Jerry Glanzer, 84
Jerry Glanzer, of rural Bridgewater, S.D., passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025 in his home under hospice care surrounded by his family at the age of 84.
A funeral service was held Thursday, July 3, at 10:30 a.m. at Neu Hutterthaler Church of rural Bridgewater.
In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to the Rainbow Bible Ranch, 14676 Lonetree Road, Sturgis, SD 57785.
Jerauld Dean Glanzer (Jerry) was born on July 27, 1940, at the Methodist Hospital in Mitchell, S.D. to Joe D.S. and Elsie (Kaufman) Glanzer. He was welcomed by his sister, Madelyn and 7 ½ years later his brother, Keith, completed the family.
Jerry accepted Christ as his personal Savior while in high school during evangelistic meetings held by Rev. Marvin Eck. He was baptized by Rev. Albert Ewert on Sept. 24, 1961 and became a member of Neu Hutterthaler Mennonite Church, rural Bridgewater where he remained a faithful member.
Jerry lived with his family on a farm north of Bridgewater until 1944 when they moved seven miles southwest of Bridgewater to the Joseph and Barbara Glanzer Homestead living in the original house/barn until 1950. He attended country school at Wolf Creek #101 and graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1958.
Jerry served his country in the United States Army from October 1958 to July 1960 in Fort Carson, Colo.; Fort Lewis, Wash.; and Fort Richardson, Alaska.
Upon returning home from the army, Jerry began his farming career.
On Aug. 18, 1968, Jerry married Elaine Barbara Hofer at Hutterthal Mennonite Church, rural Freeman, S.D. Three children were born to this union: Robin Elaine, Rhonda Elaine, and Ross Edward. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Aug. 19, 2018, at the Bridgewater Fire Hall.
Jerry and Elaine lived on the Delegate Paul Tschetter Homestead the first seven years of their marriage. They moved to the Joseph and Barbara Glanzer Homestead on Nov. 17, 1975, the fourth generation to reside on what is now called Hillview Farm.
Jerry always loved animals, especially horses and dogs. His favorite dogs were Snowball, Eddie, Blue, and Skye. He always had a good story to tell about his favorite horses Lightning, King, and Johnny. He passed his love of horses on to his children spending many hours teaching them to ride and riding with them to chase cattle and for pleasure.
Jerry always wanted to be a farmer. He loved his work. He raised oats, barley, rye, sorghum, corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and hay. He also had dairy cows, stock cows, sheep, and many pigs. His favorite job on the farm was moving cattle on horseback. He was grateful for the time spent doing that with his children, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. Farming with his son and having him become a 5th generation farmer gave him a great deal of satisfaction. He was blessed to have worked with his grandson and was thankful for his help.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife Elaine of 56 years; daughter Rhonda Glanzer of Winnie, Texas; son Ross (Amy) and their children: Kadyn, Alexis, and Logan of Bridgewater; brother Keith (Anna) of Elko, Minn.; sister-in-law Norma (Vernon J.) Hofer of Freeman; and bothers-in-law Richard Hofer and Roger (Joyce) Hofer of Hillsboro, Kan.; nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Robin Elaine, parents Joe D.S. and Elsie, sister Madelyn Glanzer, and parents-in-law Edward A. and Barbara G. Hofer.
