William Oregon Glace

William O. Glace

1924-2018

William (“Bill” to his family and friends) was born in Allentown Pennsylvania June 9, 1924.  His parents Reed and Ivy Glace had spent time in southern Oregon during the early years of their marriage and enjoyed the state so much that they gave him the middle name “Oregon”. Bill always joked that of course the state was named after him.

He grew up and attended school in Catasauqua Pennsylvania and loved building things.  He liked radios and upon graduation from high school enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he trained as a radar technician.  He served in the Second World War on the island of Guam servicing naval aircraft that flew missions in the Pacific.

After his service he returned to his hometown and met his future wife Ruth Schall.  They married in 1949 and he started college under the GI bill to become a teacher.  Upon graduation he applied and was accepted for an elementary school teaching position in Oregon.  Neither of them had actually been there but with his middle name being Oregon it seemed fate that they would seek a new adventure and opportunity.  Bill and Ruth traveled cross country to Albany.  Neither of them expected to stay long but after a year their daughter Alice was born and they found themselves settled happily in the community.

Bill taught school for his entire career in Albany- first teaching 5th graders at Madison elementary then later teaching 7th grade mathematics for over 30 years at Calapooia Middle School.  He and Ruth were longtime members of Faith Lutheran Church where Bill taught Sunday school and served in various roles.  Bill enjoyed fishing, exploring the local outdoors and continuing his longtime hobbies building models and electronics.

After retirement Bill and Ruth enjoyed traveling, making several cross country road trips to visit Pennsylvania and other regions in the United States.  He liked working in his home and garden, was an avid reader and eagerly kept up with the events of the day.  He always had a story to share and would love to sit and enjoy a good conversation with a cup of tea. He enjoyed spending time with his family and always had a warm spot for his granddaughters and great grandchildren.

Bill was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 69 years, Ruth; sister Jessica Glotfelty, daughter Alice Scofield (spouse Dennis Scofield); granddaughters Karina Scofield and Lauren Crum (spouse Rob Crum) and two great grandchildren Allison and James Crum.

Bill passed away in the evening on Friday, January 26 holding the hand of his beloved wife Ruth.

Bill was always a gentleman who will be greatly missed by all who knew him and will be remembered for his humor, warmth and kindness to all.

May he Rest In Peace in the loving arms of his Lord.

A Celebration of his Life will be held Thursday, February 8 @11:00am at Faith Lutheran Church in Albany.  He will be placed to rest at Willamette Memorial Park in Albany. 

In lieu of flowers the family welcomes donations to the Faith Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.

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