Rev. Dr. Delton J. Glebe January 1919 - May 2011

In Loving Memory of Rev. Dr. Delton J. Glebe
January 4, 1919 - May 11,2011 Delton was born on January 4, 1919, in Normanby Township, son of Windom and Olga Glebe. Following his graduation from Hanover High School, he worked in accounting and administration for the Swift Canadian Company, Hanover. He married his life-long love, Verna Binkle on August 21, 1948.

He received his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Divinity degrees through Waterloo College and Seminary, and was ordained into the Lutheran Ministry. He received his Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Counselling from Boston University, and his Doctorate in Theology from Knox College, Toronto School of Theology, University of Toronto. He also received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Delton served as a Parish Pastor in New Dundee and Mannheim as well as Mission Developer in organizing Mount Zion Lutheran Church in Waterloo. As Chair of the College and Seminary Board of Governors he was extensively involved in negotiations resulting in Waterloo College and Seminary becoming Waterloo Lutheran University. He became a full-time member of the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary faculty, and was Principal and Dean of the Seminary from 1970-1984. Delton became well known for his courses in Aging and Change, Death and Dying, and Current Ethical Issues taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels. He continued as a motivated and inspiring professor until his retirement in 2002, at the age of 84. Delton was a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, and a charter member and former president of the Canadian Association of Pastoral Education. Throughout his career, Delton provided presentations and workshops in the areas of gerontology and thanatology, touching the lives of countless people in all walks of life.

Delton was given the titles Principal Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Care and Counselling by Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, and Pastor Emeritus at Mount Zion Lutheran Church, Waterloo.

Delton and Verna created a close and loving family, raising 4 children, Donna, Diane, David, and Deborah. They cherished their 9 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters. During his 63 years of marriage, Delton was a model of strength and commitment, providing his family with a foundation of unconditional love and support. Delton's children and grandchildren remain keenly aware of how truly blessed they were to have him as their father and grandfather.

Delton was a devoted and charismatic pastor, keen administrator, respected and valued colleague, inspired and inspiring leader, outstanding professor, trusted mentor, wise pastoral counsellor, loving husband, father and grandfather, and a true and loyal friend.

Delton John Glebe was most certainly a 'bright light' to all who knew him. No one can forget his warmth, sense of humour and supportive presence. We are thankful for his unique place in each of our lives, and are assured in knowing he will live on in our hearts, our memories and our actions.