John Glaeser

John Gilbert Glaeser passed away in Madison, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at Oakwood Village West, at the age of 89. He was born on June 16, 1933, to Gilbert and Ruth (Hasz) Glaeser, in Milwaukee. He attended Friedens Lutheran School, Friedens, Wisconsin, where his dad was principal, and St Stephen’s Lutheran School, Beaver Dam. He graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1951.

John completed requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Art from Layton School of Art in Milwaukee as well as a Masters in Fine Arts from UW Madison. His graduate studies were interrupted by his draft into the military during the time of the Korean War from 1953-55. John was stationed in San Francisco while he drew 3D maps for the military as well as designed medals. The war ended just as he was prepared to head overseas.

John’s career as set designer for Wisconsin Public Television spanned 35 years. When his father’s health declined, John moved his father to Madison and faithfully cared for him in his home. He served Our Redeemer Lutheran Church as Sunday School Coordinator for several years. In retirement, John embraced his passion for aquatic life by donating and installing a 125-gallon aquarium in Birge hall on the UW Campus. He maintained this “dynamic equilibrium,” as he called it, for over 20 years.

John is survived by his brother, Robert in California, his sister-in-law, as well as their adult children. A special memory for John was a cross-country trip to visit his brother.

John was a faithful member of St Andrew Lutheran Church, Middleton. A lifelong learner and avid reader, his time was spent mainly on Bible studies. When asked what gave him the most satisfaction in life, John replied, “Prayer and growing in my faith, being alive and doing the best I can, being as creative as I can with language.” During visits in recent years, the Word of God refreshed his soul as evidenced by his deep and heartfelt sighs during devotions. His prayers were always those of thanks for his Savior and the many ways God cared for him.

His friends would like to thank the caregivers at Oakwood Village West and Agrace Hospice Care for their loving attention to John.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, November 21, 2022 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 6815 Schneider Rd, Middleton. A visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service. Light refreshments will follow.

We invite you to share your memories here on John's wall.

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