David P. Glanzer, son of Paul and Anna Glanzer, nee Gross, was born in Russia on Sept. 5, 1870, and died on Jan. 7, 1955, at 3:00 a.m. in his home seven miles southeast of Bridgewater, S.D.
In 1879 at the age of nine years he came with his father and family to America. At the age of five he lost his mother through death, but the Lord gave him a stepmother in Maria Janzen who was a dear mother to him. He grew up in a Christian home, and received a limited education. He went through hardships and trials of pioneer life; many were the stories he could relate.
He was baptized upon the confession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and accepted into the membership of the Hutterthal church near Freeman, S. Dak.
He was united in marriage to Maria Hofer on Nov. 23, 1890, by Rev. John L. Wipf. This union was blessed with eight children, three of whom preceded him in death in their infancy. After their marriage they lived with his parents for seven years, and in 1898 established their own home, which the Lord abundantly blessed.
Bro. Glanzer was of a happy and humorous disposition and won many friends throughout his life. He had a great heart for the unfortunate and poor and always gave a helping hand in time of need. He was a lover of his church, and served as Sunday school teacher for several years. He served as church treasurer for 18 years, and did a very conscientious job. He also was a great lover of music, and had many favorite songs. The one he so often announced was "We're Marching to Zion." He knew many of the old hymns by memory, and for many years started the songs in church.
Several times in his life he was very ill and close to death, but God spared him to a ripe age. When his eyesight began to fail, he sought help from the best doctors, but was informed that he would not find help. He was satisfied and content in the way the Lord led. The last ten years of his life he was totally blind. He was deprived of many things others enjoy, and it grieved him greatly that he could not look into his wife's face when she died.
For years he could not attend public worship, but received much help and comfort through the radio. He bore his cross courageously with the help of his heavenly Father. He also enjoyed visitors and graciously welcomed them into his home. Time usually was long for him, since he could not read or leave his home. On Dec. 29 he fell and injured his hip, and complications developed which caused his death. His children lovingly cared for him during his illness. All that human hands could do was done. He had consented to go to the hospital, but the Lord led that he passed away at his home.
After sharing life's joys and sorrows with his companion for 59 years, his wife preceded him on Sept. 24, 1950. He lived as a widower for a little over four years. He attained the age of 84 years, four months and two days.
He leaves to mourn his passing five children, Anna, Mrs. Andrew J. Kleinsasser, and Katie, Mrs. Josh. G. Hofer, both of Hitchcock, S. Dak., David, Elias, and Lydia of Dolton, S. Dk.; two sons-in-law, two daughters-in-law; 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and four great grandchildren; three brothers, Paul of Yale, S. D., Sam of Huron S. D. and Joe of Dolton, S. D., and three sisters, Mrs. John A. Kleinsasser and mrs. Paul J. Walter, both of Yale, S. Dak., and Mrs. Peter S. Hofer of Hitchcock.
Funeral services were conducted in the Hutterthal Mennonite church on Sunday, Jan. 9, Rev. P. P. Tschetter of Kingman, Kansas and Rev. Jacob B. Hofer conducted the service. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Decker and David J. R. Hofer furnished the music. Interment was in the church cemetery with the Walter funeral home in charge of arrangements.
(MWR 10 Feb 1955 p. 8)