Eleanor Gleason

Eleanor Gleason, 94, of Springfield, died at 11:30 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2014 at St. Joseph Home. Eleanor was born February 20, 1920 in Bloomington, the daughter of Frank and Bridget Sweeney Kraft. She married Luke R. Gleason, Sr. on June 10, 1944 at Holy Trinity Church in Bloomington. He preceded her in death on December 7, 2009. Eleanor received her bachelor's degree from Illinois State University. She was employed as a teacher at Cathedral and then at Griffin. After retirement, she returned to school at Sangamon State University to obtain her master's degree in Gerontology. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and enjoyed socializing with friends and family. She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Jack Gleason; sisters, Barbara Eletson and Marjorie Dickerson; and brother, Louis Kraft. She is survived by two sons, Luke R. (Patricia) Gleason, Jr. of Springfield and Jim (Janice) Gleason of Cary, IL; daughter-in-law, Mary Jo Gleason of Louisville, KY; eleven grandchildren, Brad (Ashley) Gleason, Kates (Samuel) Wenzel, Mary Therese (Ed) Carr, Caroline (Andrew, III) Dutkanych, Meg Gleason, Jack (Margaret) Gleason, Jr., Tom Gleason, Ted (Lisa Devy) Gleason, Joe Gleason, Mike Gleason, and Annie Gleason; fourteen great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Abbie and Jake Gleason, Andrew, IV, Samuel, Jack, and Luke Dutkanych, Cleary Jo, Evie, and R.J. Carr, Eleanor and John Gleason, and Nino and Julia Gleason; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at St. Joseph Church, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield with Rev. Steven A. Janoski, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Family Food Pantry, 1023 E. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62703 or St. Joseph's Home, 3306 S. 6th St., Rd., Springfield, IL 62703.