Joseph Francis Glaser

Joseph Francis Glaser, 93, of Glen Ellyn. Devoted husband of the late Elaine Bartoszek Glaser. Beloved father of Susan (Tim) Vierling, John (Melissa MacKinnon) Glaser, Amy (Nick Leimer) Glaser, and the late Steven (Julie) Glaser. Loving Grandfather of Michael (Katie) Glaser, Megan (Mark Treacy) Glaser, and Brian Glaser; William and John (Jack) Vierling; Alex and Rebecca Glaser; and Joseph, Eric and Peter Leimer. Great Grandfather of Charlie and Caroline Glaser; and Vivian Treacy. Son of the late Francis and Elizabeth Glaser. Dear Brother of Sr. Mary Assumpta Glaser, OSF (Mary); Sr. Mary Teresine Glaser, OSF (Theresa); Margaret (Dan) Maciukenas; and Robert (LuAnn) Glaser. Uncle of many neices and nephews. 

Joe graduated from Lewis University with a degree in Business Administration and Management in 1954. He served in the Army from 1954-1956, where he worked as a company clerk stationed in Germany. Joe and Elaine were married at Our Lady of the Angels church in Chicago in 1955 during one of his service leaves. Joe furthered his education with a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, completed in 1962. He and Elaine remained married until Elaine's passing in 2011. 

After working mainly in Marketing for such companies as Hotpoint and Montgomery Wards in the late 1950's through early 1970's, Joe established GlaserDirect, Inc., one of the original direct marketing companies, in 1974.  He ran GlaserDirect, Inc. until his retirement in 2016 at the age of 85.  He was proud and happy to run this business with his oldest son, Steven, from 1995 until Steve's passing in 2006. In 2008, Joe established/funded the GlaserDirect Business-to-Business Interactive Marketing Award at Northern Illinois University to support young Business/Marketing students.

Joe was a dedicated husband and father, always willing to drop everything he was doing to put his family first.  His children have particularly fond memories of the many family vacations where all six, the parents and 4 kids, would pile into one small hotel room.  He was active in St. Petronille's parish since he moved his family to Glen Ellyn in the 1960's.  For many years he delivered Holy Communion to the sick in their homes and at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Center.  He was an active volunteer in the Boy Scouts when his sons Steve and John were involved, and particularly enjoyed accompanying them on camping and canoeing trips.  He loved working outdoors, and was an accomplished woodworker.  You could always call Joe if you needed anything on your house or car fixed.  He had many life-long good friends, with whom he was always happy to share a laugh.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Petronille Church, 420 Glenwood Ave, Glen Ellyn, IL on January 25th at 11AM; Visitation for Joe will begin 1 hour before the Mass at 10 AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat Center in Barrington, Illinois. Services are privately planned.

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