William R. "Bill" Glass, Jr.

William “Bill” R. Glass Jr., 75, of Sandusky, died with family by his side, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, shortly after noon, at Stein Hospice Care Center, from complications due to Juvenile Diabetes, diagnosed at age 18.

In mid-June, while in rehab, Bill was making plans for his return home. Many may view Bill as having a poor quality of life, but he definitely didn’t hold the same perspective. Sadly, during the second half of June, it became apparent Bill was moving more toward his spiritual home.

Bill was born on April 16, 1950, in Sandusky, son of the late William R. Glass and Ruth M. (Lindrose) Glass.

Bill attended elementary school at Mills and Campbell. Bill was a diligent young piano student of Mr. Joseph Savord, and at Adams Junior High, Bill took up the trombone. At Sandusky High School, he was involved in the marching band and orchestra for all four years. For his studies, Bill would burn the midnight oil, with mom often finding him asleep in bed, lying atop his books. Through his love of learning and hard work, Bill was inducted into Sandusky High School’s National Honor Society.

Bill swam for SHS on the reserve and varsity teams, medaling in the 200 and 400 yard freestyle and four-man relay. Bill was selected to receive the Captain Dan Thomas Award, “which is presented to a senior member of the varsity swimming team whose qualifications as a student, citizen and athlete reflect those standards established for the recipient’s selection.” Captain Dale Daniel Thomas, a 1950 graduate of SHS, was killed in action in Vietnam in 1964.

After graduating from Sandusky High School in 1968, Bill attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. In 1978, Bill received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from BGSU.

During high school summers, Bill worked for Cedar Point on the Blue Streak and Mill Race, City Water Department reading meters, digging and occasionally getting to drive the truck.

In the early 70s, Bill worked for Aluminum Mag. Then, Bill found his vocation as an apprentice machinist with Schwab Machine. He enjoyed the variety of projects, whether making parts for local farmers or larger manufacturers. Schwab’s was the first shop in the area to have computer-aided machine technology. After hours, Bill took the manual home and taught himself to write computer code to run the machine. Except for two years when Bill accepted a position at Sandusky High School as machine shop instructor, Bill remained with Schwab’s. Bill and his family greatly appreciated Schwab’s understanding of diabetes and their support.

Bill was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he was baptized and confirmed. He played church league softball and graduated from junior choir to senior choir. Years later, he learned to play handbells. Bill also served the church by teaching Sunday School, serving on church council, participating in adult Bible studies, and representing St. Paul at synod conferences. Bill also sang with Mike and Patti Matter’s group, “Morning Praise.”

Many thanks go to a very dear friend of the Glass family for introducing Bill to another friend, Bob W. Through AA sponsors and meetings, Bill found sobriety and maintained it for over 40 years. And, Bill also found Trudy through AA. 

On February 1, 1985, Bill married Trudy L. Blake, and she preceded him in death January 26, 2025. During their 40 years together, they enjoyed their dogs and cats, traveling, music, Scrabble, and quiet “dinners with the dead” at Oakland Cemetery. As their house at 808 Maple Ave. became increasingly inaccessible, in 2020, Bill moved to his mom’s ranch house. Despite the distance, their phone conversations were long, keeping them close. Trudy always had Bill’s unending love.

A former golfer, bowler, and Triumph motorcyclist, Bill delved into genealogy in later years and studied German, a language he had first learned in high school. Bill started his mornings with NPR and ended his days with classical music on WKSU. Bill and his mom rarely missed PBS NewsHour or other excellent programs. Bill also introduced his mom to series like Schitt’s Creek. Bill participated in online Bible studies and book discussions on various social topics.

Over 57 years, Bill experienced most of the complications of diabetes. In 1998, Bill was gifted a kidney, making a massive difference in Bill’s life for 27 years, almost double the highest average number of years. In 2007, Bill was gifted a pancreas, also making a huge difference in Bill’s life for 18 years, almost half as long as the highest average. Bill remained ever grateful for the love, care, and support he received from his wife, Trudy, through the transplant recoveries, as well as from his family and friends.

Survivors include his mother, Ruth M. Glass; brothers, Tom (Cindy) Glass and Barry (Nancy) Glass; sister, Cheryl (Joe Schell) Glass-Schell; and stepdaughter, Amanda Martin; and step grandson, Tanner Martin. In addition are Bill’s great nephews and nieces, as well as many cousins. Bill appreciated the companionship of his friends, Tim Bressler, Mick Henry, und liebe Freundin Giesela Ohly, who helped Bill with his German lessons, served Communion, and engaged in enjoyable and interesting conversations with Bill and his mom.

Bill was preceded in death by his father; wife; stepson, G. Matthew Ogle; step granddaughter, Noel Martin; and niece, Chelsea Fultz.

The family greatly appreciates the care and friendship extended to Bill by the staff at Firelands Home Health, FRMC, and Stein Hospice.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Pfeil Funeral Home, 617 Columbus Ave, in Sandusky. Funeral will be at 11:30 a.m., officiated by Pastor Michael Conklin of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate gifts made in Bill’s honor to Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 503 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870, or a charity of one’s choice.

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