Glenys A. Hotzler
Glenys A. Hotzler passed away on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, at Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids. She was 95. Glenys was a lifelong teacher, traveler and advocate for all military Veterans.
Born Oct 3, 1928, from St. James, Minnesota, Glenys retired in the 1980s from a long and fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher and began traveling the United States and Canada with husband, Owen, a World War II Veteran and former prisoner of war. Glenys eventually visited all 50 states and several places in Europe, including Norway to visit distant relatives she never previously met and see the sights of her beloved heritage.
Glenys loved teaching. The way she lived her life in retirement taught her son, grandsons and their spouses, great grandsons and all extended family about love, kindness, generosity, patience, respect, compassion, empathy and humor. She always was there for family, no matter the circumstance. She loved unconditionally and gave a wonderfully tight bear hug as a greeting and a goodbye.
Glenys loved the outdoors. She was an avid hunter and loved to fish. She enjoyed walking in nature and watching wildlife, especially the birds and hummingbirds at the birdfeeder outside her kitchen window.
Glenys also loved animals. She owned several dogs through the years, all providing comfort, companionship and loyalty throughout her life. She was a cook and a baker, often sending care packages of cookies and lefse to loved ones.
Glenys loved Park Rapids, her friends at Calvary Lutheran Church and took pride in helping the community, especially Veterans. She was commander of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary for several years, holding office at the state level, and a charter member of the All Veterans Memorial Committee, which spent 14 years lobbying for, visualizing and creating the All Veterans Memorial in Hubbard County.
Glenys always was busy, and at 85 was named Hubbard County Outstanding Senior Citizen for her tireless community service. At the time, she was the coordinator for lunches served at Calvary Lutheran Church on behalf of families who lost loved ones, as well as a greeter, lector, prayer team member, library volunteer, coffee host, communion assistant and chaired service groups.
She also was a food shelf and Meals on Wheels volunteer into her late 80s.
Glenys is survived by her son, Sheldon Hotzler of Woodbury, Minnesota; grandson, Shawn (Christy) Hotzler, great grandsons Adrian and Gabe, of New Hope, Minnesota; grandson, Heath (Mary Jo) Hotzler, great grandsons Graham and Grayson, of Fargo; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Sophie Wolner; sister, Muriel Ommodt; brother, James Wolner; and husband, Owen Hotzler.
Funeral services will be Friday, Jan. 12, 2024 at 2 pm at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. Visitation one hour prior to the service. A private burial will be later at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Online condolences can be shared at ceasefuneralhome.com.
