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The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that a 14-mile patching and resurfacing project on Interstate 55 from Litchfield to the Macoupin/Madison County line begins Monday, April 21. Work is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Additionally, ramps for Litchfield (exit 52), Mount Olive (exit 44) and Staunton (exit 41) will be resurfaced. Most of the work is expected to take place between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday nights through Friday mornings.
Lane closures are expected, and message boards will be used to direct traffic through the work zones. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Benefits of this project include a smoother driving surface.
To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.
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Jerry J. “Jon” Eldred, 87 of Carlinville, passed away on Tuesday morning, April 15, 2025, at Litchfield Health and Rehab Center in Litchfield. Jon was born on June 18, 1937, in Chesterfield, a son of James Melvin and Nelle (Schuetz) Eldred.
Jon was a 1955 graduate of Carlinville High School. He married Kathleen Martin on January 16, 1960, at St. Joseph’s Church in Carlinville. Jon was drafted in the Army in September of 1960 and he and Kathleen moved to Aberdeen, Maryland where he served as a light vehicle driver until August of 1962. He then served in the US Army Reserves until his discharge in August of 1966.
Jon worked as a salesman in the agriculture industry starting at FS, moving to Area Ag and returning to FS before his retirement. He was also part owner of Fred Smith Chevrolet for a time. Jon spent many hours on the road traveling to sporting events. He was a regular fan at his grandchildren’s games and was known as Papa Jon to many of their teammates. He was an avid CHS football fan, attending nearly every game for decades.
He also served as chauffer over the years driving his friends to many horse races. Jon’s love of golf came once he finally retired. He golfed with friends regularly and decided only a week before his death not to pay his Carlinville Country Club dues. He was a member of Ss Mary and Joseph Catholic Church and an honorary lifetime member of the Carlinville Elks Lodge #1412. Never knowing a stranger, Jon’s smile, laugh and kindness will be missed my many.
Jon is survived by his daughter, Kim (Mark) Mehrkens of Pontiac; son, Andy Eldred of Carlinville; grandchildren, Alex (Brittany) Eldred, Madalyn (Caleb) Leach and Seth Mehrkens; great-grandchildren, Avery, Kali, Bella and Cece; sister-in-law, Polly Eldred of Carlinville; and two nephews, Jeff and Jim Eldred.
Jon was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother, Max.
Visitation will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Ss Mary and Joseph Catholic Church in Carlinville. Mass of Christian burial service will follow at 11:00 am with Rev. Joe Koyickal, Sac as celebrant. Burial will follow in New Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Loomis Cemetery in Chesterfield. Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
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Ralph David Glassbrenner, 69 of Plainview, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 4:40 pm. He was born on April 1, 1956, in Jerseyville to Fred E. Glassbrenner and Norma J. (Narup)Glassbrenner.
He married Paula C. (Johnson) Glassbrenner on January 10, 1981, in Godfrey. Upon graduating from Southwestern High School in 1974, he started his apprenticeship at the then Carpenter’s Local 377, now Local 664, recently celebrating 50 years.
He was an honorary member of the Tri County Rod & Gun Club in Brighton. Ralph enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and working in his garden. He took great pride in his yard as well as his Chevy’s and vehicle’s equipment. He loved classic country music.
He is survived by his spouse, Paula C. Glassbrenner of Plainview; children, Sarah (Jim) Owens of Brighton, David (Xi) Glassbrenner of St. Louis, MO, and Michael Glassbrenner of Alton; grandchildren, Luke Owens, Thomas & Henry Glassbrenner; siblings, Karen (Steve) Bender, Patti Updike, Paul Glassbrenner, and Ann (John) Hilderbrand; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends may call on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm and on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at SS Simon and Jude Church, Gillespie from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Memorial mass will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 10:00 am at SS Simon & Jude Church, Gillespie.
Burial will be at St. Denis Cemetery, Shipman. Memorials are suggested to National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation or HSHS Hospice. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
