TRAVERSE CITY — Jerry Glassner, 69, of Traverse City, died Aug. 21, 2011, at Munson Medical Center. Jerry was born on Sept. 19, 1941, in Charlotte, to the late Milton and Emojean (Stanton) Glassner. Jerry grew up in Dimondale and attended Alma College and Michigan State University. He began his career as an optician in the late 1960s and recently retired from Grand Traverse Ophthalmology Clinic after 43 years. In his spare time Jerry loved to spend time landscaping his immaculate garden. He enjoyed tinkering, building wood strip canoes and kayaks, carving and riding his Harley. He was also an avid reader. Jerry is survived by his wife of 19 years, Janis; his children, Tracy (Patrick) Lints and Chad (Kristin) Glassner; stepson, Ryan (Kara) Farage; grandchildren, Courtney, Noah, Andrew, Kyan, Madelyn, Taylor and Ellesyn; sister, Mary Jo (Duane) Harmon; and father-in-law, Philip Pelky. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Roxann Cotton; and mother-in-law, Kathryn Pelky. Visitation for friends and family will be held today, Aug. 24, 2011, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A celebration of Jerry's life will be held on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011, at 3:30 p.m., also at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of Jerry may be directed to the Traverse Area District Library or to a charity of your choice. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.