Ronald V. Glaeser, 92, passed away May 21, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin. He was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on October 18, 1932, son of Edward and Helen (Mathe) Glaeser. He attended St Vincent's Elementary School and Oshkosh High School, graduating in 1950.
He enlisted in the US Air Force in February 1952 during the Korean War. He attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas and completed Aircraft and Engine School in Amarillo. He worked as a jet aircraft crew chief at Webb Air Force Base in Big Springs, Texas and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in February 1956.
Ron married Delores Jane Raddatz at Peace Lutheran Church in Oshkosh on May 25, 1957. They had two sons, Tim and Randy.
Ron was a sheet metal mechanic working most of his career for Muza Sheet Metal in Oshkosh. He was a member of the Sheet Metal Union, Local 18 as well as the American Federation of Musicians.
He retired in 1989, and he and Delores moved to Gresham, Wisconsin. They spent their summer months in their lakeside A-Frame home and lived in Harlingen, Texas during the winter. After 19 years, Ron and Delores moved to Walla Walla, Washington where they enjoyed spending time with their son, Randy and his family. In 2017 they moved back to Wisconsin, living near Tim and family in an assisted living community called Hyland Park in Sun Prairie. Randy and his wife also moved to Sun Prairie upon retirement, and the whole family was reunited again for a short time. Ron's wife Delores passed unexpectedly in September 2018.
Ron was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Oshkosh; St. James Lutheran in Shawano, Wisconsin; St. Paul's Lutheran in Harlingen, Christ Lutheran in Walla Walla; and Bethlehem Lutheran in Sun Prairie.
He was a gifted musician and played accordion and piano in a band called the Accordionaires for many years The band played mostly polkas, waltzes and other old-time music. Ron later learned to play the organ and electric keyboard and loved sharing his talent with family and friends, often playing for neighborhood get togethers and other social events. He truly loved the old-time music and continued performing regularly for the residents at Hyland Park.
Ron is survived by his two sons, Tim (Anja) Glaeser and Randy (Vivian) Glaeser; brother, Thomas Glaeser; five grandchildren six great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Ron was preceded in death by his wife; parents; his brother, Gilbert; and stepfather, Conrad Paffenroth.
Visitation will be held at Lake View Memorial Park Cemetery, 2786 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh, WI, 54901, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 10:00am to 11:00am, with service to immediately follow.