Edward Glaser Obituary

Edward Glaser, a longtime resident of Calhan, Colorado went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 28, 2014 after a well lived 97 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

Edward Varner Glaser was born on June 25, 1917 in Simla, Colorado to the late Edward F.W. and Hattie (Adelman) Glaser. He was a 1937 graduate of Calhan High School and served his country honorably in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. As a skilled pilot and flight instructor, Glaser trained many first time pilots for America's greatest generation.

He married Violet Elizabeth Dzuris on June 22, 1941 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Calhan.

Edward enjoyed flying airplanes. He would fly over the eastern plains crop spraying and applying weed control. Edward is still remembered for his courageous efforts in the blizzard of October 1946, when snow, as deep as fence posts, covered the Calhan area. He flew out to the residents in need and delivered groceries and mail to the many families stranded by that record winter storm. He built the Calhan Airport in the late 1970's where it exists today.

Edward and Violet founded Glaser Gas & Equipment in 1949. It started from humble beginnings as did its owners. They incorporated in 1965. Under their diligent management of over 60 years, Glaser Gas became one of Colorado's largest independent propane companies. He truly enjoyed helping others, often making late night service calls to help people with their heating problems.

Mr. Glaser was a devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church serving on church council and singing in the choir, the Calhan Lions Club, The Over 55 Club, and was past president of the Calhan Board of Education. He served on the Calhan Sanitation Board and was a member of the National and Colorado Propane Gas Associations. As a longtime member of the International Polka Club, Edward loved to dance.

Edward is survived by his wife and partner of 73 years, Violet Glaser of Calhan; his sons, Edwin P. (Gladys) Glaser of Calhan and David E. Glaser (Corliss Palmer) of Falcon; daughter-in-law, Diane Glaser of Colorado Springs; nine grandchildren, Mark (Robyn) Glaser, Keri ( David) Hamula, Christopher (Vicki) Glaser, Angela (Brian) Barquist, Edwin II (Tina) Glaser, Nicole (Jason) Glaser-Glab, John (Jenny) Glaser, Alexander Glaser and Cassandra Glaser; granddaughter-in-law, Christy Dawson-Glaser; and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Steven in infancy; his son, Eldon G. Glaser; two older brothers, Eugene Glaser and Kenneth Glaser; and a grandson, Shawn Glaser.

Visitation will be held from 10:00AM–11:00AM, Saturday, January 3, 2015 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Calhan followed by the funeral service at the same location at 11:00AM. Immediately afterward, burial with Military Honors will be at the Calhan Cemetery. A luncheon reception will then take place at Swink Hall at the El Paso County Fairgrounds.

Memorials in Edward Glaser's name may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church; 1450 5th Street Calhan, CO 80808, Calhan Lions Club; 17560 Eurich Rd. Calhan, CO 80808, Calhan Fire Department; 725 4th Street Calhan, CO 80808, or Calhan Over 55 Club; P.O. Box 147 Calhan, CO 80808.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31