Frederick Keller Glasgow

 

Frederick K. Glasgow left us very suddenly at age 85, with only a few seconds' notice, even in light of his declining health over the last several years.

 

He was born in Pittsburgh PA on March 18th, 1938, to Karl Emerson Glasgow II and Evelyn Kathryn (Keller) Glasgow. He was Baptized on April 9th, 1939. After high school, he joined the Air Force which brought him to Madison WI, where he served as an aircraft mechanic at Truax Field. When his enlistment was over, he moved on to what would become a 50 year-long career with Met Life Company. Early on in his new civilian life, he moved to Beaver Dam where he and his wife Cheryll raised four children.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lt. Col. Karl E. Glasgow III, son in law Charles Cole, and son in law Nathan Bergeland. He is survived by Linda Moller, his loving partner of 30 years, and brothers Page (Gail) and Keith (Virginia). He is also survived by his children; Sherry (Kevin), Leslie, W. Jillian, and William, and grandchildren; Stephanie, Michael (Kristina), Robert (Kasey), Chelsey (Justin), Sigourney (Kevin), Harrison (Alyson), Bryce, Kameron and Jina. He is also survived by his great grandchildren; Lucia, Luther, Lazarus, Lorraine, Lena, Lydia, Maisie, Remi, Zelda, and Rhett.

 

Fred worked hard, and loved life – engaging in many interests and avocations with great enthusiasm. He hosted many family gatherings over the years as his extended family grew. Some gatherings would have a theme, like “hat day”, where everyone arrived in a special hat (or wore one from his collection), and wore it throughout the party – kind of reminiscent of the Village People. Remember? No one could be in a bad mood on hat day. And on occasions like that he had a special catch phrase “you can't beat fun!” He learned guitar, and particularly enjoyed songs by Cat Stevens and Harry Chapin. When his brothers visited, the guitar would come out, and the Smothers Brothers hit Laredo was always sung with raucous delight. “...if you get an outfit, you can be a cowboy too”

 

On Beaver Dam Lake he enjoyed sailing, ice fishing and even had an old-school ice boat that was terrifying – on a crisp, cold morning with a breeze it could do 60mph across the frozen lake! Later he got a bigger sailboat for Lake Mendota, and finally a large express cruiser that he kept on Lake Michigan. As a young boy, Fred grew up on the Allegheny River. His dad loved boats too. The nut didn't fall far from the tree where water was concerned.

 

Fred also had an itch to fly and took lessons in a Piper Cherokee for many months. After he was cleared to solo, he would rent the plane for an hour or two and just explore Wisconsin, landing at little airports here and there. He never got his private license which would allow him to take passengers, so these were always solitary adventures that offered him a peaceful escape and gave him a unique perspective on the world.

 

At his son in law's insistence, he tried hunting, which was fun, but it was mostly target shooting shared with his brother and several grandchildren that tripped his trigger so to speak. Many fond hours were spent at the shooting range.

 

At one point he decided to build a log cabin on Lake Petenwell. When it was finished, he set out furnishing it with Amish made log furniture. Projects like that fueled his imagination and proved him to be a decent interior decorator. Do you think he missed his call? Probably not.

 

From old cars to wine making, to raising Schnauzer puppies, to selling refreshments at the soap box derby next to his house, to elaborate and creative Halloween shenanigans, life was never a spectator sport for Fred. It was something that you participated in and got your hands dirty doing it.

 

All in all, Fred was a complex guy with a simple man's heart. He could bluster like a Nor'easter, then turn around and quietly help you without any fanfare. He felt things more deeply than many would imagine. He loved his country, and the freedom, liberty and opportunity it offered. Fred came from what is known as “the silent generation”, just before the boomers. But there was nothing silent about him. He packed a lot of life into 85 years. We will miss him.

 

Frederick’s Memorial Service will take place on Wednesday, October 4th at Cress Funeral Home, 5785 Co Rd Q, Waunakee, WI 53597.  Visitation from 10:00 am. Service at 11:00 am with a light luncheon to follow.

 

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Winn-Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee

(608) 849-4513