Louis Pallai

Louis E. Pallai, 77, of Ottawa, IL, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2022 peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 15, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Patrick's Church, on Friday, September 16, at 11:00 am, with Father Gary Caster officiating. Burial will be private. 

Louie was born August 11, 1945 to Louis L. Pallai Sr. and Veronica M. (Dubach) Pallai. 

Known by all as the hardest working guy around, he dedicated 50 years of his life to Stevenson Transfer, that iconic green uniform was in and out of most homes in Ottawa and the surrounding area.  

On a good day (or bad) you could find him cheering on his grandchildren or his beloved Colts and Dodgers at his favorite local establishment, Splash-N-Go.

Louie never met a stranger.  Every person in the world, to him, was just a friend he hadn’t met yet.  He always saw the good in people.  Most times, that’s all he would see, even if no one else could see it. 

He was the loving father of three daughters, Lisa (Randy Hill) Bongartz , Shelly (Mike) Carey  and Angie  (Brent) Sonday; he was the proud grandfather of his 7 grandchildren, Jordie (Chad) Wahl , Bailie and Riley Bongartz, Lakyn, Lucey, Louie and Luke Sonday; his two great-grandchildren, Penelope and Beckham Wahl also brought him great joy; and one sister, JoAnn Kreier.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James and Jacky Pallai; one sister, Mary Ellen; and one great-granddaughter, Jenna Sonday.

Pallbearers will be Mike Carey, Randy Hill, Brent Sonday, Jack and Eddie Abernathy, and Chad Wahl.

Memorials may be directed to Marquette Academy.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.