Gladys Amelia (Stroh) Fledderjohann, loving Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grand Mother passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. Gladys was born in her childhood home near New Knoxville on October 16, 1921. She was the only daughter of four children born to Vernon and Ella (Vordermark) Stroh. 

 

She is survived by two brothers Harold (Edith) Stroh of Wapakoneta; Ralph (Barbara) Stroh of New Knoxville; a sister-in-law, Jean Stroh of Mansfield.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a brother, Rolland Stroh.

 

Gladys attended area schools and in 1939 her Senior Class was the first to graduate from the newly constructed New KnoxvilleHigh School. Gladys was married to Vernon Fledderjohann on May 25, 1941. They remodeled a home on a farm near New Knoxville for their new home and lifelong residence. Gladys was a loving mother to their four children: Linda (David) Michael of Madison, Wisconsin; Larry and Paula (Bubp) Fledderjohann of New Knoxville; Nancy Archer of Sidney; Jay and Dee (Stiles) Fledderjohann of New Knoxville.

 

In her lifetime Gladys spent more time as a homemaker and mother and grandmother and great-grandmother than in pursuits that generated monetary income. Instead, she chose to be gainfully employed in ways that produce far more important dividends in the life of her family than mere financial gain. At some point in her lifetime she was a: daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, 4-H member; kite flyer; bubble blower; 4-H advisor; turkey packer; farm worker; arrowhead hunter; crackle glass collector; antique lover; feeder of bulls; grower of flowers; parade participant; jig saw puzzle lover; voting poll volunteer; Christmas decorator; Easter egg hider; holiday coordinator; solitare player; painter; decorator; repairwoman; hair stylist; barber; canner; gardener; landscaper; bike rider; humming bird watcher; deer watcher; hospital guild volunteer; fisherwoman; prize winning cook; 4-wheeler driver; quilt maker; seamstress; costume designer; church member; church guild member; bread and cookie baker; candy maker; mediator; counselor; caregiver; nurse; patient; neighbor; gambler; Rook player; Sheep head play player; domino player; butcher; and many, many other roles which she carried out with love.

 

Gladys spent many hours in fun loving activities with her nine grandchildren: David and Sara (Michael) Luna of New York, New York; Tim and Jessica Michael of Wankesha, Wisconsin; Andy and Johanna (Michael) Chenous of Argyle, Wisconsin; Mark and Shelly (Rush) Fledderjohann of Saint Marys; Mike Fledderjohann and Samantha Menke of New Knoxville; Stacie Ryan Archer and Stephanie DeGanaro of Delaware, Ohio; Tim and Stephanie (Archer) Manning of Havertown, Pennsylvania; Kyle and Amy (Fledderjohann) Bishop of Mansfield, Ohio; Gregg and Becky (Fledderjohann) Amstutz of Pandora, Ohio. Gladys also delighted in spending time with her 19 great-grandchildren. 

In later years, Gladys called Elmwood Assisted Living in New Bremen, Ohio, home. She spent many hours there playing Sheephead and Dominoes and participating in other activities with several former neighbors and newly found friends. Many staff members at Elmwood grew to love Gladys like family.

Funeral rites will be held 1:00 P.M. Friday, January 20, 2012, at the First United Church of Christ, New Knoxville, Ohio, with Rev. David Michael, son-in-law, officiating. 

Gladys will be laid to rest in Pilger Ruhe Cemetery, New Knoxville

Friends may call from 4-7 P.M. Thursday in the Ministry Center of the First United Church of Christ, where memorial donations may be directed to Grand Lake Home Health, 1122 E. Spring Street, Saint Marys, Ohio, 45885.