Mary Glanzer

Mary Magdalene Hofer Glanzer was born on August 5, 1933, to Michael K. and Anna J. (Walter) Hofer on a farm south of Bridgewater, South Dakota. She joined her sister Kathryn Elizabeth. 
Her father was afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis and passed away at the very young age of 42 years. Being raised by her mother and grandmother, they taught her Christian values and made a significant impact on her life. Morning devotions were a must, and Mary continued that throughout her life. She was a prayer warrior for her family.  

Upon her profession of faith, Mary was baptized on August 3, 1948, by Rev. David W. Tschetter. She became a life-long member of the Salem M.B. Church. One of her favorite verses was  
Isaiah 12:2, “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.” 

Mary graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1951. She attended Freeman Junior College for one year and obtained a teaching certificate. She taught country school for 2 years.   

On June 20, 1954, Emanuel Willard Glanzer and Mary Magdalene Hofer were joined in holy matrimony at Pioneer Hall, in Freeman, SD. They lived in Lincoln, NE for one year and then moved to a farm south of Bridgewater for one year. In 1957, they moved to the family farm. 
Emanuel and Mary had the privilege of celebrating 65 years of marriage. Emanuel passed away on October 30, 2019.  

Emanuel and Mary were blessed with three children: Susan Kay, Timothy James, and Thomas Lee. They also played a big role in raising their grandson, Christopher Lee.  

Mary was an excellent cook and loved to bake. She was always sharing what she had made with others. Very rarely could you walk into her kitchen and not have some type of baked treat waiting for you. She also enjoyed flowers, gardening, and canning. She made the best dill pickles, and her strawberry pretzel salad was enjoyed by all. She truly loved being a farmer’s wife and was involved with the day-to-day operations of the farm.   

Church was a very important part of Mary’s life. She served in many capacities over her lifetime. She sang in the church choir and other small groups. She taught Sunday School for many years and held different offices within the Women’s Missionary Society. The family served as church custodians for several years. Mary’s last Sunday to attend church was August 29, 2021.  
It was a very special day for her as she was able to witness her granddaughter-in-law and great granddaughter be baptized.   

Mary’s greatest joy was to watch her grandchildren participate in sports, music, drama, and other activities. She rarely missed an event and was very proud of all of them. She so appreciated her children and their families.   

On September 13, 2021, Mary broke her femur and needed additional care. She transitioned to Oakview Terrace Nursing Home in October and resided there until her death.   

In Mary’s 89 years, she lived a life filled with Christ’s love and grace, which she poured out to family and friends. She loved the Lord and we are grateful for the assurance that on August 18, 2022, with family by her side, she made her journey to be with her Savior Jesus Christ.  

Mary was welcomed in heaven by her husband, Emanuel; her parents, Michael K. and Anna J. Hofer; great-grandson, Darren Lee Glanzer; her parents-in-law, Jacob H. and Lavina Glanzer; 
her sister Kathryn Kleinsasser; her brothers-in-law, Amos J. Kleinsasser, Johnny Glanzer, James Glanzer, Donald Glanzer, Sam E. Hofer, Michael D. Hofer; and her nephew, Michael B. Kleinsasser. 

Grateful for having shared her life and her love are her daughter, Susan and husband, Steve Hopkins; son, Tim Glanzer and wife, Chauntel; son, Tom Glanzer;  grandson, Christopher Glanzer and wife, Kathryn; great-granddaughter, Anna Glanzer and special friend, Lewis Furmenger, and great-grandson, Paul Glanzer; grandson, Michael Becker and wife, Aleacia; great-grandchildren, Holly, Shelby, Ellie, and Blake Becker; granddaughter, Brooklyn Becker (expecting Mary’s 8th great grandchild this fall) and husband, Shayne; granddaughter, Haley Lentz and husband, Nicholas; granddaughter, Ashley Weber and husband, Jerret; and granddaughter, Jaimie Glanzer; her sisters-in-law, Lois Hofer; Lucille Hofer; Donna Glanzer, and Letha Glanzer; and many  nephews, and nieces.