William Victor Glassmaker Sr., age 87, of Byron passed peacefully at his home on Monday January 30, 2017 surrounded by family.

William was born on March 23, 1929 to Lorraine (Nordine) and Leonard Glassmaker.  He was raised by his grandparents Christian and Anna Glassmaker on the farmstead in Byron.  He attended primary school in a one-room schoolhouse in Byron, MN.  He graduated from Byron High School in 1949.  He married his wife, Una, in August of 1953.  They lived in Byron, where they raised their daughter and three sons.

William served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1971.  Stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Air  Force Base in Georgia, Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts, Naha Air Force Base in Okinawa Japan, and also Randolph Air Force Base in Texas.  He also Served in Vietnam from 1965-1966, where he was awarded a Bronze Star.

After he retired from the service he moved his family to Byron.  He was employed at Dison's Laundry and Cleaners as a Laundry Manager and also at Kahler Corporation as a Production Manager.  William was a member of Byron American Legion and Christ the King Catholic Church.  He spent many years involved in coaching youth athletics.  He also enjoyed bowling, fishing, boating, relaxing at their summer home in Lake City, bingo, playing cards with family and friends, and going to the casino.  Above all he loved spending time with his family.

William is survived by his wife, of 63 years, Una, of Byron; children, William Jr. (Amy) Glassmaker of Mazeppa; Daryl (Renee) Glassmaker of Byron; Brian (Kelly) Glassmaker of Marshall, MO; 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; brother Jim (Sharon) Glassmaker of Bayfield, CO; many other nieces ,nephews, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Lorraine (Nordine) Glassmaker, daughter Linda Petersen Dwyer, siblings Joan (Elmer) Goosen, Arlene (Roy) Fuchs, and brother Jerry Glassmaker.

A memorial Mass will be at 11:00AM, Friday, February 3, 2017 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Byron.  Visitation will be from 4:00PM – 7:00PM Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Byron Funeral Home and one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Friday.  Burial will be in the Byron Cemetery at a later date.