Norbert Glaser

Norbert Carl August Glaser, age 90, of St. Clair, MN, died on Sunday, November 16, 2014 at Oaklawn Health Care Center in Mankato following an extended illness.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Clair, with Pastor Matthew Grunewald, officiating. Interment with military honors will be held at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 21, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Arnoldt-McRaith Funeral Home & Crematory in Janesville, and on Saturday for one hour prior to services at the church.

Norbert Carl August, son of Theodore and Elsie (Kohlhoff) Glaser, was born on August 21, 1924 in Elysian Township. Norbert was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Clair where he has been a lifelong member. When he was growing up on the Glaser family farm, which is now a Century Farm, he and his brother, Wes, were active in 4-H projects. They showed brown swiss cattle and red duroc hogs. They won many ribbons and fair trips with the animals.

Norbert graduated from St. Clair High School in 1943 and was the class president. He was called into the U.S. Army in November 1944 and served during WWII until his discharge in July 1946. On September 4, 1946, he married Ardella Stanke. They had three children, Ardella "Ardie", Allan "Ted", and Melinda.

Norbert farmed for many years before going to work at the St. Peter State Hospital as a security guard. He retired from the hospital after 25 years of service, and then went to work for Oshman's Furriers in Mankato. He also worked for Gorwitz Furriers of Wisconsin, buying furs throughout the area. He went into his own fur business, buying and dressing furs at his home until he retired at the age of 72.

Norbert was a very kind, honest, and loving person who always wanted to do right by everyone. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He planned many deer hunting, bear hunting, and fishing trips with his family and friends.

Norbert is survived by his children, Ardie Pemble of Kelsey, MN, Allan (Sue) Glaser of Mankato, MN, and Melinda (Fred) Rollings of St. Clair; seven grandchildren, Ted Pemble, Trent (Jessica) Pemble, Travis Pemble, Jesse Glaser (special friend, Heather Lindblom), Danielle (Sean) Laird, Katie (Korey) VanErdewyk, and Lucas (Sarah) Rollings; nine great-grandchildren, Colton & Lily Pemble, Alexis & River Pemble, Ean & McKenna Laird, Conner & Ella VanErdewyk, and Mason Rollings; sister-in-law, Betty Glaser of Minneapolis; and by many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ardella Glaser in 2005; his brother, Wesley Glaser; and his son-in-law, Phil Pemble.