Louise Marie (Deiter) Glotzbach
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Louise Marie (Deiter) Glotzbach, 98, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, nurse, educator, lifelong learner, and devoted Catholic of Prairie Village, Kansas, passed away on March 13, 2026.
Born on July 31, 1927, to George Thomas Deiter and Golda Katherine (Davis) Deiter, Louise was the fourth of eight children in Vera, Kansas. She described her childhood on the family farm—first in Vera and later in Paxico—as truly idyllic: surrounded by loving parents, six siblings, abundant homegrown food, playful pets, and never a hint of hardship during the Great Depression. Her memoir, Walking My Path, lovingly preserves these cherished stories for her family and future generations.
Louise’s education began in a one-room schoolhouse and deepened at Sacred Heart School, where her Catholic faith took firm root. She graduated from Paxico High School, earned her nursing degree from Saint Anthony’s Murdoch Memorial Hospital in Sabetha, Kansas, and served proudly in the Army Nurse Cadet Corps during World War II.
While nursing in Topeka, she formed lifelong friendships with Iris and Ed Werner, Marge and JJ Meinhardt, and Mary Doris and Fred Woltkamp. It was through her friend Marilyn Glotzbach that she met Marilyn’s brother, Wilfrid Otto “Bill” Glotzbach. They married at Sacred Heart Church on Valentine’s Day 1950, beginning a loving partnership of 50 years.
A tireless advocate for education, Louise earned a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Kansas in 1977 and a PhD in Counseling Psychology in 1984. She taught nursing at Stormont-Vail Hospital for many years, fiercely championing her students, and continued her counseling practice well into her 80s—always reading, learning, and offering wise guidance to patients, friends, and even strangers she met along the way. Her colleagues, Julia Kovac and Twila Endecott, remained lifelong friends.
Their marriage was blessed with six children—five daughters and one son—along with 15 cherished grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Louise and Bill traveled widely together until his health declined; he passed away in 2000. Undeterred, Louise continued exploring the world into her 80s, with a special love for Africa’s camera safaris. Her deep Catholic faith remained her cornerstone; she made meaningful pilgrimages to Medjugorje and Fatima in honor of the Blessed Mother and lived her devotion as a quiet, powerful example to her family.
Her greatest joy was her ever-growing family. She kept an open door for gatherings, hosted lively parties, and dove into competitive games with a gleam in her eye—she always played to win! For each grandchild and great-grandchild, she handmade personalized pillows and pillowcases, tangible tokens of her boundless care and creativity.
Her children survive Louise: Jeanne Drisko (Robert), Jane Cummings (Gordon Walls), Robin Lieurance (Richard), Ellen Glotzbach (Michael Allegri), William Glotzbach (Annie), and Amy Migliazzo (Vince); her 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews, whom she cherished as her own.
She was predeceased by her parents, George Thomas and Golda Katherine Deiter; her husband, Bill Glotzbach; her brothers Jack, Don, Lloyd, and Norman Deiter; her sisters Alice Deiter, Elizabeth King, and Martina Hiegert; and her granddaughter, Laura Glotzbach
In her later years, Louise found a warm, welcoming community of friends at Bishop Spencer Place in Kansas City before moving to The Village at Mission, where she remained until her passing. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Kansas City Hospice and Kansas City Hospice House for their compassionate, unfailing care and support. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to Kansas City Hospice.
Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial will be held on May 14, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 22298 Newbury Road, Paxico, KS 66526. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, with a gathering for family and friends afterward at Sacred Heart Hall.
Louise lived a rich, faith-filled life of service, adventure, and love. Her sharp mind, warm heart, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Louise was my psychiatric nursing professor, and later my faithful mentor through graduate school, in-patient nursing, and private practice. She has profoundly shaped my life as a professional, a person, a grateful Catholic, and fellow traveler to many holy places. Through my own mother’s death in 1975, I came to know Louise just one year later and remain, for eternity, grateful to God for His great plan and perfect timing. Quite some time back I was compelled to dedicate all of my Fourth Joyful Mysteries to Louise. As Simeon was dismissed, having seen The Lord,, Louise is dismissed, home; well done good and faithful servant. With love and a million thank yous, Louise, your grateful student and friend.
Louise was such a kind and gentle soul, and I feel so grateful to have known her from a young age. I will always cherish the memories of tagging along with my mom for lunch visits, our journey to Medjugorje, and the miniature pillow she gifted me years ago. She brought so much joy to the lives of so many. Much love, Brittain