Gladys Eleanor Windau, 71, of rural New Douglas, Ill., died on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield. She was born on Oct. 13, 1950, in Hamel Township. She was the daughter of the late William and Eleanor (Busker) Schlechte. She married Maynard W. Windau on Aug. 23, 1975, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hamel. He survives.

Gladys was a homemaker, and she also worked as a secretary for Boatmen's Bank in St. Louis, Mo., Madison Mutual Insurance in Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the purchasing department, and the Southern Illinois University School of Nursing. Gladys attended Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Douglas where she was a member of the church quilting group. She also served as a Sunday school teacher. Gladys was a very knowledgeable member of the Madison County and Macoupin County Genealogical Societies. She very much enjoyed quilting, sewing, crossword games, and puzzles.

Gladys is survived by her husband, Maynard Windau; daughter, Sarah (Patrick) Wood; son, Darren (Charla) Windau; four grandchildren, Nora Windau, Henry Windau, Aidan Wood, and Hannah Wood; sister, Marian Smith; brother, Dan Schlechte; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Paul Schlechte; and brother-in-law, Cletus Smith.

Funeral services for Gladys Windau were held on Monday, Feb. 21, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Douglas with Rev. John Lottes officiating. Burial was at New Douglas Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Condolences may be left online at http://www.lesickofuneralhome.com. Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston was in charge of arrangements.