Gladys Eichelkraut Ottawa, Illinois Obituary

Gladys Eichelkraut

Gladys Eichelkraut,97, formerly of Ottawa, Illinois passed away peacefully on October 6, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Nursing Home in Naperville, Illinois. A Celebration of Life will be held on October 19th, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Phillip Potaczek, Pastor, officiating. Visitation hours will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at the Ottawa Avenue Cemetery immediately following the church service. Mueller Funeral Home is assisting with these arrangements. Gladys was born on October 21st, 1923 in Ottawa, Illinois to Paul and Lily Milam. She was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School. She married William Thomas Eichelkraut on March 26th, 1944 at the Zion Lutheran Church. Gladys and Bill had three daughters with whom she was very devoted and supported them in all their hopes and dreams. Gladys loved her “Ottawa Community” and was a volunteer who was involved in many philanthropic activities. She gave all of herself to every organization and was dedicated to each of their missions. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Delta Theta Tau Sorority, Junior Matrons, Pink Ladies Auxiliary, Ottawa Boat Club, and President of the Child Welfare Guild. She was also a member of the Illinois Realtor Association and sold real estate for over twenty years. Gladys enjoyed playing bridge, volunteering her time with various organizations, selling real estate, and dining out with family and friends. The time she cherished most was when she was with her family. Gladys is survived by her three daughters Nan Mazza of Lawton, Oklahoma, Sue (Bruce) Buhrandt of Naperville, Illinois, and Joan (Michael) Welch of Ooltewah, Tennessee; nine grandchildren; Jennifer Mazza of Flower Mound, Texas, Lesley (Scott) Lee of Farmers Branch, Texas, Greg Mazza of Lawton, Oklahoma, Amanda (Kevin) Johnson of Elmhurst, Illinois, Molly (Patrick) Torpey of Naperville, Illinois, Abby (Ross) Shapland of Naperville, Illinois, Tiffany Welch of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Bryan (Katie) Welch of Ooltewah, Tennessee, and Melanie Welch of Ooltewah, Tennessee; 13 great- grandchildren and one brother, John William Milam of Ottawa, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her husband, William in 2008, her parents Lily and Paul Milam, and her brother Forest Milam. Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick’s Residence, 1400 Brookdale Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563 Pallbearers will be her grandchildren; Jennifer Mazza, Lesley Lee, Greg Mazza, Amanda Johnson, Molly Torpey, Abby Shapland, Tiffany Welch, Bryan Welch, and Melanie Welch.
October 21, 1923 - October 6, 202110/21/192310/06/2021
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Diane Moss
October 18, 2021
I often saw Gladys at LifeFit. One day she told me that what she missed most since her husband died was the hugs. I said "We can do something about that". I put my arms out and we exchanged a hug. From then on, we embraced every time we met. One day, for no apparent... Continue Reading
Laurie Ragan
October 12, 2021
Such a nice lady!!