Gladys Grace (Zank) Schaal passed away on Monday, May 18th, 2026. She was born January 18th, 1931, in Neillsville, WI, to Emil Zank and Leona (Sukow) Zank. Gladys graduated from Neillsville High School and Luther Hospital School of Nursing in Eau Claire, WI.

Gladys married the love of her life, William "Bill" Schaal, on June 20th, 1951, in Chicago. She worked as a Registered Nurse for several years, and she and her husband raised 3 daughters and ran 3 drugstores in central Illinois for approximately 20 years.

Gladys and Bill's 70-year marriage produced three daughters, two granddaughters and one great-granddaughter.

Gladys is survived by her devoted daughter Karen Schaal and her loving daughter Melanie Smet & husband John Smet. Gladys is also survived by two granddaughters: Shani Walker & husband Edward Barnes; and Kristen Derose & husband Michael Derose IV, along with their precious daughter, Lillith Derose.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Schaal, and their daughter, Deborah Walker.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in honor of Gladys to The Bridge UMC in Washington, IL or Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington, IL, is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or send a condolence to her family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.