Robert W. (Bob) Gleich, age 58, of Clancy May 13, 1964 -August 29, 2022
On the evening of Monday August 29th Bob passed on surrounded by family at his home. Bob was born in Helena to Pius and Kathleen Gleich. He attended Helena schools graduating from Helena High School in 1982. Bob was a ‘jack of all trades’ including working as a farrier and had a home oxygen business and a towing company for a time. Bob was a law enforcement officer for most of his adult life starting at the Helena Police Department and retiring from Jefferson County Sheriff’s office as Chief Deputy in 2018. When he wasn’t on duty he and wife Susan were busy building many homes in the area.
Bob was first diagnosed with a rare blood cancer in April of 2019 and fought valiantly until his death. Bob spent a week in the ICU in Salt Lake City at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital and returned home on August 23rd to a wonderful homecoming at the Montana City Fire Department and an escort by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. There were many people lining his drive, waving and showing their love for Bob. We want to thank each and every one of you who participated for your love and kindness.
Bob wanted to write his own obituary but was unable to complete it due to being so ill. The following is what he was able to complete:
Let’s have a Funeral
Okay we’re going to talk about the people that made an impact in my life, not so much about me but the people who enriched my life. Life started in the summer of 1986 when I met Sue. She was a young, vibrant Lass working in the Sheriff’s office. After multiple failed attempts for a date she finally gave in when I got injured playing softball. With Sue came a package deal. The little blonde haired blue eyed, polite little thing, Sarah. She stole my heart and I knew that one day she would be family. During the summer of Sarah’s 18th Birthday while we were camping, she called me Dad for the first time and that solidified my family and I realized that I had broken through that barrier. Susie is my rock, always the levelheaded one who grounded me when I needed to be grounded the most. Susie blessed me with the greatest gift one can receive, our daughter Shannon who has been tugging on my heart strings since. Shannon has always made me a proud Father. Over the next several years Sarah produced 2 beautiful granddaughters.
Although those girls didn’t have a chance to know their Dad a new man stepped in and filled that role. A man I am very proud to call my son in law……..
Bob felt fortunate to have both of his sons-in-law, Corey and Khristopher in his daughters’ lives. They are a blessing and trusted partners in taking care of his daughters and grandchildren. Bob was a very proud Father and Grandfather. He was known as Papa to his Grand Children, Baylee Toney, Cameron Toney, Kaleb Wald and Jacob Dowling. He was the loudest and proudest fan court side while watching Baylee and Cameron compete in Volleyball and Basketball. His grandsons Kaleb and Jacob were always eager to learn from their Papa and he enjoyed doing projects with them.
In his early years Bob enjoyed photography, snowmobiling, water skiing, motorcycle riding, camping and trail rides on the razors. Bob was an avid golfer and would play whenever he could. He had many golf buddies who were very near and dear to him.
Bob is survived by his wife Susan, Daughters – Sarah (Khris) Dowling, Shannon (Corey) Sandusky. Brother – David (Vicki) Gleich, Sisters – Barb (Bob) Kenison, Sandy (Emie) Hughes, Sherri (Craig) Plummer, Nieces – Kelli (Josh) Leonard, Katie (Danny) Braley, Cassie Hughes, Kelsi (Zach)Furlong; Nephews – Jeremy (Jen) Kenison, Christopher Kenison, Lance (Kaylee) Kenison, Brian (Nina) Kenison, Cody Plummer, Zane (Hannah) Gleich, Josh Hughes, Jerod (Katherine) Hughes, Joey (Monica) Hughes, Jacob Hughes, Jesse Hughes.Uncle- James (Dixie) Gleich. Many beloved cousins, great nieces and great nephews and our great friends and neighbors Alex and Kendra Waddell whom Bob and Susan considered our adopted children.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Pius and Kathleen Gleich. Special Thanks to: Doctor Pemmaraju and Doctor Qazilbash and their staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, for taking such good care of Bob and giving it their all to cure him. The Nurses, Doctors and Staff at St. Peters Cancer Center for their loving care and kindness. The Nurses, Doctors and staff at Huntsman Cancer Hospital for taking such good care of Bob and for making it possible to bring him home. Genevieve (Nurse Genny) for being the kindest most caring person we have ever met. Our Niece Kelsi for flying to Salt Lake and riding back home while taking care of Bob.
The Rosary will be prayed at 11:30 a.m. with a funeral Mass to be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Friday, September 16th at Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W. Riggs Street in East Helena. Burial will follow the Mass at St. Ann’s Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial in the fellowship hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider Memorial contributions to: Jefferson High School Booster Club – PO Box 1032, Boulder, MT 59632 Jefferson County Food Share-PO Box 244, Boulder, MT 59632 or any Law Enforcement Benevolent Organization.
Service Schedule
Rosary
11:30 a.m.
Friday September 16, 2022
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday September 16, 2022
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the Mass
Friday September 16, 2022
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday September 16, 2022
Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Rosary
11:30 a.m.
Friday September 16, 2022
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday September 16, 2022
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the Mass
Friday September 16, 2022
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday September 16, 2022
Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Share
Dave Anderson says
Sue and the rest of Bob’s family…
You have my most sincere sympathy in this difficult time. Bobby was a great officer and a great guy. He will be missed by those of us who knew and worked with him.
May God be with each of you.
Karen Bryson says
Dear Sue and families of Bobby,
So very sorry to hear of Bob’s death. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lynn Cheek (Tobol) says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 💔
Chuck Winders says
I have really Good memories of Bob and I Towing. He stopped by two months ago or so to have me look at painting a truck, at my shop and it was great to see him. I’m really sorry for your loss, He was one of the good guys, RIP My Friend
Marie Francis says
Thank you Bob for the dedicated service for our community. May your memory be a blessing to all.
Thank you,
Marie and Jason Francis
John and Betty Brewer says
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Sending healing prayers to his whole family. May God hold you all tight and let you feel his loving arms around you. RIP Bob, you are free from all pain and suffering.
Barbara Mary Messer says
S0 Sorry Sue and family. Many memories with the two of you. Bob smile lite up a room. Love and Light!
Sally Buckles says
I called Bobby ‘Mr. Oxygen Man’ from when he delivered oxygen to the Boulder Ambulance many years ago. We continued a friendship after my retirement from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office and his coming to work there. He will be missed. Prayers to Sue and the rest of the family. 51-3 Ret.
Ron Weber says
Bob and family, I only knew you from Helena High, but you were an easy guy to like. Rest in peace friend…
Becky Warner says
Bob was a good man with a good heart. We worked together for many years. He was one of my favorite deputies and my favorite chief deputy. He taught me how to do crossword puzzles. Every evening when he’d first check on, he’d come to the office and we’d do the crossword puzzle together. I’ll never forget my first ride along with him when he brought me to the barn to show me his sister’s dead horse that hadn’t been buried yet. Some people might have thought that was weird, but I’m a horse girl. I can’t think of Bob and not smile with happy memories. My sincerest sympathy goes to Sue and the girls. Bob loved you dearly. He was so proud of Sarah and Shannon, plus the grandchildren. Cameron was his buddy. He told me lots of stories of her. Happy trails to my all-time favorite 51-7.
Brett Spivey says
Although Bob and I have been out of touch for many years, I have memories of our childhood like they were yesterday. My condolences to the family and he will be missed.
Jeff Beck says
Bob and I met during our elementary days at C.R. Anderson and became quick friends. Over the years we would occasionally run into each other at the softball fields or the golf course, but I hadn’t seen Bob in a few years. My condolences to his family for your loss. Rest in Peace Bob, you will be missed.
Amy Schmidt Ray says
I am so sorry to hear this news about Bob. I hadn’t realized he was sick. Bob was one of my closest cousins. Uncle Pius and Aunt Kathleen were kind of enough to let me stay with them for part of the summer one time, and we had so much fun. Bob was a such a terrific person to be around, and a kind person (when he wasn’t teasing me endlessly!), and you can tell as much by the wonderful partial obituary he was able to write.
He left quite a legacy and will be very much missed. My condolences to his immediate and extended family.
Lisa (Richards) Wallace says
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Bob and I went to high school together and in that time, shared several classes. I will always remember him as a very kind, friendly person who would do anything for a friend. I hope your family finds comfort in knowing that Bob touched many lives and will be remembered as a wonderful person.
Melissa Loy says
I’m so sorry for your families loss! Bob was such a sweetheart!! I wish you all beautiful memories and love!!
Berkley (and Sammi) Conrad says
I called Bob, “Uncle” Bob. Uncle Bob, thank you for the hundreds (maybe thousands) of hours riding around the dirt roads of Jefferson County. Most of those hours where in the middle of the night with plenty of stories of life lessons already learned. You provide a major part of the foundation of my law enforcement career. You saved my life on the shoulder of Interest 15 and taught me how to survive when back-up was nowhere around. Many good memories with you have come crashing back into clear focus with the news of your passing. Thank you for taking the time to mentor, and most importantly, be friend to 16 year old kid wanting to be a cop.
Sherri says
Berkley(and Sammi),
I was moved by your tribute to Bobby. My name is Sherri and I was lucky enough to be called his sister. Like you, Bobby was a mentor to me also. As my big brother he taught me so many things like how to ride a bike, fall off, get 24 stitches in my knee, but not to be afraid, and get back on and try again. He was the one I called when I got into trouble because I was too scared to call my parents. Only to find out that he told them what I did so dad wouldn’t be quiet as mad when I finally worked up the courage to tell him myself.
He was a hero to a lot of people. His selflessness was unmatched as he would help anyone in need. He fought his cancer not for himself, but his family, who he loved more than anything in this world. He was so brave at the end, and not afraid to die because he knew the Lord was taking him home. I’m going to miss my brother every day, but I know he’s up in heaven watching over all of us.
Becky Warner says
Sherri, Bob told me so many stories of his family and growing up years. He talked of being scared of Barbara but told me so many stories of his sweet little sister who was the angel of the family. He loved you so much. He was kind of an extra big brother to me, too. He was ready to go confront a guy who dumped me and I was in my 30s. It was hilarious. He had a protective streak.
Marilyn A Craft for Boulder Kiwanis says
The Boulder Kiwanis Club is sincerely sorry for your loss. Bob’s generous donation to our Club has enabled us to set up a scholarship fund for JHS graduates based on their community service. Since 2019 we have awarded four scholarships. It also enabled us to install playground equipment in Centennial Park in Boulder. A donation by the Club has been made in Bob’s name to the Jefferson High School Booster Club. We hope knowing the difference Bob made has already impacted our community and will continue to do so for years to come. With thoughts and prayers – The Boulder Kiwanis Club