On Tuesday, October 5th, 2021, Joel âJoeâ Delbert Glass, our beloved father and grandfather, passed away suddenly at the age of 58.
Dad was born on December 19th, 1962 in Waupaca, Wisconsin to Delbert and Sonna Glass. He was the youngest of four and deemed âthe babyâ of the family by his siblings. Dad loved growing up in a small town. He would often bring us back to visit his favorite spots around town. We would reconnect with his lifelong friends and heâd share his favorite childhood memories. He always embraced his roots and held a special place in his heart for Waupaca.
After high school he went on to get his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire, yet another place where he made lasting friendships and built many fond memories that he shared with us over the years.
After college, he moved to Minnesota and began working in the field of IT, specializing in Management Information Systems. He met Lori, and together they had the three of us, Allysa, Aaron, and Abigail.
Dad went from being just âJoeâ to âGrandpa Joeâ in 2014 when his granddaughter Elsie was born. He quickly embraced this new role and even posted selfies of himself hanging out in an infant activity gym raving about the hours of fun. He was overjoyed to welcome two more grandchildren, Nora and Harvey, and loved to spend time with them.
Dad was a friend to all and loved by so many. He had a huge heart and would drop everything if someone he loved was in need. He had a quick wit and knew how to make the room laugh. He was a lover of trivia, books, genealogy, Milk Duds, and beer. He would especially befriend anyone who was a Green Bay Packers enthusiast like he was. Whether it was his light up Packers Christmas sweater, his ratty 1997 Super Bowl Champs shirt, or his green and yellow Hey Dude shoes, everyone who knew Dad, knew how much he loved his team. His legacy and love for the Packers will forever live on in his children and grandchildren.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Sonna Glass, his brother Dave Glass, and his nephew Tristan Glass. He is survived by his three loving children, Allysa (David) Nadeau, Aaron Glass, and Abigail Glass, his three adoring grandchildren, Elsie, Nora, and Harvey Nadeau, his brother Mike (Ronda) Glass, niece Haley and nephew Cole, and many other relatives and friends.
Dad always said he wanted to go out with a party, so we will be having a Celebration of Life at Manitou Station Event Center in White Bear Lake on Sunday, October 17th, 2021 from 11:00am-3:00pm. There will be a short service taking place at 11:30. Donations made in lieu of flowers will be used to honor Dadâs favorite causes.