Pete Hanley

Ronald "Pete" Hanley, 75, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday April 21, 2019 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, April 26, 2019 at 10:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, with Fr. Krengiel officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, April 25, 2019, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home with prayers at 3:45pm. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Pete was born November 29, 1943, in Ottawa, Illinois to Justin and Mary (Conrad) Hanley. He graduated from Marquette High School in 1961 and went on to further his education at the “School of Hard Knocks.” He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Duttlinger on September 14,1963 at St. Francis of Assisi Church. They were blessed to spend 55 years together as husband and wife.

He went on to become an independent owner and operator of his own semi-trucks for many years for which he was very proud of. He was a lifelong member of the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association, Midwest Truckers, and St. Francis of Assisi Church.

Pete’s greatest joys in life were his children and grandchildren. Whether it was a simple dinner at Hank’s with his wife or a family vacation in Wisconsin Dells, he cherished these times with them all. He was a kind, honest, hardworking man with a heart of gold. Pete was happy with the simple things in life; a good book, a box of chocolate, a nap or a nice long walk. He will forever be treasured by his family and those who crossed his path in life.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Hanley; his four children: Denise (Terry) Griffin of Marseilles, Stephen (Mary) Hanley of Ottawa, Stacy (Dan) Krause of Ottawa, Jenny (Jason) Keith of Aurora; his seven grandchildren: Colin, Claire, and Carley Griffin, Jordan Mackiewicz and Raigan Hanley, Carter and Brittany Krause; and his siblings: Bill (Franci) Hanley, Frank (Sue) Hanley, MaryAnne Courter, Robert (Janet) Hanley, and Susan Jones.

Pete was preceded in death by his daughter in infancy, Barbara; his son in infancy, Michael; his parents; his brother, Jerry Hanley; his brother-in-law, Mick Jones; and his beloved dog, Chrissy.

Pallbearers will be Carter Krause, Colin Griffin, Jordan Mackiewicz, Shawn Hanley, John McDonnell, Bob Duttlinger, Jay Graham, and Craig Wagner.

Memorials may be directed to St. Francis of Assisi Church or the donor’s choice.