John Glode

John Glode died at the age of 91 years and 8 months in Saratoga on April 29, 2014, following a recent stroke. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Jane Shively Glode, his father, Walter Glod, his mother, Mary Dobek Glod, his brother, Al Glod, his sister, Helen Glod Brambilla, and his sister, Shirley Glod Clark. (John decided to legally add the letter "e" to his name so it would be easier for people to pronounce.)

John is survived by his four children: Jack (Donna), of Vancouver, Wash., Mary Beth (Dave Jellen), of Papillion, Neb., Joe (Julie), of Saratoga, and Mike (Lindy), of Saratoga.

He is also survived by five sisters: Judy Glod Chofay of Woonsocket, R.I., Betsy Glod Lutz of Naples, Fla., Cecelia Glod McQuade of Bellingham, Mass., Connie Glod Marquedant of Hopkinton, Mass., and Josephine Glod Stingl of McLean, Va. John also had nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

John was born on Aug. 18, 1922 in Woonsocket, R. I. He graduated from high school in 1939 and left home to join the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). He got on the first available train, probably thinking he would end up somewhere on the east coast. Instead, his ride ended at a camp in Casper, Wyo. There he was kept busy doing manual labor, and sometimes tutoring CCC boys in math. Eventually, he was offered a scholarship to the University of Wyoming, where he graduated with a degree in civil engineering. While studying at the university and working at a nearby refinery, he met Jane Shively from Saratoga. They were married on Sept. 11, 1943, at St. Ann's Church in Saratoga.

In 1944 during World War II, John joined the Navy and worked as an engineer in the boiler room on a mine layer on the east coast. Jane and her mother, Pearle Shively, traveled there to be near John. His first son, Jack, was born soon after in 1945.

After the war, John and his family returned to Saratoga. They bought a house at 102 Rochester St., where they raised their family. John worked at his father-in-law's hardware store, Shively Hardware. Eventually, he and Jane took over ownership. After their sons, Joe and Mike, were working full-time at the store, John and Jane decided to spend the colder months in Sun City, Ariz., near Phoenix. They moved to their current home, 102 Rothwell, in 1993, the same year that they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. In 2008, they happily celebrated their 65th anniversary with family and friends.

John eventually retired from the active management of Shively Hardware but continued to enjoy the store, especially his connections with long-time customers and friends.

Both Jane and John loved football, both the University of Wyoming and the Denver Broncos. While both hunting and fishing were a large part of their earlier years, golf ultimately became their primary recreation. They always enjoyed the Sunday afternoon golf outings with many friends at the Saratoga Inn.

Through the years, John was also active in St. Ann's Church, the American Legion, and the Lion's Club. He held public office on the local school board and was a Carbon County Commissioner. He served on the Carbon County Memorial Hospital Board and was instrumental in bringing television to the Valley through Elk Mountain TV.

Funeral services were held May 6. A prayer service was held May 5. Both services were held at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Saratoga.

Pallbearers were Gib Blumenthal, Brandon Gray, Richard Hays, Joe Huntley, Hank Jewell and Tom Nickelson.

Honorary Pallbearers were Gary Babel, Doug Campbell, Marty Huntley, Marvin Lynch, Bob Randall and Darrell Stewart.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Corbett Medical Foundation, P.O. Box 343, Saratoga, WY 82331 or St. Ann's Catholic Church, P.O. Box 667, Saratoga, WY 82331.

Tributes and condolences may be offered online at http://www.carboncountyfuneralhome.com.