Gloria Jean Bischof

Gloria Jean Bischof (née Grotpeter), of Saint Charles, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the age of 85.

Gloria is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, James MacDonald Bischof, who affectionately called her “Dode” or “Sam”; her sister, Leanne (Robert) Gordon; her three children, Craig (Joyce) Bischof, Stephanie (Paul) Parson, and Keith (Marilyn) Bischof; her six grandchildren, Mackenzie (Mary Guntli) Parson, Olivia (Alex Hunter) Parson, Claire Parson, Jacob (Katy) Bischof, Jessica (Alex) Shields, and Megan (Jesse) Ratliff; and her great-grandchildren, Elizabella Guntli, Roman Doerle, Summer Parson, Lucy Parson, Maverick Parson, Piper Hunter, Winter Hunter, Barrett Hunter, Henry Bischof, Lucas Bischof, Eleanor Shields, Bennett Shields, and Hudson Ratliff.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Jane Grotpeter (née Maunder).

Gloria grew up learning the values of thrift, resourcefulness, and hard work from her parents, who had lived through the Great Depression. As a child, she spent cherished time with her grandparents. She learned to tend a garden alongside her father (who gave her the nickname “Butch”), learned about cooking from her mother, and learned to sew from her grandmothers, all of which were skills that would become an important part of her life and eventually be shared with generations of her own family. She had an adventurous and curious spirit and often wanted to be outside with the boys, exploring and seeing what adventure might come next. She was fascinated by nature, bugs, and science and enjoyed learning how the world around her worked. Her love of animals also began early, with Richard the collie, birds, and a rabbit among her childhood pets. She was active in Girl Scouts, Job’s Daughters, and her church, where she sang in the choir.

Gloria and Jim met while attending Hazelwood High School and eloped in January 1960, later celebrating their marriage with a church wedding in 1967. They raised their three children in Spanish Lake and later Saint Charles. Gloria was a devoted partner to Jim, caring for their family while also working alongside him for many years as he built his successful insurance agency.

Gloria’s working life reflected just how capable and versatile she was. During her years with the Hazelwood and Saint Charles school districts, she worked in school cafeterias, supported the science department, served as a nurse’s aide and library aide, worked as an office secretary, and later as an administrative assistant to school principals. Her natural interest in science made her work with the science department especially fitting. Her dedication and outstanding work were recognized with awards during her career. She retired from the Saint Charles School District in 2004.

At home, Gloria took great pride in creating a warm and welcoming place for her family. She kept an immaculate home, was an exceptional cook, and was especially known for her Thanksgiving dinners, creamed spinach, sweet spaghetti, chicken à la king, pork chops, and meatloaf. She was also creative and artistic, enjoying sewing, quilting, needlepoint, and crafting, and many of her handmade pieces became treasured family keepsakes. She loved reading, puzzles, trips to the library, spending time with her grandchildren, and lunch at St. Louis Bread Company.

Gloria was the true matriarch of the family and the person who kept everyone connected. She organized holidays, reunions, and family gatherings and contributed her artistic talents to many of her children’s and grandchildren’s weddings. At one family event, someone affectionately remarked, “Gloria is just like Julie, the Cruise Director on The Love Boat!” It was a fitting description of the woman who so often kept everyone organized, included, and together.

Gloria loved nature and the simple pleasures of being outdoors. She was a good sport who went tent camping, cooked outdoors, enjoyed fishing, and appreciated the beauty and wonder around her. Her lifelong love of animals continued as she and Jim shared their home with many beloved dogs, including Andrew the black poodle, Chester the basset hound, and their many beagles: Penny, Buttons, Beau, Puddin’, Penny #2, and Buddy, just to name a few.

As a young girl, Gloria dreamed of becoming a nurse and of having six children. Although life took a different path, her natural instinct to nurture and care for others was evident throughout her life. Family, friends, and co-workers knew they could trust and count on her. Whether she was carting grandkids to their orthodontist appointments, babysitting, caring for a sick or injured pet, tending to family members’ injuries and ailments, or opening her home for extended stays of all kinds, Gloria was always happy to help.

Gloria also strongly believed in independence and the abilities of women. She encouraged the girls and women in her family to be capable, confident, and unafraid to tackle something simply because it was traditionally considered a man’s job. Her message was simple: “Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because you’re a woman.” She lived that message herself through her resourcefulness and determination.

Gloria’s greatest gift was the way she loved. She gave generously of herself and made a point of spending intentional time with each of her grandchildren. She had a way of making the people she loved feel important, cared for, and special.

Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the traditions she created, the handmade treasures and recipes she leaves behind, and the confidence, independence, and determination she instilled in the generations that followed her. Most of all, she will be remembered for the love and care she gave so freely throughout her life.

Gloria was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by her family and by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

“It’s hard to forget someone who gave you so much.”