Cheryl Anne Glander

Cheryl Anne Pavlak Glander, 68, died peacefully on December 21, 2024, at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa, WI, with her husband and daughter at her side.

Cheryl was born on July 22, 1956 in Milwaukee, WI to David and Marilyn (nee Gutknecht) Pavlak and raised in Sussex, WI. She graduated from Hamilton High School in 1974 and later attended the University of Wisconsin and Waukesha County Technical College where she studied Home Economics. In 1976, she married the love of her life and husband of 48 years, Steven Glander. Together they built a beautiful life in West Bend, WI where they raised their two children, Amy and Michael. A few years after they married, Cheryl began working at St. Joseph’s Hospital in West Bend where she took great pride in her 30+ year-long career in Admissions, nurturing many lifelong friendships along the way.

Cheryl had a passion for all kinds of creative endeavors. She was a gifted sewer and quilter, having taught herself to sew when she was a young girl. Throughout her life, she created an array of smocked children’s garments, handmade quilts and other stunning pieces, many of which earned her blue ribbons and awards at the Wisconsin State Fair, Washington County Fair and other competitions. She even had some of her finer creations published in national sewing and quilting magazines.

Her creativity didn’t stop with her sewing machine—she also enjoyed knitting, paper crafting, gardening, cake decorating, cooking, canning, and baking all sorts of homemade sweet treats, many of which garnered her blue ribbons at the State Fair. Her husband and kids relished all of her culinary creations, including her famous buttery pound cakes and savory slow-simmered beef stew.

Her love for music and theater was also pervasive throughout her life. In high school, she enjoyed performing in plays and musicals. She saw many of her favorite musicians live in concert, including Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Elton John and The Beach Boys. She loved singing along to her favorite 80s songs on the radio and would get giddy with excitement when the stations started playing Christmas carols (never too early in her opinion). Her favorite way to experience the joy of music was through live musical theater. She attended nearly 100 Broadway shows in her lifetime, her favorites being Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Hamilton, Cats, Kinky Boots, Waitress, Beautiful: The Carol King Musical and Tootsie, just to name a few.

Cheryl also embraced traveling to new places and meeting new people. She was always planning her next trip, and her adventures took her to the southern Caribbean, California, Colorado, Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Alabama, Chicago, Door County, WI and Eagle River, WI.

In summer, she loved watching sunsets from her front porch, spending time in the garden and cheering on the Brewers with Steve. More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and beloved dogs, Molly and Lily.

Cheryl had an endless capacity for love. She had so many friends in her life; there were no strangers. She embodied the true spirit of kindness and touched countless lives. She will be remembered for her vibrant personality, warm smile, and willingness to help others. She leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion. Many were there to care for her at the end of her life, and we thank you all for the support you provided to Cheryl and our family. We were blessed to have her in our lives and will miss her forever.

Those Cheryl leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband Steve and daughter Amy; her brother Greg Pavlak; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Cheryl was preceded in death by her son Michael; sister Susan Kercher; niece Melissa Kercher; nephew Daniel Kercher; brother-in-law David Taylor; and in-laws Darlene (Casper) Glander and Howard Glander.

Funeral services for Cheryl will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Church (809 S. 6th Avenue, West Bend, WI 53095) on Friday, January 3, 2025. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Her service will start at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Hesse officiating. Burial will take place the following morning at Washington County Memorial Park in West Bend.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family with the arrangements. Friends and family may offer condolences online at https://www.myrhum-patten.com.