William J. "Bill" Glaser

William (Bill) Joseph Glaser of Menomonee Falls died peacefully at home on January 24, 2025 following a long and difficult illness.
Bill was born in Munich, Germany before moving to Milwaukee, WI at the age of 11. He has lived an extraordinary life with many stories that his family members cherish. As a young man, he helped his mother run her diner in downtown Milwaukee. He went to college briefly to become a park ranger before deciding that the job required too much math. He enlisted in the US Army and served in Korea.
He was employed at the Milwaukee county zoo where he had many duties. He would regale his family with stories of his time there. Most notably, he once saved another zookeeper from a grizzly bear attack at the zoo! His heroism even earned him a write up in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Bill's most significant career was as a public bus driver for Milwaukee County. Bill held this job for over 39 years. It was while driving the bus that he met the love of his life and future wife, Diane, while she commuted to and from university. He drove the city bus until his retirement.
Bill was preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister. He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Diane Glaser (nee Kanter) daughters Rachel (Becca) Johnson and Jessica (Jonathan) Kay,son Reuben (Allie) Glaser, granddaughter Ella Johnson, grandson Zeke Kay, as well as nieces.
Bill's funeral service will be held at Schramka Funeral Home W164 N9034 Water St Menomonee Falls. Visitation from 10:00 am until Time of Rememberance at 11:00am. Please dress casual. He hated wearing ties. He will be missed, but we are choosing to focus on celebrating his life.
Bills family would like to thank his hospice home caregivers Maria and Danielle ("his girls") who helped make his last months at home comfortable. He always enjoyed visiting with these remarkable ladies and we are so grateful for the care they gave him.
Auf Wiedersehen, Bill, Dad, Pops, Grampy. Bis später. Wir lieben dich.