Visitation is Friday, July 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 NE Vivion Road, Kansas City, MO, with a prayer service at 7:45 PM. Mass of Christian Burial is Saturday, July 14 at 10:00 AM at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, NE 800 Shady Lane, Kansas City, MO. Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Kansas City North.
John was born Jan. 14, 1936 in St Joseph, MO to Francis and Anna Glenski. After completing his degree at Notre Dame University, he married Mary Ann Webster on October 12, 1957 and moved to the Kansas City area. He was a Chemical Engineer for Colgate Palmolive for 32 years. He loved the outdoors and was a deeply committed faith-filled family man.
John is preceded in death by his parents; siblings Frank Glenski, Jim Glenski, Sister Zoe and Sister Sophie; and a granddaughter, Lisa Voigt. Survivors include his wife Mary Ann; children Jennifer Voigt, Mary (Bill) Shalley, Stephen (Rick Roberts) Glenski, John (Cindi) Glenski, Lisa (Dave) Anderson, Ellen (Erik) Betz, Mark (Hilda) Glenski,and Sarah (Rick) Crites; 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; brother Joseph Glenski and sister Betty Wirtz; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the St. Charles Guatemala Mission of Hope or the St Charles Church Revitalization Fund.
John was born in Saint Joseph, Missouri, the youngest of seven children in a large loving, devoted Catholic family. After graduating from Notre Dame University in 1957, he returned to Missouri to marry the love of his life, Mary Ann Webster. They began a 62 year journey of partnership and love on October 12, 1957 welcoming eight children along the way, Jenny, Mary, Stephen, John, Lisa, Ellen, Mark, and Sarah. As a chemical engineer, he was a project engineer and innovator for Colgate Palmolive his entire career of 32 years.
After retiring, he dedicated his life to service in his local community and around the world. Deeply faithful, he and Mary Ann were active members of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, founding the St. Charles Guatemala Mission of Hope in 1988. They traveled frequently to Guatemala to work alongside Father Salvador Rojas Palacios building transformative educational programs that include MiCasita and Sagrada Esperanza schools located in Chimaltenango and a scholarship program in Guatemala City. He firmly believed in the power of helping students get an education to improve their lives and the lives of their families. If John was not giving back through the Guatemalan Project, he was investing his time into his family and the less fortunate in his community. John and Mary Ann were avid volunteers at the Morning Glory Café and the St. Charles Food Pantry. He was a natural fit at the Habitat for Humanity, with his love of wood-working and engineering mind.
As a nature lover, his children easily learned to appreciate the solace, inspiration and adventure a trip to the mountains or a simple hike on a local trail could provide the spirit. Many fond memories were made at the Grand Lake Colorado Cabin and deep in the Rocky Mountain National Park over the years.
John lived a very full life and touched many. His compassionate and charitable legacy will be carried forward by all those who knew him or were lucky enough to be touched by his beautiful, loving spirit.
