Ida Leana Motz, 81, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully at Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville, Illinois, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, December 28, 2024.
Ida was born July 27, 1943 in Galesburg, the daughter of Bernhard F. and Leona M. (Crouse) Jorganson. She married William Walter Motz on March 3, 1962, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on August 5, 1996. Ida is survived by two daughters, Patricia Davis and Julie (Jay) Haley of both of Galesburg; one son, William (Donna) Motz of Wataga, Illinois; seven grandchildren, James (Shayna) Davis Jr., Nacole (Bill) Spencer, Dustin (Hether) Davis, Jeremy Motz, Brooke (Mike) Ingles, Mike (Taylor) Harms, and Aimee (Nate) Morrison; and thirteen great grandchildren, Nolan, Jacob, Marie, Edward, Aleah, Lillian, Madison, Victoria, Isabella, Jeremiah, Kason, Ava, and Emmitt. Ida is also survived by one brother, Arthur Jorganson of Naples, Florida; and one sister, Anita Carlson of Galesburg. Along with her husband and parents, Ida was preceded in death by a son-in-law, James Davis; a brother, Bennie Jorganson; and a brother-in-law, Rev. John Carlson.
Ida was mostly a self-employed businesswoman. While in high school she worked for the Scandinavian Bakery on Main Street. She later operated her own home cleaning business and worked alongside her husband owning and operating Bill’s Soft Water. Ida also enjoyed her years working as a line manager at Burger King Restaurant.
Ida was known as “Granny Gert” by her father-in-law, Walt Motz. Ida was also a caregiver to many children who need an aunt or a mother figure. Through the years, she took in many children and gave them the care and love they needed. Many neighborhood children referred to her as “Aunt Ida.” Most of all, Ida loved being a wife, mom, and grandma.
As a child, Ida attended Bethany Baptist Church and became a youth group leader. Later in life, Ida became a member of the Elk’s Lodge No. 894, Moose Lodge No. 880, Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post No. 285, and AMVETS. Ida enjoyed traveling and began wintering in Naples, Florida, eventually moving there for many years.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Cremation will be accorded following visitation. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Sparta Township Hall, Wataga, Illinois at 3 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
