Joseph Sagi

Joseph Sagi, 88, of Ottawa died Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at Ottawa Pavilion after a prolonged battle with COPD. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 1, 2013 at St. Francis of Assisi Church with Rev. Jules Adator officiating. Visitation will be 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. prior to services at Ottawa Funeral Home with the Knights of Columbus in attendance. He will be buried in St. Columba Cemetery with military services. Joe was born in his home on February 29, 1924, in Ottawa, Illinois to John and Veronica (Fourak) Sagi. He married Lois Alberta Halterman on August 3, 1946 at St. Columba Church. She passed away March 8, 1996. He served in the United States Army as part of the Seventh Armored Division. He was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge, receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Although partially disabled from the wounds he received, he worked as a meat cutter in Ottawa until he moved to Tucson, Arizona, due to his wife's health condition. There he continued the trade, ultimately managing some of the busiest meat departments in the region until his retirement. He moved back to Ottawa more than 15 years ago and regularly traveled back to Tucson with the Nelson's to visit family and friends. His passion for the outdoors was undying, exceeded only in his love for children. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church, American Legion, VFW, and Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his long time friend Dorothy "Susie" Nelson of Ottawa; two sons, Sam B. Sagi of Phoenix, AZ and Guy J. (Angela) Sagi of Tuscon, AZ; grandchildren, Brett, Stephen, Kara and Natasha Smith, Natalie Wise, Shannon Koziba and Geri Koziba; two great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Ethel Bryant of NC and Ann Elzer of Joliet. He is preceded in death by his wife, three brothers Andrew, James and John three sisters Vera Small, Rose Sproule and Mary Tabor. Pallbearers will be Gary Tabor, Jim Crane, Guy Sagi, Lyle and John Nelson, James Pelton. Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Sagi and Bob Sprowls. Memorials may be directed to Wounded Warriors Project or donor's choice. The online guestbook may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com. Ottawa Funeral Home 1111 LaSalle Street, Ottawa, Illinois 61350 815-433-0300 www.ottawafuneralhome.com