Mary L. Glanzer

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Mary L. Glanzer, 101 years, 10 months and 19 days, of Freeman and formerly of Menno, passed on to be with her heavenly father Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at Oak Terrace Nursing Home in Freeman.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 1, 2013 at Salem M.B. Church, rural Bridgewater with Pastor Michael Petts officiating. Burial followed at the church cemetery.  Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 31, 2013 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at Walter Funeral Home in Freeman.

Mary L. Magdalena Hofer was born to Joseph L. and Maria (Wipf) Hofer on March 10, 1911.  Mary’s elementary education was at Bridgewater Public Schools.  After moving to Sully County, she finished 8^th grade at Blaine Consolidated School.  Mary then attended Freeman Academy, graduating in 1930.  She then attended Freeman Junior College and received her one-year normal course teacher’s certificate in 1931.  Mary taught school in Sully County for five years.

While living with her parents in Onida, Mary attended the Emmanuel Church.  At the age of 14 years, Mary accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized upon the confession of her faith by Rev. D.M. Hofer of Chicago, Illinois.  Mary loved her church and was active in teaching Sunday School and singing in a trio and the choir.

On June 16, 1936 Mary was married to Dr. Andrew S. Glanzer at the David S.W. Glanzer home by Rev. Jacob I. Walter.  They set up their home and office in Bridgewater where Andrew started his practice as an Osteopathic Physician.  One year later, they moved to Menno, South Dakota where they lived for 57 years.

To this union, three children were born: Donald Joseph, who died in infancy, Donovan Andrew and Karol Jean.  Mary was dedicated to her family.  She lived an exemplary life.  She had a gift of hospitality.  She hosted brothers and sisters, missionaries, Pastors and evangelistic speakers in her home.  She always had a garden and enjoyed sewing for her family.  Mary and Andrew were faithful members of the Salem M.B. Church.

In May 1994, Andrew and Mary had a sale and moved to the Village Estate Apartments in Freeman, South Dakota.  Five years later they moved to Marion, South Dakota.  In November of 1999, Andrew wad admitted to the Tieszen Memorial Nursing Home and Mary lived across the street.  Andrew passed away on to his heavenly home on October 31, 2002.

It was fortunate that we had a mild winter of 2000-2003, Mary would drive out from Marion to Karol’s and go along to church.  In April of 2003, Mary moved to live with her daughter Karol, Robert and Korey.

Dementia is difficult both on the caregiver and the one inflicted.  In August of 2005, Mary was admitted to the Oakview Terrace Nursing Home in Freeman where she was well cared for.  She won the hearts of the nurses and aides with her smile. 

Those who will cherish her memory are her daughter, Karol (Robert L.) Hofer of Marion, SD; daughter-in-law, Dr. JoLynn Glanzer of Cedar Rapids, IA; granddaughter, Karolyn (Larry) Langerock of Marion, SD; grandsons: Korey Hofer of Marion, SD and Kevin (Tiffany) Hofer of Miller, SD; great grandsons: Lincoln, Landon, Lawton and Logan Langerock and Blake Hofer; and great granddaughter, Grace Hofer.

Family members who preceded her in death were her parents; husband, Andrew; infant son, Donald; son, Donovan; sisters: Elizabeth (David S.W.) Glanzer, Susie (John) Mendel, Justina (5 yrs old) and Anna in infancy; brothers: Joseph L. (Marie & Esther) Hofer, Elias L. (Susie) Hofer, Jacob L. (Marianne) Hofer, David L. (Arlene) Hofer and Joshua Hofer in infancy; granddaughter, Kathleen Joy Hofer and great granddaughter, Abbie Langerock.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Mary’s arrangements.