke, Bill Ganiere, Michey Ruiz, and John Lyons. Memorials may be directed to the family to be dispersed to local charities.