Victoria Louise (Straznickas) Wielgopolan, 67, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at St. Columba Church in Ottawa, with Msgr. Mark Merdian, Pastor, officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
Vicki was born on September 9, 1957 in Rockford, IL to Veto and Lorraine (Waisner) Straznickas. She received her degree in Elementary Education at Western Illinois University, where she was also a proud member of the Sigma Kappa sorority. She went on to teach for Language Arts, Social Studies, Health, and Art for over 30 years at Wallace Grade School. She married Stephen M. Wielgopolan on July 19, 1980 at St. Columba Church in Ottawa. She was a member of St. Columba. Vicki enjoyed gardening, decorating, road trips, and hosting her family, especially Christmas Eve for the last 45 years. She was an active member of the YMCA water exercise and Live Strong programs. She was also an avid supporter of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
She is survived by her husband, Stephen; two children, Nina (John Hogue) Wielgopolan of Ottawa and Luke (Dani and Jack Jefferson) Wielgopolan of Bloomington; a granddaughter, Olivia; and five siblings, Kurt (Jan) Straznickas, Diane Lewis, Linda (Bob) Rick, Susie (Jon) Freeman, and Lori (Greg) Satterfield.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorials may be directed to Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern, Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital, Illinois Cancer Center, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433