Glenn LeRoy Kaiser, 89, of Paxton, died at 12:26 p.m. Sunday, February 5, 2023, Country Health Care, Gifford.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 10, 2023, at Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton with military honors accorded by the Paxton American Legion Prairie Post 150.
Visitation will be Thursday, Feb 9, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Glenn was born April 17, 1933, in Gibson City the son of Glenn and Hazel Mae Burt Kaiser. He married Patricia Ann Mulligan Stewart November 10, 1956 in Beardstown. She preceded him in death July 31, 2019.
He is survived by two sons, Gregory Kaiser of Gibson City, Ted Kaiser of Paxton; daughter, Kim (Jeff) Brown of Paxton; four grandsons, Chad Brown, Josh Brown, Joe Brown and Steven Kaiser; two granddaughters, Cassandra Young and Katelyn Kaiser; seven great grandchildren; two sisters Mrs. Marilyn Fields of Paxton and Mrs. Larry (Patty) Jones of Trenton; three nephews and two nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a stepson, Doug Stewart.
Glenn attended schools in Paxton graduating in 1951. He worked at the Ford Garage for Mr. Whowell until 1953. Glenn served in the United States Army from 1953-1955 with more than 18 months overseas. He worked for the Corp of Engineers (Army) 1955-57, then went to work for C.I.P.S. on the line clearance crew living in Paxton, Gibson City, Hoopeston and Lawrenceville returning to Paxton in 1970. He retired as a lineman December 31, 1998 with more than 41 years.
Glenn was a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 702, former member of Rantoul Moose Club and former member of the Lions Club. He was a lifetime member of both the Paxton American Legion Prairie Post 150 and V.F.W. Post 4214. He was also a member of the Paxton American Legion Honor Guard. Glenn was a veteran of the Korean Conflict.
He and his wife started the Veteran Memorial in Pells Park and had a ceremony on November 11, 2003. Glenn was Santa Claus for the town of Paxton for many years and in the Christmas Parade and also visited private homes. In 2021, he was the Grand Marshall in the Christmas Parade. He was known to many as “the melon man” traveling to Indiana to bring back melons, strawberries and peaches to sell.
Glenn also painted the animals at the poolside park for all the kids to enjoy.
Memorials may be made to the Paxton American Legion Prairie Post 150. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.
