Randy Gayan

Randy "Jake" Gayan, 62, of Ottawa passed away Tuesday, February 1st , at his home following a swift battle with cancer.

Services will be held Saturday, February 26th, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 12:00 with a service at 12:00 with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Burial ceremony to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Randy was born December 1st , 1959 in Ottawa to Jack and Lorraine (Stoudt) Gayan.  He grew up on the West side of Ottawa attending St. Francis Grade School and Marquette High School. Randy lived in Ottawa his entire life and to the many he called friends, was known for his sense of humor.  It wasn't always for mixed company, but he loved to tell jokes and was always spinning tales at family gatherings.  If you were a Cubs fan and his beloved St. Louis Cardinals were on a winning streak, some of that quick wit and humor was likely directed your way too. He also enjoyed Friday night Karaoke at the American Legion. He was lucky to settle down in recent years, spending the last decade plus with his fiancée, Jodie Hickman.  They enjoyed tending to a large garden, cooking, and canning their crops, and enjoying the company of their dog, Bubba.

He is survived by his three children, Janet (Aaron) Forinash of Peoria, Jami Gayan Puetz of Streator, and Jodi Gayan of Virginia; one sister, Joan (Danny) Bretag; two brothers, Brian (Eileen) Gayan and Danny (Tuesday) Gayan; seven grandchildren, Keith & Olivia Gayan, Joey, Jax & Jessa Puetz, and Dylan & Drew Forinash, along with many loving nieces, nephews, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be directed to his family.