Mark Thunder Gladfelter
Mark Thunder Gladfelter
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Mark Gladfelter Obituary
June 24, 1965 - July 21, 2024
Mark Thunder Gladfelter, a beloved son, father, brother, and friend, passed away on July 21, 2024, at the age of 59. He was born on June 24, 1965, in North Carolina, and most recently resided in Indianapolis, IN.
Mark's proudest accomplishments were in service to his country. He dedicated 23 years of his life to the U.S. Army and served in various deployments, including 1991, 2002, 2006, and 2008. He had a strong sense of duty.
While he enjoyed and took pride in his time in the military, he said it definitely took a toll on his body. Over the years, Mark has experienced a hernia, dislocated shoulder, and received open heart surgery. The Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center helps him with his PTSD as well.
"It's a life we choose," Mark said. "And I would do it all over again."
In addition to his military service, Mark loved his family, Sara Gladfelter, Kaylee Gladfelter, Jacob Gatlin, Lauren Gladfelter, and McKenna Gladfelter, and grandchildren Connor and Brigid Gatlin.
Mark was known for his kind-hearted nature, his sense of humor, and his willingness to mentor others. He had a knack for making people laugh and was always there to lend a helping hand. He will be remembered for his infectious laughter and the joy he brought to those around him.
Mark held a strong Christian faith, which guided him throughout his struggles and life.
He is survived by his parents, Richard Gladfelter and Sue, and Elsie Rambo. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ricky Gladfelter. He also leaves behind his siblings, Robbie Sawyer, Sandra Herbenson, Mike Gladfelter, Jimbo Gladfelter, Patrick Gladfelter, Bridgette Van Doren, Tim Gladfelter, Kitten Dupreez, and Petra Rangel.
Mark Thunder Gladfelter will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but we know he is now at peace and enjoying a cold one up in heaven with his big brother. May his memory live on in the hearts of those he touched, teased, and had many laughs with. May he rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mark's honor can be made to the Housing for Veterans of Indiana, accessible via their website: [Housing for Veterans of Indiana](https://www.hvafofindiana.org/our-mission/housing/). Contributions will aid in continuing the support and resources provided to veterans, a cause close to Mark's heart.
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5 Entries
Kevin Wagner
August 12, 2024
It was a pleasure serving with you in Iraq. You will be missed. RIP my Brother.
LT Beaker
Victor Tom II
August 8, 2024
Gladbag, that pic of you in your blue thermal, I took that pic. We were in the back40 at Ft Campbell, KY, you were an E4. 1992, field problem, a few klicks away on our map was a town. Few of us had a bright idea. Use our land nav skills (pre-gps) middle of the night (couple hours "walk" in the woods) get to that town and use a pay phone to call some girls. We told SSGT Jackson we aren´t missing, we were on a mission, an Infantry honing skills maneuver...and we were off under the light of a 1/2 moon.
Remember that one guy, where were we, Ft Chaffee, Arkansas(?) poured a beer over CPT Chars head (?) or the frog we caught, grabbed our radio on our FOP, stripped the wires, cranked in the radio and was shocking the frog. Legs all lengthening out and stiff. Remember that, pizo? Or when I got to Alpha Co 1/502 INF 101st and you sent me to get a PrickE8. Or the time we went to a bar Spring Break Daytona Beach 1992, you said you would buy me a shot if I volunteered to go on stage. Whole line of guys up there. Too drunk to know what it was for but I trusted you. "Best beach bod". And you giggled and laughed and did that smile you always shown. You are my best friend while I served. I knew you before you were an NCO. Sounds like you became a great soldier. A leader of men. Good job, pizo. My 9 yr old knows about you. Ever since he could understand. My army stories. When I found out, that night I prayed our nightly prayers. Asked Jesus to tell you hi for me and maybe have him introduce my momma to ya.
We will meet again Pizo. My brother
Robert Gallagher
August 7, 2024
I remember our times at Fort Campbell like it was yesterday. To this day I still go back to some of the same places in the back 40 (woods) we use to persevere under various environmental and sometimes self inflicted hardships and remember the good and the bad. The relationships and memories of Soldierly experiences. The dangers and the good times. As I too grow older I come to appreciate the old days and in this unfortunate time which we all we find ourselves in someday embrace the remaining memories I have of the times we would have given our lives for this great country and each other. Thank you Mark for being there for your Country and more importantly a fellow Soldier.
Brian Hudkins
August 7, 2024
I can remember one year at annual training mark put a tent up that was hot pink and than tried to put trash bags on it for camouflage!
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Doug
August 7, 2024
I was on a couple tours with you G we had some fun in chaos. You will be missed brother!! RIP
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