Richard Francis Glackler

Richard Francis Glackler was born November 6, 1943 in Mankato, Minnesota to Arthur and Clara Glackler. Richard grew up in Mankato, graduating from Mankato High in 1963. He married his best friend, Janet (Manderfeld), on December 27, 1969.

Richard served as an E6 Staff Sergeant in the US Army from 1964 to 1970 and completed two tours in Vietnam. He was also in the Army Reserve from 1970 to 1977. As the Sergeant of the Motor pool, he acquired the nickname Motor Daddy. After returning state-side from the service, Richard worked at Hubbard Milling as a millwright, where he eventually retired from in 2006. 

Richard was known to many as Richard, Rich, Motor Daddy, Beanie, Dad, Papa and Santa. While he thoroughly enjoyed being Santa Claus with Jan accompanying as Mrs. Claus, he would tell you being Papa was the greatest title of all. He enjoyed spending time with family, spoiling grandchildren and great-grandchildren, woodworking projects like creating doll cradles for granddaughters, camping, fishing, street rods, and Harley Davidsons. He was a proud veteran always wearing a Vietnam Veteran hat, showing his dedication by being a member of the Post #37 Legion, The Last Man Club of Vietnam War Era in St. Peter MN, and The Lastman Club Vietnam Veterans of Southern Minnesota Last Man Club of the Morson-Ario-Strand VFW Post950 in Mankato, MN. Richard was a member of the Auto Restorers Car Club of Southern Minnesota. He and Janet would take their ‘29 Model A street rod to car shows, cruise-ins, Ruttles in St. Peter, and enjoyed taking grandkids riding in the rumble seat to the Dairy Queen.

Richard passed away on August 1, 2024 at Mayo in Mankato, MN at the age of 80.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jan; brother, Ronnie of Mankato; son, Sam (Trista) of La Center, WA; daughter, Michelle of Madison Lake; 7 grandchildren, Joseph Glackler, Samantha Mullinax, Adam Glackler, Ben Strand, Jack Glackler, Wyatt Glackler, and Janaleine Glackler; and 5 great-grandchildren, Evan, Briar, Waylon, Wrenleigh, and Henley. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Larry and Steve; and sister, Katheryn.


A memorial service will be held at 1pm, Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary with visitation two hours prior. A lunch will follow the service and burial with military honors at Calvary Cemetery, Mankato MN after the luncheon. Livestreaming will be available at www.mankatomortuary.com

In lieu of flowers, Richard’s family would prefer donations be made to the Post #37 Legion in St. Peter, MN, The Last Man Club of Vietnam War Era in St. Peter MN, or The Lastman Club Vietnam Veterans of Southern Minnesota Last Man Club of the Morson-Ario-Strand VFW Post 950 in Mankato, MN.

The family would like to give special thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses at the May Hospital ICU unit. 

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary.
Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.