Carolyn Sue Gladwell

Born August 24, 1934 in Simpson, Illinois to Glen and Ruby (Russell) Wheeler, she married John E. Gladwell on January 14, 1956 in Pekin. He survives.

Also surviving are four daughters, Daryl (Robert) Bertha of Poolesville, Maryland, Melanie (Dan) DeLong of Morton, Shelley (Terry) McLaughlin of Marquette Heights and Penny (Joe) Venovich of Tremont; one son, Kevin (Kim) Gladwell of Creve Coeur; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; one sister, Donna Scheerer of Morton; one brother, Dan (Carol) Wheeler of Florida, one sister-in-law, Ruth Wheeler of Morton and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Val Wheeler and one brother-in-law, Gary Scheerer.

Carolyn attended East Peoria Community High School with “The Rover Girls” and graduated in 1952. She had worked at Sears for 16 years.

Carolyn loved her visits down to Southern Illinois to see family, singing (especially in the car) and her many groups, including TOPS, bowling leagues and the red hat society. She was a voracious reader, avid Cardinals fan and the best at Christmas morning breakfast casseroles. Her greatest love was for her family, which was evidenced by her many “Granny” sweatshirts and the photo albums in her purse. In regards to love, she and John were married for over 66 years. Carolyn said of John, “…he is always there for me. He is calm when I’m upset, he cheers me when I’m sad. He helps me every time I need him and his love is strong enough to last all these years.”

She was a devoted member of Saint Monica’s Catholic Church in East Peoria.

Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur. Father John Steffen will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday evening, September 23, 2022 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Fon du Lac Cemetery in East Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be given to Saint Monica’s Catholic Church, 303 Campanile Drive, East Peoria, Illinois 61611.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com.