Reverend Doctor William Karl Glaser

On Saturday, September 25, 2021, William Karl Glaser of Parker, Colorado, passed away at the age of 81.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Jo Ann; sons:  Mark Glaser (Kim) and Chris Glaser (Mary Dawn); grandchildren: Jonathan, Lauren, T.J., and Rachel; sisters:  Judy Sellers and Amy Semmel (Bill) as well as numerous relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents: Guy Glaser and Mildred Fuss.

Education: graduated from Greencastle-Antrim High School in Greencastle, Pennsylvania in May of 1957; attended Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pennsylvania graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, May 1961; Received his Master of Divinity at United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio June 1967; received CPE degree at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas, June 1978; received a Dr. of Ministry Degree at Phillips University, Enid, Oklahoma, June 1984.

Occupation: 1967 – 1978 United Methodist Pastor serving as Home Missionary - Northern New Mexico - Trained as an LPN; 1978-1979 Resident Chaplain at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas; July 1, 1979- June 30, 1985 Associate Pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church; July 1, 1985-June 30, 1992 Pastor United Methodist Church, Phillipsburg, Kansas; July 1, 1992 to June 30, 2002 Pastor United Methodist Church, Haysville, Kansas;  retired from ministry and moved to Parker, Colorado July 2002; November 2002 – July 2010 Part time Chaplain Parker Valley Hope Drug and Alcohol Rehab, Parker, Colorado; July 2010 – July 2018 Hospice Chaplain; Was currently back at Parker Valley Hope as part time chaplain.

Will was a great encourager. He saw potential in each person and told them so. Many times strangers became friends. When introducing himself to someone, he would say “my name is Will and you WILL remember that” and they would. You may receive a pep talk from him as he would say, “Just do it”. Those who knew him will also tell you that he was very ornery – always joking and teasing. You could always count on him to lift your spirits. Biking, running, rollerblading and jumping rope were his thing. He was never idle. He loved children. Back in the day when he was a pastor, if you could not find him, just go find the children. He would be playing with them. And of course his grandchildren were his treasure. He lit up every time they were around. Each one had a very special relationship with him. He had some young playmates in the neighborhood as well.  You always felt special when he was around. Will had a compassionate heart, and was always there for those who were hurting or struggling. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in William K. Glaser’s name to Movement 5280, P.O. Box 9625, Denver, CO 80209. See their website at: https://movement5280.org/about-us/

Funeral will be held Monday, October 4, 2021, 10 a.m. at Denver First Church of the Nazarene, 3800 E. Hampden Ave., Englewood, CO 80113, (303-761-8370) and will be live-streamed on the church’s  website:  www.denverfirstchurch.com .

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