Gerald Kenneth Glasser

Gerald Kenneth Glasser, life-long resident of Gaylord, MI, died on December 18, 2021 at the age of 85 after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joan, and his children, Laura (David) Hansmann, Kenneth (Vicky) Glasser, Ruth (Alfredo) Lorenzo of East Greenwich, RI, Melanie (Joel) Riling, Melissa (Dale) Edwards, as well as grandchildren Zachary (Leigh) Hansmann, Alison (Ross) Scheer, Nicholas Hansmann, Margeaux (David) Ralston, Tyler Glasser, Ana (Don) Bressette, Bettina (Pete) Bellone, Christina Lorenzo (Michael Costanza), Melissa (Bryant) Abbuhl, Michaela (Alex) Rajotte, Laura, Nina, Alfredo and Roberto Lorenzo, Katie (Ryan) Lamott, Elliot (Katherine) Riling, Justin (Chloe) Riling, Emma and Ethan Edwards and great grandchildren that all loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his brother, James R. Glasser and his parents.

Jerry was born in Gaylord on October 12, 1936, to Robert K. and Marjory R. Glasser. He graduated from Gaylord Agricultural School and attended college at Central Michigan University. He married Joan Wohlfeil on March 24, 1956, his high school sweetheart. Together they raised 5 devoted children and enjoyed their 19 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. He worked for 50 years as a self-employed insurance agent, in the family business started by his father, Glasser Insurance Agency. The building he owned on Main Street that housed the Insurance Agency was one of three destroyed by the horrendous fire of January 14, 1984. Jerry and Irineo Matias, MD, partnered to build the new 3 story building aptly named by Jerry as the Phoenix building, as it arose from the ashes of the fire. He was active in the Republican Party, serving as Chairman at one point, as well as on the Board of Review in Bagley Township for many years.  After retirement, he and Joan enjoyed wintering in Naples, Florida.

Jerry was a life-long member of the Gaylord Area Eagles, a member of the Northland Sportsmen’s Club as well as the Elks Club. Jerry enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially at the family cabin, The Flat Rock Club in Ralph, Michigan. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He spent his time restoring automobiles, tinkering, wood working, gardening, relishing the great outdoors, the warmth of south Florida, playing cards and reading. He was known to be self-reliant, intelligent, hard-working, with a love of adventure and being willing to try his hand at any project. He was generous with his time, knowledge and help and loved to participate in and direct the many projects undertaken by family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home with visitation from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions in his memory to the Otsego County Historical Society, P.O. Box 1223, Gaylord, MI  49734.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com