Glen Nicholson
Godfrey | Save
GLEN R. NICHOLSON passed away February 7, 2026 at his home in Godfrey. He was 102.
He was born on July 30, 1923 in Alsey, Illinois, to Claude F. and Leitha Z. (Wilkenson) Nicholson.
He was the oldest of eight children.
The family moved to Glasgow, Illinois when Glen was 6 years old. He had his first job at age 10, by becoming his town’s first paper boy. He had 42 customers on his route, and made 2 cents per paper, seven days a week. He did not own a bike, so he walked his route.
He graduated from Alsey High School in 1940 and began working at the Alsey Brickyard.
At 24 he became a full time bricklayer, joining his father and 3 brothers. When Glen was 100 years old, Bricklayers Local #8 presented him with a 75 year service award and shared that he was the areas oldest living bricklayer. He retired in 1985.
In his retirement, he enjoyed fishing, all sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals, and going to the Argosy Casino. He also spent many winter months in Texas and Florida.
On August 16, 1947 he married Ruby (Whitworth). They were married 52 years. She passed away January 17, 1999. They had 3 children, Richard (Margaret) Nicholson of Godfrey, Doneeta Kallal of Godfrey, and Dennis (Jean) Nicholson of Breese.
Preceding him in death, his parents, wife Ruby, sisters Norma Vineyard, Alene, and Eileen, Son-in-laws, Robert Kallal and Ron Tanner. Brothers and sister-in-laws Eugene (Leila) Nicholson, Donald (Doris) Nicholson, Keith Nicholson, Eileen (Kenneth) Nash and Zelma (David) Cheek. Brother-in-laws, Robert Vineyard and Charles Arnold. Grandson Jeffrey Kallal and Great-granddaughter Ella Ruby Kallal.
He is survived by sister Audrey Arnold of Marion, Illinois, sister-in-law Carol (Frank) Spitz, of Alton, nephew Gordon (Donna) Nash, daughter-in-law, Cheri (Bob) Wigger and daughter-in-law Mary I. Tanner, and a very special niece, Laura (Greg) Bock.
Glen and Mary Tanner were united on June 8, 2002, in the Rose Garden. They had 24 happy years together. She survives.
They were members of Main Street Methodist Church.
Also surviving: Grandchildren, Matthew (Barbie) Nicholson, Jeremy Nicholson, Joanna Kallal, Angela Nicholson, Gregory Nicholson, and Ann Marie (Chad) Venhaus, Alex (Melanie Miller) Tanner, Ellen (Kevin Bowman) Tanner, Riley (Ashley Baugh) Tanner, Charles Wigger, Robert (Emily Tripp) Wigger.
Great- grandchildren; Amanda (Kendall) Fritz, Katelyn (Brandon) Kush, Breanna (Brendon) Thornhill, Emma Nicholson, Brady, Ryker Glen, and Isabella Venhaus, Della Tanner, Sella, Bodie and Grady Wigger. Olivia and Maya Miller.
Great-Great-Grandchildren; Jackson, Clayton, and Aria Fritz, Adalyn, Parker, and Hudson Kush, and Gwen and Iris Thornhill.
On February 27, 2026 visitation will be from 11:30 to 1:00 at Elias, Kallal, Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. Services will be conducted at 1:00 by Rev. Bill Pyatt. Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens.
Memorials may be made to the Jeffrey Kallal Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
