Denis Vincent Gladbach

Denis Vincent Gladbach passed away on Saturday, March 7th surrounded by family as they prayed a rosary. He was 82 years old.

Denis was the 5th of 9 children to Jake (John Eugene) and Agnes (Genevieve Agnes Ewald) Gladbach of rural Mendon, MO. He is preceded in death by his parents, younger sister Margaret [Margie], younger brother Lawrence [Shorty], older brother Tom, and daughter-in-law Heather.

In August 1964, he married Patricia Ann Rieth of Marshall, MO. They have 5 children together: Denis Patrick, Fred, Steve, Michelle (Micki), and Tom.

He worked in the telecommunications his entire life; first for Western Union (24 years) and Primelink Communications (33 years). Later in life, he owned and operated Primelink Communications.

He was heavily involved with the Boy Scouts of America; all 4 of his sons were scouts with Tom earning his Eagle; his grandsons Nick Gladbach and J Skerik also earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He served as Scout Master for Troop 104 at the Cathedral of St Joseph for many years and earned the Bronze Pelican.

He was a 3rd degree knight for the Knights of Columbus. He served as Sergeant at Arms at Council 12992.

He and Pat traveled extensively through their 61 years of marriage, visiting their family across the country and continent as well traveling to places such as Hawaii, Canada, Peru, Ireland, Taiwan, and more. Denis loved the family's annual vacation to Branson and spending time with his family.

He loved being busy. He could fix almost anything. Eager to impart his knowledge, he taught his children and later his grandchildren anything he knew about home repairs, building, cars, appliances, and on. He was a hands-on man.

He cherished and was beloved by his grandchildren and great grandchildren; attentive, loving, and fun, Papa Denis was present at innumerable band concerts, soccer, volleyball, and football games, plays, and musicals. However his grandchildren decided to express themselves, he was present and supportive.

He and Pat celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with their children and grandchildren; they celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in Gatlinburg, Tennessee with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his five children: Denis Patrick [Wendy], Fred [Natasha], Steve [Christy], Micki [Joe Skerik], and Tom; thirteen grandchildren: Cate, Stephanie, Lyanna, Andrea (Braden Remmert), Natalie, Nick, Jessica, Tori, Vincent, Jacob, J, Caroline, and Eve; and two great grandchildren: Margaret and Genevieve.

Services will be held on 23 March with a prayer service at 4:00 pm held at Houser-Millard Family chapel at 2613 W. Main St., Jefferson City MO 65109. Visitation will follow the prayer service. The funeral mass will be held at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, 2305 W. Main St., Jefferson City, MO 65109 on 24 March. A brief visitation period will occur immediately prior to the funeral mass, beginning at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to The Samaritan Center or the St. Raphael Cemetery fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St.; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com