- Date Of Birth: October 21, 1923
- Date Of Death: October 6, 2021
- State: Illinois
Gladys Eichelkraut, 97, formerly of Ottawa, Illinois passed away peacefully on October 6, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Nursing Home in Naperville, Illinois.
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.
