Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Stephen Glosecki Obituary
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Stephen Orin Glosecki, 55, died peacefully at home with his family on Wednesday, April 4, 2007. A professor of Old English at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dr. Glosecki was raised in Springfield and graduated from Griffin High School. He completed his undergraduate degree at Beloit College followed by an M.A. and then a Ph.D. in English at the University of California at Davis.
Whether seminars at UAB or lectures at international conferences, his presentations were always dynamic and full of the passion he felt for Anglo-Saxon studies. Author of articles, poems and books, he recently completed "Myth in Early Northwest Europe" and, his cherished project, a translation of Beowulf. Dr. Glosecki loved the music of the language and frequently recited passages of Old English to the delight of all who heard him, even if they didn't understand a word. He was also a frequent media consultant, more than happy to explore the folklore of Halloween or the superstitions of Friday the 13th.
Although his distinguished career as poet, scholar, artists and professor brought him joy and fulfillment, the true joys of his life were his lovely wife of 25 years, Karen Reynolds, and their sons, Dylan and Christopher. Dylan is starting his career in architecture, practicing in Seattle with Hewitt Architects. Chris is finishing his film internship with a production firm in Los Angeles and will graduate from Emerson College in Boston next month.
Dr. Glosecki's father, Andy Glosecki, preceded him in death in 1993. In addition to his family, he is survived by his mother, Edith Crossland Glosecki of Springfield; brother, Mike Glosecki of Los Angeles; sisters, Susanne Burton of London and Patricia Hunter of Seattle; many other family members and an extended family of friends and colleagues who will greatly miss him. In lieu of other remembrances, the family requests that contributions in memory of Stephen O. Glosecki be directed to UAB Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Kirklin Clinic, 2000 Fifth Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35233.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family on Monday, April 9, 2007, from noon until 2 p.m. followed by a funeral service at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Services are under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, (205) 879-3401, in Homewood.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Glosecki
Lars Erik Sorensen
April 22, 2007
To Karen, Dylan, Christopher and Edie. My wife and I were deeply saddened when learning that our good friend Steve had left us all after a long battle. We met Steve and his family back in 91, when he was a Fulbright professor in Tromso, Norway.
We had a wonderful year together and Steve fell in love with our part of the world. We visited Springfield and B`ham in 99, and had a splendid stay. Since then we stayed in touch till the very end. He was a great friend, husband and father, a gifted artist and lecturer, we miss him so much and shall remember him for a very long time to come. Our deepest sympathy to you all for your tragic loss. Love from Gunn and Lars, Tromsø Norway.
Sipsey Wilderness canyon, January, 2004
April 21, 2007
Elaine, Andy, Joff, Izzy Treharne-Fryett
April 20, 2007
Our deepest sympathy to you, Karen, Dylan and Chris, in your loss. Steve was a wonderful, wonderful man, who'll be very much remembered. We shall miss his Christmas artwork, and his entertaining poems and notes. I think one of his notes discussing "Beowabbit" was my all-time favourite!
Ed and Maureen Battistella
April 19, 2007
We will always remember Steve as a great friend and the center of much of our lives in Birmingham--teaching together, sharing Thanksgivings and talking about ideas, art and family were are pleasant memories to recall. And Steve's great spirit will inspire us always.
Patrick Nelle
April 15, 2007
It has been a privilege to have shared my life's journey with Steve, my "old freind", since chidhood treehouse days, to visits together in college, watching his climb to academic success, his poetry and paintings given to me at various times, are now "saved treasures". Steve's family and career was paramount, yet he always found time to stay connected with his freinds. A brilliant gentle soul, my memories of Steve have helped fill that sad ,empty space within me since the news of his passing. See you later "old freind". Love to all his family and freinds. Patrick Nelle
April 13, 2007
Barbara Burton Bishr
April 12, 2007
It was with great sadness that I heard the news of Steve's passing. I am sorry to have never met him, but know how much he was loved by all. Our whole family sends their heartfelt condonlences to all of Steve's family and loved ones. Our thoughts are with you.
Hans Lemons
April 11, 2007
I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Dr. Glosecki. I took two classes from him (Viking Lit. and LOTR), and really enjoyed them both. He was a wonderful lecturer, I remember his discussions regarding Beowulf and Grendel and his discussions about Beorn and the Beornlings. I remember when he showed up to class one day with a battle axe and joked with us about being careful with it.
His mind was phenomenal and his enthusiasm was contagious. He was kind and thoughtful to students both in and out of class. He was one of the best professors that I have had at UAB, and I feel honored to have known him.
To his family: You are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolences and thoughts at this sad time.
Steve & Chris, Deer Island, Boston, September, 2006
April 11, 2007
Bea & Jerry Wheeler, Sr.
April 11, 2007
Dear Edie,
How sad that your brother died. He was so special to you. We are so very sorry and will keep you in our prayers.
Alan Perlis
April 10, 2007
Beth and I were so saddened to hear today of Steve's passing. More often than you could possibly know, Steve's cherubic 18-year-old face in my first Freshman English class at Beloit College in 1970 has warmed my heart. During the time I was at UAB, Steve was the very best person I hired . . . an exemplary teacher, scholar, father husband, and a true friend, though we saw each other way too infrequently. Karen, Dylan and Christopher, all our love and sympathy are with you. Alan Perlis and Beth Bradley
Scott Sweat
April 10, 2007
I am deeply saddened to hear of the untimely death Dr. Glosecki. He was one of the first instructors that I had the priveledge of studying under during my first term back at UAB to finish my Engineering degree. On the very first day of class, I found out that he was the notorious "Beowulf Guy", but I was pleasantly suprised to discover how interesting and fun he made it. Thanks to him, I no longer fear "Beowulf". He will indeed be truly missed.
Deepest Sympathies,
Riley Griffin
April 9, 2007
I am so sorry to hear the news, he was the best teacher I have had. He truly cared about everyone, and was so passionate about his teaching. He was a great man.
Mike Kienzler
April 9, 2007
Patty, Susie, Mrs. Glosecki and all the others I never met in Steve's family:
I don't know anything about Old English, but I do remember the Glosecki sandbox, the tire swing, and marathon games of kick the can and ditch 'um. Steve went a long way from North Fourth Street, but some of us will always remember him there.
Condolences from all the Kienzlers.
Bob, Mary, and Francesca Bjork
April 9, 2007
Dear Karen, Dylan, and Christopher,
We're so sorry, but it was an honor to be among Steve's friends and to have listened to his wit and wisdom and to publish his book on myth. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
In sadness,
Kristie (Berry) Rankin
April 9, 2007
It broke my heart to learn of Dr. Glosecki's death. I studied literature under him at UAB in the late 80's. His passion for his work and for the literature he was teaching was contagious. To this day, Beowulf is my favorite work. I had so hoped my son, a high school freshman, (who is now reading Beowulf for the first time)would get the opportunity to learn from Dr. Glosecki as well. The world of literature has lost a great warrior. God bless you Dr. Glosecki and your family. May He keep them close in their time of need.
Chris McCully
April 9, 2007
Karen, Dylan and Christopher - Monika and I send our deepest sympathy and love to you.
Chris McCully
Sharon Redpath
April 8, 2007
Karen, Dylan, and Christopher;
Steve was a unique and wonderful person. He was always at the soccer games, so very proud of his "player!" Always expressing how proud he was of both of his son's accomplishments! Most of all, I always loved the way he showed his love for you, Karen. You were the couple I admired from a distance.
I also always wanted to go "back in time" and slip into one of his classes!
I feel so blessed to have known Steve and may we all be such courageous fighters . He is now at peace and in in this thought may we be comforted.
In His Love,
Sharon Redpath
Mark Kolinski
April 8, 2007
In Steve's passing, the world has lost a man of substance, a true renaissance man. He rose to the top, excelling in everything he attempted, whether as artist, poet, educator, linguist, father, or friend. My life has been blessed by his devoted friendship since early childhood, and I shall miss him terribly. I pray that his family and friends find peace and comfort in sharing their sweet memories of this beautiful man.
Chuck and Norma Browning
April 8, 2007
Dearest Edie and Family:
We were very saddened to have read about Steve ~~ you are in our every prayer. We know you loved him dearly and your pain is in our hearts.
Norma Browning
(Retired Secretary, Springfield High School, where Edie taught for many years.)
Betty Tabor Woods
April 8, 2007
With thoughts and prayers to Eddie and her family.
With deepest sympathy.
Mary Ann Midden
April 7, 2007
7 April 07
Mike and Rita, may the Lord comfort you and give you peace. You have our deepest sympathy.
Bill & Mary Ann Midden
Rochester, Illinois
Joanne Schultz
April 7, 2007
Sincere condolences to Stephen's family from Joanne Schultz, Secy at
Feitshans where it was my privilege to know his mother.
Bill (Burly) Early
April 7, 2007
Karen,Dylan and Christopher,I want you to know how sad I am for you and how grateful I'll always be to have had such a wonderful friend as your husband and father was to me. He said it in his last email to me that even tho' we didn't see much of each other over the years since we both left California that it always seemed like we could take up from where we left off on our last visit like no time or distance had passed. He was always so proud of all of you . I will miss our chats on the phone. Chris and Dylan know if you're on a cross country adventure you always have a place to stay in Colorado.
Sincerely,
Bill Early
Hugh Dawson
April 7, 2007
As a sometime resident and frequent visitor to Springfield, it was my good fortune to have known Steve from his earliest childhood. A highlight was a cross-country ride to Colorado with his father and brother in summer, 1960. He was then enthralled with dinosaurs, and we would later laughingly speculate whether that interest in prehistory could possibly have been mirrored in his concentration in Old English poetry. After lunching with him and his folks on a San Francisco visit,
I would meet Steve at professional meetings, and we once visited as he pursued research in London. Talk turned to many things, including his sense of having followed his mother in teaching and memories of of having visited Slovakia and the Ukraine with his father.
At the scholarly presentations, his peers manifested their appreciation of his work, a regard that extended to his many publications and was shown in his Fulbright appointment in Norway.
Most memorable always has been his unfailing good cheer, even in his adversity, and his deep love for all those of the family he grew up amidst and for his wife and sons, who were his happiness, pride and a constant resource of strength.
Hugh Dawson
Sky Redpath
April 7, 2007
A truly good man has passed from this earth. Why God takes the good ones I will never understand. I know Steve now sits at the hand of God. Steve, you were my best friend and this will hurt for a long time. May God Bless you and keep you close at hand. Rest at peace good friend, God will watch over your family.
Charles and Paula Ketchum
April 7, 2007
Edith, Mike, and Rita,
Paula and I are saddened to learn of Stephen's death. He has been in my prayers since learning of his battle with cancer last year.
My last recollection of Stephen was when Andy retired from the March of Dimes Foundation, and a dinner was held to "roast" Andy. Stephen, and a colleage were in attendance. I asked Stephen what he was studying, and the colleague replied,"something obscure with interest to few."
When I asked Stephen how he was enjoying married life, he responded, "news of my marriage is premature."
My two grandsons are named Dylan and Christopher. Our prayers are with you and Stephen's family. God Bless You All.
Candace Freeman
April 7, 2007
Sorry to hear of Dr. Glosecki's death. I had him in the early 1990's as an English professor and truly enjoyed his class. May the Lord comfort all and give you the comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Make a Donation
in Stephen Glosecki's name
Memorial Events
for Stephen Glosecki
How to support Stephen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Stephen Glosecki's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
