Candice Pearl Gladson

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Candice Pearl Gladson, who left us on January 21st, 2025. Born in Wisconsin on August 2, 1947, to Garnate Erickson and Robert Kolenz, Candice spent summers on the lake in Wisconsin.  She built a beautiful life and loving family in Naperville, Illinois, moved to San Diego, California, where she truly flourished, and eventually settled in Colorado.

Growing up on at lake, boating, and waterskiing instilled a love for the water and adventure. Candice was an avid snow skier, scuba diver, and amateur pilot.  While living in Illinois, her first boat, The Illusion, added to a lifelong passion for the open water. Her second boat The Miss Kate allowed her to take longer and more adventurous excursions on Lake Michigan.

In San Diego, she loved living in La Jolla Shores. She eventually traded land life for full-time ocean life aboard her sailboat Destiny. It was there that she found a special joy, embracing both the calm and adventure that the water brought her. Later, she moved to Colorado to be closer to her daughter and two of her seven grandchildren, where she embraced new passions, hiking with friends, pet-sitting for friends and loved ones, and making lasting connections through her work as a school bus driver and at the local Kroger grocery store, where she developed even more friendships.

Throughout her journey, Candice was a dedicated Realtor, always going above and beyond for her clients. Above all, she was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and godmother to her niece, Sara Heeg. Her love and support for her family and friends knew no bounds.

She is survived by her children, Michael Gladson (Elena), and grandchildren, Jack Gladson and Grace Gladson; her son, David Gladson; and grandchildren, Hunter Estep, Morgan Gladson, and Skylar Gladson; and their mother, Jennifer Gladson. Her daughter, Kate Gladson Harbaugh (David); and grandchildren, Ella K. Lang and Edy K. Lang. Her sister, Pamela Heeg (Conrad); her nieces Jennifer Heeg, Laura Menard, and Sara Heeg, as well as numerous extended family members and dear friends’ memory in their hearts.

A celebration of her life will be held on her first heavenly birthday, August 2, 2025, at the Beardance Country Club from 10 AM to 3 PM, a place she adored for golfing, socializing, and spending time with her family and loved ones.

May she forever sail the seas of heaven, surrounded by peace and love.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Candice Pearl Gladson, please visit our floral store.