Michael Glaser

Glendive Montana: Michael “Mike” Louis Glaser, age 93, of Dickinson, North Dakota formerly of Glendive, passed away Sunday, February 10, 2013 at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, February 15, 2013 at the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. A Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, February 15, 2013 in the Chapel of the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glendive with Father Joseph Ponessa officiating. Rite of Committal with military honors will be held in the Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements. Mike was born on October 10, 1919 in Glen Ullin, North Dakota, the son of Nick and Mary (Fisher) Glaser. He was raised and educated in the Glen Ullin area. Mike helped his father on the farm until March of 1938 when he went into the Civilian Conservation Corps until June 1941 he then went into the United States Army in April 1942, serving in Australia, New Guinea, Philippines and Japan. He was honorably discharged from the military service on December 6, 1945 in Fort Lewis, Washington. Following Mike’s honorable discharge Mike went to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1945 or early 1946. His Bridge & Building Gang started out working in the Fryburg, North Dakota moving to Medora, North Dakota then to Marsh, Montana. This is where Mike met the love of his life Lillian Gehnert. Mike and Lillian were married October 28, 1947 in Glendive and to this union six children were born; four girls and two boys. As a couple, Mike and Lillian raised their family in Glendive where Mike worked for Midland Lumber Company for nineteen years as a clerk and managed Richland Lumber company for twenty years, which was a Wholesale and Warehouse Company for all the Midland Lumber Company yards. In 1985, Mike retired after thirty-nine years dedicated to these companies. In 1986, Mike and Lillian were forced to move to Billings, Montana for seventeen months due to health issues Lillian had. They moved back to Glendive in 1988 because St. Joseph’s Hospital in Dickinson opened a dialysis Unit where Lillian could get the appropriate medical treatment. Mike and Lillian continued residing in Glendive until 1991 when they sold their house and moved to Dickinson where Lillian passed away in 1994. Mike enjoyed playing cards, dancing, listening to music, playing horseshoes; lock smith work, wood working and watching sports on television. Mike loved visiting, telling stories and jokes. He cherished time spent with family and friends. He was a devoted Christian and a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign War, and Eagles Club. Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Glaser in 1994; parents, Nick and Mary Glaser and one sister, Leona Hellman and four brothers, Ray, Ed, Joe, and Kasper Glaser. Survivors include his children, Fran (Ray) Stevens of Lucan, Minnesota, Dorothy (Dave) Harris of Linn Creek, Missouri, Geraldine (Victor) Deines of Glendive, Marilyn Chouinard of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Donald (Gloria) Glaser of Glendive and Karry (Beth) Glaser of Boise, Idaho; sister AnnaCleda Hondl of Bismarck, North Dakota, brothers, Clarence (Gladys) Glaser of Glendive, Montana, Eugene (Delores) Glaser of Dickinson, North Dakota, Dan (Carrie) Glaser of Vancouver, Washington, Tom (Bridget) Glaser of Dickinson, North Dakota, Alvin (Rosemary) Glaser of Bismarck, North Dakota; fifteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews and a grown love for a very special friend Maggie Barth and her family. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com. A Tribute to Mike It was almost eighteen years ago and I still remember my mother “Maggie” calling one evening to tell me that she “had met someone.” Mom had been alone for fifteen years after our dad’s death, so I knew that this “someone” had to be pretty special. I told her that I was happy for her and that I was excited to meet him. And when I met him that first Christmas, I liked him immediately. Mike became a special part of our family. We were all happy and grateful that mom had found a special person with whom to share her life. Mom and Mike did all of the little things in life together. They went dancing, went to Church, played cards at the Senior Center, were in a singing group, tended their gardens and loved to visit with friends and watch Twins baseball games together. Cooking and sharing meals was a daily treat. When Mom cooked, Mike insisted on peeling the potatoes. When Mom baked Heather’s favorite apple bars, Mike peeled the apples! But most of all they took care of each other. First thing every morning and last thing every night they called each other to make sure they were OK. I have many special memories of Mike. For several summers while I lived in Rugby, Mom and Mike rode along with Erv to visit me. Twice we went to the Peace Gardens and each year we visited a casino to gamble. I don’t know if Erv and I or Mike and Mom had more fun! Another special memory is of Mike spending each Christmas Eve with us, he helped to prepare the big meal and then opening gifts with Mom. The best part though was seeing Mom’s smile with Mike at her side, a smile that hadn’t been there at Christmas in a long time. Another favorite memory is of Mike telling Ole and Lena jokes. It was obvious how much he enjoyed making people laugh and it was fun watching him laugh just as hard at the jokes as everyone else did. Mike Glaser was a wonderful man with a smile as big as his heart. He lived a long life of ninety-three years with lots of hard work and fun along the way. Our mom and the Barth family were lucky to share eighteen of those years with him. Now I’d like to read a brief poem about Mike, written to honor the special place he had in our lives. Mike and Maggie had raised their families and were retired Each was happy with many friends, but a little bit lonely Then Eighteen years ago that came to an end When Mike became Maggie’s special friend. Both had lost their spouses And were attending the “Singles Club” dances for fun. When they met each other one Saturday night It felt to them like love at first sight. Their backgrounds were similar And they enjoyed the same activities Bother were German, Catholic, loved to dance and play cards, And were very proud of their beautiful gardens and yards. For over ten years they attended the monthly “singles” club dances Loving their roles as the Club’s Treasurer and President At eighty years of age Mike stole the show as he whirled across the floor Dancing his favorite polka, always insisting on just one dance more! Mike spent many holidays with us The children called him Grandpa Mike He loved to tell jokes and to laugh at them too He’d entertain us all, often the whole evening through Maggie and Mike spent eighteen years together Adding joy to each others lives They took care of one another in sickness and health For them, just being together was worth more than any wealth. We all miss Mike greatly But we’re thankful he’s no longer suffering He was a very special part of our lives And now he’s our angel as he in heaven arrives. Rest in Peach Mike. By: Elaine Little

Michael Glaser

October 10, 1919 - February 16, 2013

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Michael Glaser

October 10, 1919 - February 16, 2013

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

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About Us

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Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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365 Days of Grief Support