Dr. Christopher John Glapa D.D.S.

Dr. Christopher John Glapa, D.D.S, 69, loving husband, father, brother, and friend passed away peacefully on December 18th, 2024 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton surrounded by family and loved ones following a prolonged illness. Chris was born on January 22, 1955 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Carl and Patricia Glapa.
Chris attended Marquette School of Dentistry and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1979. Following graduation from dental school, Chris decided to selflessly serve his country and commissioned as an Officer in the United States Army Dental Corps where he served in Japan, U.S. Army Garrison (Camp) Humphreys in South Korea, and Fort Carson in Colorado Springs where he earned the rank of Captain. Chris was proud of his contribution to the Nation by delivering dental services to Soldiers and their Families. Following his military service, Chris returned to Marquette School of Dentistry where he completed the Prosthodontics program in December 1984 – an achievement he credited his time in the military for years of gained experience!
Chris started Fox River Valley Prosthodontics in 1984 and served the Appleton area community for nearly 40 years. He earned Board Certification in Prosthodontics in June 1991 and was a Diplomat of the American Board of Prosthodontics and a member of the American College of Prosthodontists.
In true Wisconsinite fashion, Chris could be found cheering for the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers. He was also an avid golf and hockey fan enjoying countless hours watching his two boys competitively play since they were little ones. Big band jazz music had a special place in his heart and loved listening to Chuck Hedges, Buddy Rich, and even played the clarinet and tenor saxophone. Chris also loved devoting his time towards researching the Glapa Family lineage of military service – eventually meeting with surviving members of a B-17 "Flying Fortress" bomber that was shot down during a mission over Hamburg, Germany in World War II ultimately killing his Uncle Edwin Glapa. Chris also loved spending time at the dog park with Palmer – his Yorkshire Terrier that followed him everywhere!
Chris is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jeannie; two sons Timothy and Stephen (Allison) Glapa; siblings Paul (Sandy) Glapa, and Carla (Jim) Winkelman; many nieces and nephews; three rabbits (Willi, Penny, Sophie) and two snow bengals (Monte and Archie) all of which he absolutely adored. He is preceded in death by his parents Carl and Patricia Glapa, his brother Mark (Patricia) Glapa; and his beloved Palmer Blue.
A celebration of life for Chris will take place at 3 pm on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Brettschneider-Trettin-Nickel Funeral Home, with full military honors to follow. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Saturday from 1 pm until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton or Crossroads Care Center in Weyauwega.
The family would like to thank the many medical professionals and skilled nurses for their selfless efforts, compassion, and dignified care they gave their beloved husband and father.