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Illinois Valley Owned Businesses

Keeping It In the Family...

est. 1851

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The Ptaks Ptak Funeral Home, Cremation Services and Monuments has proudly served grieving families in the Illinois Valley since 1907. Tom and Mark Ptak (from left) have carried on the traditions of service with dignity from their grandfather, founder Louis M. Ptak, leading the horsedrawn procession in the photo. From secular and religious services to prearrangements to cremation at very affordable prices, the Ptak brothers can meet all your family’s needs. To make prearrangements or inquire about other services, contact the Ptak brothers at (815) 223-0172 or visit the website at ptakfh.com.

Compassionate & Caring Service

www.PtakFH.com

Helping Families Connect, Honor & Remember with Funerals as Unique as Your Life.

In our family’s 3rd generation of serving the community.

Tom Ptak and Mark Ptak have over 65 years of combined experience.

SM-LA1900791

1026 Fourth St. • Peru, IL 61354 815-223-0172 • info@ptakfh.com

Maze Lumber From the first time lumber was sent down the Illinois and Michigan Canal to a bustling Illinois Valley, Maze Lumber has been servicing customers with quality building products to meet every need. Providing everything from flooring to roofing and everything in between, Maze Lumber has everything for your home improvement needs.

Your Plans.

Our Products.

Quality Results.

+ Lumber + Fireplaces + Roofing + Tools + Siding + Hardware + Decking + Fixtures + Landscaping +g Plumbing apin ap ing in + Cabinetryy + Stone + Framing & More + Drywall

Building Trust with Pros & Do-It-Yourselfers

Since 1848

Along Peru’s Historic Riverfront | 1100 Water St. | Peru | mazelumber.com

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Al Cioni Ford in Granville, IL has been owned and operated by the Cioni family for 53 years; you might say delivering top-notch sales and service is in our DNA. Owner Al Cioni says, “Making sure our customers are happy is what everyone who works here strives for. It takes real teamwork to make it happen. From the people who answer our phones to our sales folks and service technicians, everyone plays a part in customer satisfaction.”

Al Cioni Ford is the proud recipient of the prestigious President’s Award — Ford Motor Company’s highest dealer honor — in 2020 for customer service and sales of excellence. Al Cioni Ford, you will deal directly with one person, and our no-pressure sales environment will give you time to explore your options before buying the new or certified pre-owned vehicle that best fits your lifestyle.

We invite you to stop by our dealership today and visit the second and third generation and catch a glimpse of the fourth. Discover our Red Carpet Service and hassle free sales experience for yourself, and see what our family can do for you.

The Grassers Chris Davis, (left to right) Mike Grasser, Heather Grasser-Davis, Gary Grasser, Brad Grasser, Jack Grasser carry on the family-owned business. Grasser’s Plumbing and Heating. Grasser’s is open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. 12 p.m. Saturday. The business is located at 404 W. Main St., McNabb. Grasser’s offers heating and air conditioning systems, appliances, geothermal, refrigeration, plumbing fixtures, fireplaces and so much more. The business can be reached at (815) 882-2111 or toll-free at (800) 664-9238. Visit Grasser’s for prompt service, affordable prices and free estimates.

Come see us at Al Cioni Ford for the family, friendly atmosphere. Where you will have a no hassle buying experience and service after the sale!

alcioniford.com 504 SOUTH MCCOY | GRANVILLE | 815-339-2511

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0% for 36 months 0.9% for 48 months 1.9% for 60 months 3.9% for 72 months on select models.

GENERATIONS | Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | NewsTribune | www.newstrib.com

Al Cioni Ford

The Hammers

The Kettmans

The Hammers Family, representing 3 generations serving the Illinois Valley for over 28 years. Hammers Hearing Care Center has locations in LaSalle, Mendota, Ottawa, and Princeton. The Hammers Family shown above (left) Tim, Christa Hammers and children Hazel and Henry (top center) Nick, Lisa Hammers and boys Isaac, (seated in front) Griffin, Lincoln and Eli. (right) Kyle, Tricia Mudge and children Dugan and Molly. (Seated in center) Gary & Julie Hammers, owners of Hammers Hearing Care Center. Gary, Julie, Tim, Tricia and Nick are all licensed Hearing Instrument Specialists. Open Monday - Friday 8 am - 4 pm. For all offices call (815) 224 2445 or (800) 937-2609 or email : hammershearing@yahoo.com LET OUR FAMILY HELP YOUR FAMILY

After 54 years in the business, Kettman Heating and Plumbing knows how to help with all your plumbing, air conditioning, heating and generator needs.

From residential and commercial service to restaurant equipment & refrigeration needs, Call the Man in the Orange and White Van! The Kettmans, Craig, Kory, and Kim, are experts when it comes to York, American Standard, and Amana products.

They, and their staff of HVAC experts, will be happy to help, with trucks stocked and ready to go, any time, day or night. For more information, call Kettman’s at (815) 339-6124 or visit their website at www.kettmanheating.com

A Hearing Family You Can Trust!

Look for the Man in the Orange & White Van!

Servicing ALL hearing aid makes and models

We can help you with your: • Air Cond/Furnace/Boiler Sales & Service • Plumbing Remodels & Service • Generator Sales & Service • Water Heater Sales & Service • Water Softeners & RO System • Commercial Refrigeration Sales and Service

OVER 54 YEARS of Service

Call TODAY for your FREE HEARING SCREENING 1-800-937-2609

Hammers Hearing Care Center Family Owned & Operated Since 1992

107 E. Harrison St., Granville www.kettmanheating.com

815-339-6124

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645 1st St • LaSalle 504 Main St • Princeton 747 E Etna Rd • Ottawa 901 Main St • Mendota hammershearing.com 815-224-2445 SM-LA1900116

Your Bank for Life

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Our Family, working with Your Family, for 140 Years!

LaSalle • Peru • Joliet | 815-223-7300

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Saluting our local family owned businesses and their commitment to our community

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The Witeks

The Hursts John, Hayden, and Niki Hurst of Hurst Funeral Homes La Salle-Peru continue the tradition of service established by Arthur Hurst more than 68 years ago. Hurst Funeral Homes serves all faiths and also provides pre-paid services and prearranged trusts to give families comfort and peace of mind. The Hurst family strives to serve their clients’ needs and best interests, and to make the experience as comfortable and emotionally reassuring as possible. Hurst Funeral Homes La SallePeru has its main office at 650 Fifth St. (Fifth and Marquette Streets), La Salle. It also has offices in Ladd, Tonica and Wenona. Hurst Funeral Homes can be reached at (815) 223-0380 or by visiting the main office.

Family Serving Families

The Witek Family has operated as LPL Financial since 1986. Beginning in 2020 the firm has changed its name to Witek Wealth Management.

Ron Witek joined the securities industry in 1968. He was joined by his sons Mark (in 1983) and Steve (1985) and his daughter Kristy (1994).

Witek Wealth Management offers personalized and impartial investment strategies based on clients’ financial objectives, risk performances and tax considerations. Their products and services include quality nonproprietary investments, including mutual funds, stocks, bonds, variable and fixed annuities and estate, business, tax, college and retirement planning.

Witek Wealth Management is located at 613 First St., La Salle. They also hold office hours at Streator Onized Credit Union and Financial Plus Credit Union in Peru, Ottawa and Mendota. Visit the website at : witekwealthmanagement.com or follow them on Twitter: Witekwealth.

Pictured from left are Sue Heider, Spencer Luecke, Mark Witek-CFP, Steven WitekCFP, Kristy Pytel, and Amy Noy.

At Witek Wealth Management

our mission is to have a positive impact on the lives of our clients by helping them achieve their financial goals. Our dedicated team provides clients with independent, objective advice that assists them in making prudent investment and financial decisions.

Mark Witek, CFP

Kristy Pytel

Steven Witek, CFP

We understand the difficulty of losing a loved one.

Hurst Funeral Home will look after all the details and help your family through this difficult time.

613 First Street • La Salle • 815.223.3332 witekwealthmanagement.com Registered Representatives with and Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor.

Family Serving Families SM-LA1900722

LaSalle-Peru • Ladd • Tonica • Wenona

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Member FINRA & SIPC

Mike Debo is pictured next to his daughter Dana DeboKuhne, along with his grandson Hudson Kuhne, the fifth generation in the business.

Debo Ace Hardware has been a fixture in downtown Peru for over 80 years. Located at 1713 Fourth St., the Peru business was established by Mike’s grandfather, Harry Debo, in 1938. Dana is the fourth generation in the family business. They are committed to being “the helpful place” by offering their customers knowledgeable advice, helpful service and quality products.

Services offered include window and screen repair, key cutting, hunting and fishing licenses, propane tank exchange and a sharpening service. For top brands like Weber, Traeger, Big Green Egg, Stihl, EGO, Toro, YETI, and Benjamin Moore, Debo Ace Hardware is the place. You can reach the business at (815) 223-0461 and follow “Debo Ace Hardware” on Facebook.

THE ONLY FAMILY OWNED PETROLEUM RETAILER IN BUREAU & HENRY CO. RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, & AGRICULTURAL

BRADFORD & MANLIUS

815-445-6921 OR 800-624-5593 Ask for: Steven Michlig, Scott Smith, Mike Dykstra or Jeremy Rediger • Premium Diesel & Gasoline • Lubricants • Propane • Truck & Automotive Filters & Parts

CALL TODAY TO ASK ABOUT OUR PROPANE SERVICES • Lock in Pricing • Summer/Fall Fill Programs • Budget Billing • $50 Refer A Friend Credit • Tank Monitoring & Keep Full Programs

Take Your Grill Game To a New Level Stop in and check them out.

Debo Ace Hardware

1713 4th Street, Peru • 815-223-0461 • www.acehardware.com HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 7-5:30 • Fri.-Sat. 7-5 • Closed Sun

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No Charge To Swap Your Tank Out From Another Supplier.

CAMBRIDGE

309-937-2417 OR 800-808-1812 Ask for: Mark Seabloom, Sara Nodine, or Robert Bohms “Michlig Energy – Delivering The Spirit of Service to Our Communities” Since 1986

7 GENERATIONS | Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | NewsTribune | www.newstrib.com

The Debos

www.newstrib.com | NewsTribune | Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | GENERATIONS

8 Norberg Memorial Home Inc. & Monuments: Loving Roots in the Community Written by Janice Smallwood Janice Smallwood returned to Princeton, Illinois in 2016 and joined Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments two years later.

The journey that led her back to Princeton stretches across the country. It connects through mutual friends and is bound by youthful love. Along with the grief training she received while working with the South Carolina State Fire Fighters Association, her full-circle journey dates back to 1975 when she first moved to Princeton from Chicago.

Janice first met her husband, J.D. Smallwood, at the old Skate-A-Rama in Princeton, before moving away with her family to South Carolina for her father’s retirement in 1981. While there, she owned a bookkeeping company and managed the financials for several not-for-profit organizations, including the South Carolina State Firefighters Association as well as the USTA of South Carolina.

After the passing of Janice’s husband, Steve, she reconnected with J.D. through a mutual friend.

J.D., meanwhile, began working at Norberg in 1996 upon graduation from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Illinois. He eventually purchased Norberg Memorial

Home, Inc. & Monuments in 2008 from his father, Bodie, who passed away that same year. Bodie first started working for Arthur Norberg – also a graduate of Worsham – in 1956,

Readers Choice Awards 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 & 2016 Voted Most Respected Funeral Home

after serving in the Korean War. In 1966, Bodie Smallwood bought into the business as a partner to Norberg, eventually buying all stocks and becoming sole owner. The me-

morial home has been in the Smallwood family since then, but part of the community since 1903.

The Smallwoods take their love for each other, along with their love for their community and apply both to their daily work at the funeral home. They are honored to serve and continue Norberg’s tradition of affordable, reliable services throughout Bureau County and beyond.

“Not only was J.D. my first love, but he will also be my last,” Janice said. “It’s one of the hardest jobs we’ve ever loved. It’s a true honor that people select us to care for their loved one during their time of need.”

For well over 100 years, Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments has provided an array of funeral services, cremations, pre-planning arrangements, burials, monuments, urns, jewelry, and assistance.

Due to the current changes amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Norberg has extended their services to include free live-streaming of funerals, as well as drive-thru visitations if and when needed.

For more information on services, prearrangements or monuments, please visit www.norbergfh.com or call 815-875-2425.

Funerals • Cremations Pre-Arrangements Monuments Caskets • Urns & Jewelry

www.norbergfh.com

815-875-2425

701 East Thompson Street Princeton, IL 61356