Charles Elza Eales

Charles Elza Eales, 82, formerly of Alton, died at 9:10 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, 2012 at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital in Elmhurst, IL. He was born June 4, 1930 in Godfrey the son of Elza and Lelia (Schudel) Eales. He was a 1948 graduate of Alton Senior High School. Charlie was a welder for Litchfield/Madison railroad, A.O. Smith, Waters Blacksmith, and Rotary Ram Inc. in Godfrey. He retired in 1994 from Lenhardt Tool and Die in Alton. He worked part time as a self-employed welder for many area small businesses and farmers. As a longtime member of Evangelical United Church of Christ in Godfrey, he served as a trustee for several years. Charlie found great joy in tinkering. He restored antique engines and displayed them at area tractor shows. He also felt strongly about helping the hungry. He and his wife faithfully delivered many meals to those in need through the Meals on Wheels program and proudly helped with delivering food to the Crisis Food Center in Alton. Surviving is his wife Helen (Lippoldt) of 57 years. They were married by Rev. Leonard Todd at the Alton Evangelical Church at 8th and Henry Streets. Also surviving are two daughters; Cynthia “Cindy” Fields and husband Tim of Westfield, Christina “Christy” Soldano and her husband Frank of Elmhurst, IL , one son in law; Michael Kimball of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, eight grandchildren; Megan Fields, Ashley Fields, Paige Fields, Benjamin Kimball, Nicholas Soldano, Anna Kimball, Annalise Soldano and Francesca Soldano, a sister; Alice Wood of Alton and one brother; John Eales and his wife Joyce of Meadowbrook and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one daughter; Cathia “Cathy” Kimball and one brother; Robert Eales and an infant sister; Elsie Mae Eales. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where a funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday with Reverend Jerry MeCaskey officiating. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Memorials may be made to the Crisis Food Center, Evangelical United Church of Christ or a charity of your choice. PDF Printable Version

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Charles Elza Eales

June 4, 1930 - June 21, 2012