Gerald E. Glaser

Gerald Emil Glaser, age 94, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, surrounded by the love of his adoring wife and daughters.

One of the kindest souls to ever grace this world, Jerry was not only a gentleman, he was a truly gentle man. Through the quiet example of how he lived his daily life, he provided all those who knew him with a master class in compassion, selflessness, and generosity of spirit. Jerry was a man of great faith; a man of service to his family, his community, and his country.

Jerry was born in Two Creeks, Wisconsin on March 3, 1931. Together with his 12 siblings, he was raised on the family farm in "Kidville" located along the shores of Lake Michigan, where he experienced a childhood filled with hard work, lots of love, and great adventures with his brothers, sisters, and neighborhood friends. He graduated in 1949 from Two Rivers Washington High School and joined the US Army, where he trained in Morse Code. He was stationed near the North Korean border during the Korean War, intercepting and interpreting enemy messages, one leading to the capture of a North Korean general. He returned to Lake Michigan for much of his professional life, as a commercial fisherman with Susie Q Fish Company in Two Rivers. Jerry told many exciting stories of the escapades he encountered as the captain of the Avis J, including helping avoid disaster when the car ferry appeared out of the fog and collided with one of the fishing tugs.

Jerry met the love of his life, Barbara Kerscher, in 1953 when she was visiting the Glaser family farm with her nursing school friend, Jerry's sister Betty (Glaser) Meyer. The couple married on June 25th, 1955 and recently celebrated the joyous landmark of 70 years of marriage. Throughout their marriage, Jerry was a faithful and loving husband and committed partner to Barb. Together they lovingly raised six daughters - Susan (deceased 2018), Cheri, Mary, Marcy, Geriann, and Julie. Jerry and Barb sadly lost an infant son, Mark Gerald, who was born on their wedding anniversary in 1961.

To his daughters, Dad was their hero and their Superman; a firm yet gentle father whom they put on a well-deserved pedestal. He provided them not only with a wonderful childhood filled with magical memories, but also served as the perfect role model of what a husband and father should be. With his example as a guide, his daughters all chose remarkable and kind men to share their lives with - Tim (Susan) Gray, Dr. Brian (Cheri) Olofsson, Bill (Mary) Weber, Mike (Marcy) Stone, Kurt (Geriann) Hardy, and Vince (Julie) Rose. Jerry's 18 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren were an unending source of delight to him. It was never a surprise to find Grandpa snuggling a baby, taking the little ones on tadpole-hunts, dissecting the outcome of a Brewer or Packer game with the older boys, or showing off his stellar polka skills with one of his granddaughters. They all rightfully adored their Grandpa.

Jerry was also a model of service and community-building. He spent countless hours volunteering, particularly at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church (as an usher and member of the men's council) and the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Two Rivers (as President and jack-of-all-trades). He instinctively made people feel welcome and in return was welcomed in any group he joined.

Jerry was often said to be a man of few words, but those who knew him best appreciated his sharp wit, his ability to make people laugh, and his first-class storytelling abilities. He was a creative problem-solver and a top-notch handyman who never met a home improvement problem he couldn't fix, particularly when partnered with one of his brothers. His bright blue eyes and always-genuine smile truly lit up a room and made the people around him feel like the world was a better place. He was a man who accepted others how and where they were, encouraged others to be the best they could be, and always remained true to himself and his faith.

Jerry embodied the motto "Work Hard and Be Nice". May the world continue to learn from his example for generations to come.

His family, the Two Rivers community, and the world has lost a great man. Heaven, however, has gained an angel who has already earned his wings.

Funeral services will be held at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church located at 3201 Mishicot Road in Two Rivers, Wisconsin on Monday, September 29. Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the church atrium, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Two Rivers or St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church.

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Klein & Stangel location, is assisting the family with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com