Gladys Wernimont, born on September 12, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa, passed away at the age of 83 on June 14, 2024

Gladys’s life will be celebrated at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, on Tuesday June 18, 2024, with a visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A rosary service will be said at 2:30 p.m. with a wake service to follow.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday June 19, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Key West with Monsignor Thomas Toale officiating. The burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Forever remembered by her children Ron Wernimont, Diane (Dave) Miner, Kevin (Jennifer) Wernimont, Donna Busch (Flint Drake), Ken Wernimont, Joyce (Shane) Cravens, Joanne Reynolds and Julie Wernimont.

Gladys treasured her 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren: Ryan (Molly) Wernimont and their children Ryder & Baby Girl, Brianna (Tony) Fury and their son Jack, Jake (Ashleigh) Miner and their daughters Aubrie & Aurora, Brandon Miner, Alyssa (Nick) Lynch and their children Aiden & Ella, Mackenzie Wernimont and her son Oliver, Myles Wernimont, Mitchell Wernimont, Jalee (Josh) Begle and their sons Mason & Will, Cody (Brittany) Frommelt and their children Gavin, Landon & Evelyn, Lucas (Victoria Vail) Busch, Adam (Jordan) Busch, Jayda Reynolds and Holland Reynolds.

She is also survived by her sisters, Luann Weber and Marilyn Bergfeld; In-laws Gib Clemen, Hubert and Liz Decker and many nieces and nephews.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie in 2018; infant son, Robert in 1969; parents Carlyn and Marie (Gansen) Denlinger; her siblings, Carol Clemen, John and Clair Denlinger; in-laws Ruth Denlinger, William and Mary Decker, Ralph Bergfeld and Milton Weber.

Gladys and Charlie were united in marriage on April 8, 1961, at St. Joseph Key West, the parish where she received her holy sacraments and remained a lifelong member.

She attended St. Joseph Key West through the eighth grade, the Immaculate Conception Academy, and was a member of the first graduating class of Wahlert High School in 1960.

After high school, Gladys worked at Sorbaus sewing baby clothing. A very delicate skill that Gladys continued to share through the years altering clothes for her family, quilting blankets for local charities and crafting walker bags for residents at Shady Rest, something that brought her great joy. Sorbaus required employees leave their employment when getting married, and so Charlie and Gladys began to write their story, and what a love story it was. Farming was at the center of their lives for many years. Farming was not new to Gladys as she grew up working on the family farm. She shared stories of her dad secretly treating her to candy bars as a way to thank her for getting up early to help with chores. Her loyalty to the farm life continued as her and Charlie partnered in milking the cows and tending to the crops while raising eight kids. Gladys’ greatest accomplishment and source of pride was the family her and Charlie created. Raising eight kids gave her lots of opportunities to take things in stride and pray. Later, she worked as a cook at Shady Rest in Cascade, forming lasting friendships with residents/families and co-workers over her 20+ years there.

Socializing was a natural gift of Gladys’; invitations of any sort were generally accepted with a quick “yes”. Welcoming family and friends into her home was a way for Gladys to showcase her favorite recipes and visit – a winning combination. Gladys was known to infuse fun into the party, be it a surprise gift, a quirky joke or laughable memory, it was clear through her and Charlie’s smiles their hearts were full. Homemade pies, fresh baked breads, turkey and dressing sandwiches, potato salad, canned pickles, a few of Gladys’ fan favorites. She set the bar high, however she was a great teacher and so these comforts of home will carry on to future generations.

Gladys was also known for the strength and resilience that carried her through the hard times. She was a woman of deep faith with an unwavering devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in eternal peace.

There is something about losing a mother that is permanent and inexpressible—a wound that will never quite heal. Such a loss for us here on earth, but what a beautiful reunion she will have with dad. Fly high mom, we love you.