Glenn Kristek, 82, passed away peacefully on February 20th, 2024, at his home in Springfield, Missouri with loved ones by his side. Glenn was born on November 6, 1941, in Verona, Missouri to William and Sophia Kristek.

Glenn moved from his family's farm in Verona to Springfield in 1959 to start school at Missouri State University. The day after his first college class, he began working at Wickman Gardens. Over the years, he formed a partnership with owner, Gus Wickman, and Glenn went on to purchase the business from him in 1972.

For years Glenn served his customers and grew the business now known as Wickman's Garden Village. His son Chris and his wife Amber Kristek, Wickman's current owners, continue the family's legacy today. After retiring, Glenn celebrated Wickman's 100th anniversary in May 2022 with a ribbon-cutting event sponsored by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. When asked what his favorite flower was by Springfield Business Journal, he said the red rose because it fills the senses with beauty, something sturdy, and satisfying.

Glenn's greatest joy in life was serving others from his heart which included his family and friends, his church, and those in need around our area. He was involved with and supported The Kitchen and always kept the grounds in pristine shape at his church, St. Agnes. He owned a farm, called Bubbling Brooks, near Crane, Missouri, and drove his truck to the farm as often as possible to spend time mowing the fields. It was open land with two joining creeks and his favorite getaway.

Glenn is survived by his wife, Donna, and was a dedicated husband to her for sixty-one precious years, He was a loving father to his three children, Kellie (Damon) Riehl, Chris (Amber) Kristek, and Kathe Kristek all of Springfield, MO. He was a doting grandfather to nine grandchildren, Hannah (Dustin) Vohs, Sarah (Greg) Downey, Lydia Riehl, Kindall, Kamrynn, Kristian, and Karrington Kristek, Eloise and Oscar Bruton, along with five great-grandchildren Everett, Graham, and Liza Downey, Esmé and Damon Vohs.

Glenn is also survived by his brothers Bill (Jane) Kristek and Kenny (Linda) Kristek; sisters Sue (Kenneth) Mettlach and Dorothy (Dennis) Gold and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended relatives. Glenn is preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Helen Rapp and Evelyn Schmidt.

A special thank you to the people at Integrity Home Care + Hospice in Springfield for their loving care and support during his final years.

A visitation service is scheduled at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Friday, March 1st, 2024 from 5 pm to 7 pm, with a prayer service from 5 pm to 5:15 pm. A burial mass will be held on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church at 11 am. An Interment service will immediately follow the mass at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made to Springfield Catholic Schools Central, 2340 S. Eastgate Springfield, MO 65809.