Donald Francis Glaeser's Obituary
Donald Francis Glaeser passed away July 30, 2022 at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Mn. at the age of 94. Don was born in Oshkosh, Wi., December 19th,1927, the son of John and Helen (Norkofski) Glaeser. He attended St.Vincent's Catholic School and Oshkosh High School. Upon graduation from High School, he enlisted in the Navy, serving his country during World War11. Returning to Wi., he enrolled in Marquette University, Milwaukee, and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Shortly after graduating, he married Charlotte Bice and together they were blessed with three children, He was employed by Weyenberg Shoe Co. in Milwaukee, later moving to Cleveland, Ohio and Bloomington, Mn. with his family. Don became dedicated to the shoe industry and that became his life- time career. He and his family eventually settled in Rochester, Mn. where he purchased O&B Shoe Co. on Broadway Avenue, later acquiring shoe stores in Hanny's Dept. Store, Apache Mall, and Duluth,Mn.
Don became a successful business man, always caring and respecting his employees and customers, many of them coming from the Mayo Clinic. He frequently commented on how much he learned by being patient and listening, always displaying a strong work ethic. Serving on numerous councils and city boards were most important to him, not only as a business owner, but interest in the city of Rochester. Upon retirement, he continued to work part-time at Renning's Flowers and Hiller's Carpets in Rochester, never wanting to lose contact with customers and the satisfaction of keeping busy. Don was a passionate fisherman and treasured the many trips to Canada, fishing with his children, other family members and friends. At the end of a long day on the lakes, he savored a "gently-stirred" gin martini! Throughout his life, he had a love for sports, the out-doors and caring for nature. He excelled in tennis, (winning State Championships), racquet-ball, basketball (Major "AA" League Champs), and golf, always enjoying hunting, reading, traveling, AWAYS a Green Bay Packer fan, and continually concerned about animal well-fare, wild life and the protection of animals. He was most committed to the support of the Mayo Clinic and was presented with a special "Recognition" award as a frequent and often called upon, Universal Blood donor.
Don is survived by his wife, Charlotte,(67 years of marriage), daughter, Kathryn Marshall, sons, Mark and Michael Glaeser, sister, Judith Hergert, brother-in law, Robert Hergert, sister-in-law, Virginia Bolte, grand-children, Aubrey and Matthew Marshall, and Wolfe, Keiram, Brenna. and Madeline Glaeser. Further survivors include nieces: Jody Hergert-Andresen, (David), and Carla Glaeser, nephews:James Hergert (Irena), John Hergert (Kathryn), Brian Glaeser, and Don's well beloved and pampered dog, Olive. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, John Glaeser, Jr. (Jack), sister-in law, Leita, niece, Susan Kay Hergert, and neice and nephew, Barbara and Bradley Glaeser.
A private celebration of life was held in Rochester, with a Mass dedicated to Don at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, the parish he attended daily Mass. Don is sadly missed by his family, relatives and friends. He loved life, his family, and always being a generous provider. His concern for his relatives, the heritage of growing up in Oshkosh, the progress of the city (and always the love of the chocolate shops) , will always be remembered. We will miss his laughter, sense of humor, kindness and the gratitude and happiness he instilled in all of us. We know he in now experiencing abundant life and peace. Memorials may be directed to an animal Humane Society of choice, a Wild-Life Sanctuary, or Mayo Clinic of Rochester, Mn. in Don's name
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