Gary Tuftie

Gary Tuftie, 77, of Ottawa passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022  at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 am on Monday, January 10 at Ottawa Funeral Home, with a prayer service following. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park with military honors.

Gary was born February 10, 1944, in Freedom Township, IL, to Fremont and Gladys (Thorsen) Tuftie. He was a proud member of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War. He married Kathleen Kennedy on November 29, 1969 in Kansas City, Missouri; they were married for 48 years before her passing on August 25, 2017.

He was a Farmer in Freedom and Serena Townships.  He was a member of the American Legion, the VFW, and the Loyal Order of the Moose. Gary enjoyed life on the farm, traveling with his wife before her passing, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his son, Scott (Nicole) Tuftie; and a daughter, Kara (James) Ericzon; two grandchildren, Caden and Chloe Ericzon; and his sisters, Marcia Wooldridge, and Marlene Tuftie along with many nieces and nephews. 

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Kathy, and two brothers, Keith Tuftie and Curt Tuftie.

Pallbearers will be James Ericzon, Caden Ericzon, Brad Tuftie, Kevin Tuftie, Billy Walsh, and Steve Tuftie.

Memorials may be directed to the Serena Volunteer Fire/Ambulance Department.

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