Ermgard Irene Gladman
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Ermgard Irene Gladman (Wisniewski), 83, a long time resident of Raytown, Kansas City and Lee’s Summit, MO, and a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister and friend, passed away April 24, 2020 due to cancer.
She was born to Johan and Anna (Talerek) Wisniewski on April 29, 1936 in Schutzen, Germany. As a young girl, her family was forced to flee their farm during World War II and eventually arrived in a Polish Red Cross camp where she was educated. At the age of 16, she sailed on a ship to Holifax and soon immigrated to Canada to join her older siblings, Helen Hilchuck and Willie Wisniewski. In total, she had 10 brothers and sisters that predeceased her. Irene became a Canadian citizen. Irene spoke five languages and learned to speak English at the movies. She met her true love and husband, Larry Gladman, in Canada and they married on October 25, 1959. Then they moved to the United States in 1962 and later she became a United States citizen. They were happily married and best friends for 51 years until his passing on November 4, 2010.
Irene owned and operated a daycare where children were taught to read, write and pray before meals. Irene was an excellent cook and many happy memories were made at the holiday and dinner table. She was a lovely lady with joy in her heart. Irene’s faith in God while attending the New Apostolic Church was the bedrock of her life. She shared her love of God with many people. Her testimony on earth was one of generosity and love.
Irene is survived by: daughters, Sally (Harold) Karr of Independence, MO and Sandra (Mike) Eggers of Lee’s Summit, MO; grandchildren: Jennifer Gladman, Lauren Karr, Lawrence Reilly and Alex Reilly; great grandchildren, Micah and Dominic Gladman; sister by marriage, Ruth Reilly.
A private graveside ceremony will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held later after the pandemic has passed.
Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.heartlandcremation.com (Arr. Heartland Cremation and Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, MO 64138, 816-313-1677).
Visits: 3
Dear Sally, Sandra, and family,
God Bless all of you with strength and happy memories in your time of sadness. I loved your mom so much also; she was always so loving and gracious to me. I always looked forward to her smile and kind words at church.
Love, Linda (Griswold) Buntain
Dear Sandra, Sally, family and friends,
Your Mom was a real go-getter! Her story is so similar to my Mom’s also. I’m so thankful to have known your Mom. May all the wonderful memories of her teachings, both spiritually and naturally, bring joy to your hearts during this time.
Much love to you all, Patrick & Lorna Tessmer
Dear Sandra, Sally, and, Families
May God’s comforting grace surround you at this time. Know that you are in my and many other prayers. God bless you all.
Travis Morlang
Dear family of Irene:
it’s sad to let her go she has left many wonderful memories for you to share. But, can you imagine the family reunion on the other side? All the love you feel for her is now being shared with her by Larry and other family members. All the members of the church who have passed over are welcoming her home. A life well lived and loved.
Shirley Smith
Dear Sally, Sandra, and family,
May God bless you all with peace and comfort at this time of sorrow. We loved your mom and admired her gentle nature and calming smile. We take comfort in the phase, best said in her native tongue, “Auf Wiedersehen”; till we meet again. Our love and prayers to you all,
Danny & Vicki Griswold
Dear Sally, please accept my condolences in the loss of your beautiful mother. I hope the pain in your heart will soon be replaced by the fantastic memories of her and all the things you shared and learned from her. If there is anything I can do for you and your family, know that I am here for you
Great Mother in Law who lived with Sandra & ME for the last 8 years with the boys Lawrence & Alex. She enjoyed our company, walk of Faith & many great family events together! We loved, cared & shared great stories from over the years! Until we meet in eternity, Always & Forever, Mike & Sandra (Gladman Reilly) Eggers ???
Irene left such an impression on soooo many children who were privileged to attend her daycare. My children often speak of things they learned and the love they received from Irene and Larry. I could not have worked and gone to school without her patience and care for my children. I would call and say, “Irene, I’m running late” and she would reply, “Okay, I will not put them out on the curb.” Thank the Lord for her. I know she is celebrating the fruits of her labor in heaven.
Nadine Goeckeler
May 5,2020 at 8:16 am
Dear Great family, who shared love with your Mother until the end of her life. Paul and I have many memories with Larry and Irene, from the time they moved here in Raytown, and those memories will always to be in our thoughts. I will always remember the great fellowships we had together and the many laughs and tears we shared. Irene was a strong rock in the family and will , I know, be greeted in eternity with open arms. My deepest sympathy.
Irene was such a blessing in my family’s life. I’ll never forget our first meeting. Instead of use interviewing her, it was the other way around! We apparently passed as she always had open arms for Kelly ‘boy’!
Wonderful family, and loved by many
Dear Gladman Family,
Our family was blessed with Irene’s love, kindness, guidance, and parenting knowledge from 1973 until 1983 while she loved and cared for our sons. Ryan Knapp and Brett Knapp, were each just weeks old when we began coming to Irene for day care. They came to her home five days a week until they were old enough for kindergarten. We were lucky to have Irene’s guidance and friendship. She was hands on. She believed babies needed to be rocked and loved. She didn’t want babies crying. Irene rocked or Larry rocked, played, and laughed with our little guys. As they got older Irene nourished with warm home cooked meals. She encouraged good behavior, and lots of playing. We parented much alike. My boys flourished under her care. I never picked up an unhappy child. The boys were happy to see the Gladman family in the morning, and happy to see me in the afternoon. Irene was a blessing! She was a really good person. She was a gift to many children
Today, Ryan is a pediatrician and has three sons. Brett is a hospital research administrator and has two sons. They are both good men, good husbands, and good dads. Irene would be proud of them. Thank you, Irene, for providing loving beginnings!