Gladys Chellstorp Dunn's Obituary
Gladys Chellstorp Dunn passed away peacefully in the company of her loved ones on August 25,
2023, in Lakeland Florida where she has resided close to her family since 1999.
Gladys was born in Birmingham, AL on June 4 ,1937, to Swedish immigrants Claus and Ruth
Chellstorp where she resided with her gregarious younger brother, Buddy. She is survived in her
immediate family by her son, David and daughter, Kathryn (Mark Peters). Grandchildren Joseph
Michael Oertel, Jessica Lackey and Gavin Leger, Trevor, Bailey and Jake Peters. Joseph called his
Grandmother Mema. She will always be remembered as Mema.
Gladys met her husband, Roy in 1954 and the young couple married on September 8, 1956, in
Birmingham, AL. Their honeymoon was spent taking in all that Miami Beach was in the 1950’s.
Gladys went along side Roy as he served in the US ARMY before locating to Pensacola, FL in
1960. The Love of her life Roy passed in 2015. They will be celebrating their 67th Wedding Anniversary on Sept 8.
In addition to being a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Gladys spent time working in the St.
Louis County Courthouse Probate Division. A job she enjoyed once she and Roy became “empty
nesters” along with part time work at Belk Lindsey in Greenville, SC.
Gladys spent time on the tennis courts over the years where she made lifelong friendships. She
was a percussionist in the Fairfield High School Marching Band. She very much enjoyed being a
Homemaker raising her family in Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, FL in the 60’s and 70’s.
Gladys loved cooking as did her mother, this was then passed on to her son, David. She could
whip up the best southern fried chicken and fried okra, collard greens you could ask for. Most of
all she enjoyed the company of others and socializing with anyone and everyone. If there was a
party Gladys wanted to be there. If not, she would figure out a way to make her own, always
bringing people together.
She followed her Faith with the Lutheran Church in various places including St. Louis, MO,
Greenville, SC and most recently here at St. Paul Lutheran. It was Gladys's wish that for anyone
who would like to donate, please direct to St. Paul Lutheran Church -School Division.
Gladys will be forever in the hearts of her family, friends and all to whom she gave love.
Rest in Peace Mema, we love you dearly.
A memorial service will be held Friday, September 15, 2023 at 3:30 pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church.
What’s your fondest memory of Gladys?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gladys?
Share a story where Gladys' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gladys you’ll never forget.
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