MADISON - John Gilbert Glaeser, passed away in Madison, WI, 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, WI, 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 2:00 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.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.

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Published by Madison.com on Nov. 20, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for John Glaeser

Sponsored by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison - Far West.

5 Entries

Ellen Chase (Botkin)

December 30, 2023

I worked for John at WHA-TV in 1961-62. I will always be grateful to him for all he taught me about illustration and calligraphy and for making that year so rewarding for me. He was a good friend.

Gregg Waterman

November 23, 2022

John was a good man. I hope the grief of his brother Robert - and others who were close to John - is eased by knowing John was such a good model of character and behavior to those of us fortunate to have worked with him.

As a student in the mid 70's I worked for John in the set design shop at WHA for a couple of years. He was very creative. He always guided his ideas from concept through construction and onto the set with tact, in an instructive and thoughtful manner. He made the process easy.

Over the past 45 years I've shared memories with a number of others who worked with John. He's always remembered with well regard.

Now knowing John was at peace in his faith helps explain my observations about his quality at core. Thank you for your influence John. Remain in peace evermore.

Mary McKenna

November 21, 2022

My deepest sympathies to the family of John Glaeser.I have good memories ofJohn. He volunteered to set up a 50 gallon fish tank for my class at St James school and I think it still being cared for by the school librarian. Thank you John for your generosity. Mary McKenna

Bob & Jane Bortz

November 20, 2022

To the family of John,
Sorry of John´s passing. I remember him as a neighbor in Beaver Dam. He was a good artist. His ability paid off!
Peace,
Bob & Jane Bortz

David DeWitt

November 20, 2022

I first got to know John when he was helping Lee build a pond in our back yard. He would sit on the garden, bench, study the design, and directLee how he wanted things sculptured. Subsequently, he helped our daughter convert the West High tank to a planted tank and then taught me how to do my own tank. Over the years the collection of tanks he set up and maintained grew beyond the Birge tank to tanks all around Madison. John was an amazing aquatic artist and his commitment to teaching others his skills was inspiring. I valued his friendship and tried to help with the Birge water changes whenever I had time. Since moving to Boston in 2016 I lost contact with John but I will never forget his kindness and generosity.

David DeWitt, Boston, MA

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