Kari Lenora Scheidecker

Kari Lenora Scheidecker nee Nesja, 80, of Streator, IL, formerly of Ottawa, IL, died September 23, 2016, at LaSalle County Nursing Home.

Kari’s life will be memorialized at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church with the Rev. David Daniel officiating, on Saturday, October 1, 2016. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:00 with services at 11:00am, all at the church. Arrangements were entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home. Kari was born January 24, 1936, in the north woods of Wisconsin near Superior in a log cabin (just like Abe Lincoln). It was so cold-at least 60 below, she used to say, that even the midwife couldn't help! She was the first born daughter of Ole and Olive Belle (Smalley) Nesja. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church and remained a lifelong member. She married Roy Scheidecker at Salem Lutheran Church in Sandwich, IL on August 18, 1956. Kari graduated from Eau Claire High School in Eau Claire, WI. She trained as a nurse's aide in LaCrosse, WI, and trained as an X-Ray Technician at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Chicago. She retired from Community Hospital of Ottawa (now OSF St. Elizabeth). She also worked at Ottawa Greenhouse. She was perpetually enrolled in academic and community based education courses at Illinois Valley Community College. Kari was a proud member of the Sheridan Rod and Gun Club, Ryburn King Hospital “Old Nurses”, and kept in touch with Roy’s veteran's group the 82nd Airborne Division Association, and John Steele Chapter. She served as Den Mother of Pack 42, was active in Scout Troop 39, and as a Campfire Bluebird Leader. She was also active with the Lincoln Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association. She loved serving as an election judge on numerous occasions. Kari was an avid reader of mysteries and a variety of literature-a trait she passed down to her children and grandchildren. She was also passionate about crossword puzzles, scuba diving and Jeopardy. She was proud of her Ho-Chunk Nation tribal family heritage. She was always up for a road trip and loved the Cubs at Wrigley and took the side of the Green Bay Packers or the Chicago Bears. She worked hard to ensure joy and delight for all the wild camping, scuba, and urban adventures for her family. Her favorite quote is from one of her favorite authors, Dr. Seuss, “Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”

She is celebrated and so fondly remembered by her three sons, Gary of Ottawa, Roger (Nancy) of Peru, and Mark (Darlene) of Ottawa; one daughter, Zoe (Don) Cassady of Streator; several nieces and nephews including Jerry (Karen) McKibben, Theresina (Scott) Girard-Schmidt; six grandchildren, Branden Scheidecker of Glenarm, IL, Amy Brust of Rochester, IL, Leo (Amber) Moran, John and Jennifer Scheidecker all of Ottawa, IL, Kieran Cassady of Streator, IL, and eleven great grandchildren, as well as siblings Lu Aylieff and Mel Nesja both of Eau Claire, WI; she also leaves her caregivers of the past year; her dear lifelong friend Dale Schwock of Strum, WI, and close friends Kathy and Keith Smith of Streator, IL. Kari gets to continue to go to college as her earthly remains are being donated to science. She was preceded in death by her husband Roy; her parents; two sisters, Sena and Priscilla; a brother, John; and adoptive parents Pearl and Gilbert Miller.