Henry Weston Gleiss

Attorney Henry “Hank” Weston Gleiss, 85, of St. Joseph, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at Caretel Inns of Lakeland in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, November 7, 2014 at First Congregational Church, 2001 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, with Rev. Dr. Robert Braman officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, November 6, 2014 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Lighthouse Forever Fund (Berrien Community Foundation or directly to the city of St. Joseph at Berrien Community Foundation 2900 S. State St., Suite 2E, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085, 269-983-3304; City of St. Joseph at 700 Broad St., 983-5541) or the charity of the donor’s choice. Those wishing to sign Hank’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Hank was born November 22, 1928 in Detroit, MI to George and Mary Gleiss. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at Denison University in Granville, OH in 1951. In 1954 Hank graduated from the University of Michigan Law School where he was president of the Student Bar Association. Hank married his college sweetheart Joan Christopher on July 23, 1955 in Euclid, OH. After serving in the U.S. Army he and his family settled in St. Joseph. Hank became a partner in the Gray, Gray, Globensky and Gleiss law firm. He practiced law for over 50 years earning a reputation as an honest, diligent and successful trial attorney. He was past president of the Berrien County Bar Association and was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States in 1967 in Washington DC with his wife and two sons in attendance. Hank was active in many civic organizations. He served as President of the Benton Harbor Kiwanis Club, President of the Twin Cities Jaycees and Vice President of governmental affairs for the local Chamber of Commerce (now Cornerstone). He was a member of First Congregational Church of St. Joseph serving as Moderator and Chairman of several boards. Hank was a long time member and past president of Berrien Hills Country Club. He enjoyed many great and not so great rounds with his Wednesday afternoon golf buddies. He shared his passion for sports with his sons. He coached their Little League and Babe Ruth teams in Fairplain and the Lake Michigan Catholic Golf team. Hank was an avid University of Michigan fan spending countless Saturday afternoons in the “Big House” cheering for his beloved Wolverines. Hank enjoyed his annual fly-in fishing trips to Northern Ontario with his sons and close friends. Many fish were caught and many tales were told. Winters were spent in Lakeland, FL, watching his Detroit Tigers. Hank’s last Florida years were enjoyed in Venice, FL at Bird Bay. Hank and Joan traveled extensively. An Alaskan cruise in 2008 with the kids and grandkids brought great joy to Hank. He cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren. Hank was always there with a proud smile on his face. He was their Poppy. Multiple physical problems drastically changed his lifestyle during the last few years. He faced these challenges with faith, courage and his never ending sense of humor. As one of the dedicated caregivers at Caretel said, “Hank was the fun one.” He will always be an inspiration to his loved ones. He loved life to the fullest and everyone who was a part of his life. We will miss him every day. Hank is survived by his wife, Joan; two sons, Kent (Stacy) Gleiss of St. Joseph and Keith (Melanie) Gleiss of Coloma; 5 grandchildren, Travis, Max, Leo, Allison and Hank; and 2 step grandchildren, Reiko and Taiko. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Mary Gleiss, brother George Gleiss, and sister-in-law Joyce.