Michael Charles Gladbach

Mike Gladbach passed away on September 11, 2025. Mike was born on May 27, 1959 to Ralph and Rose Gladbach of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marian, their daughter Claire Benge, (Mike), grandson Owen of Utah and his siblings Bill, Tom, and Tina of Wisconsin, and Andrew and Dixie of California.

Mike held a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University. He was also a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Virginia.

Mike Had two 20+ year careers. The first career was with the US Army from 1982-2002. His military assignments included:

-Platoon Leader, 570 th US Army Artillery Group Handorf, Germany (1983-1985)

-Platoon Leader and Assistant Operations Officer, 16th Engineer Battalion, 1st Armor Division, Furth, Germany (1985-1986)

-Adjutant and Company Commander, 8th Engineer Battalion, 1st Calvary Division, Fort Hood Texas (1986-1989)

-Purdue University, Masters Program Hydrologic Systems (1989-1991)

-Civil Engineer, Rock Island District US Army Corps of Engineers (1991-1994)

-Operations Officer and Executive Officer, 70th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armor Division, Fort Riley, Kansas (1994-1997)

-Director, Directorate of Public Works, 17th Area Support Group, Camp Zama, Japan (1997-2000)

-Deputy District Engineer, Mobile District US Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Alabama (2000-2002)

-He retired from active duty on December 31st , 2002

Mike began his second career on January 1st 2003 as the City Engineer for Sandy City from 2003-2016. In this position he managed such projects as the 13th East Tunnel, the pedestrian bridge on 13th East and 10100 South, and the expansion of Monroe Street. In January 2017, Mike was promoted to Sandy City Public Works Director. Three weeks into this job, a 4-alarm fire destroyed half of the city’s plow trucks, the administrative offices, and caused extensive smoke damage to the rest of the facility. He advocated for rebuilding an improved facility for all of “his folks.” He was so proud of the men and women of his directorate and wanted the very best for them. Mike was also involved in the development and building of the recently opened Sandy Transfer Station. He retired, again, in June of 2024.

Mike loved to ski and hunt. He and his daughter, Claire, would jokingly refer to their Sunday ski outings as attending the Church of Alta. Mike, his brothers and friends would hunt antelope, deer and elk. His proudest moment was shooting his trophy bull elk, affectionately known as Dewey, on the Manti. Dewey’s is proudly mounted in his home…much to his wife’s chagrin.

Mike will be remembered as a man of integrity and strength of character. He worked hard to provide for not only his family but, also for every solider and employee for whom he had the pleasure to serve. He will be greatly missed.

A visitation will be held on October 9th from 3:00-5:00 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary (1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd (10600 S), Sandy Utah). In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Cancer Society is encouraged.