Glen J. Willsie

Glen J. Willsie lifelong resident of East Berne passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday May 7th, 2026. Born September 9th 1935 he was the son of the late Jarvey and Esther Lockwood Willsie. Beloved husband of Shirley Stevens Willsie.

Glen was a person of great integrity. He worked the family farm his and enjoyed being outdoors on his tractor smoking a cigarette which he did his entire life up until the day before he died. He named all the cows and was a true, friendly farmer with a smile and a wave to all who passed him on the road. He loved his many springer spaniels, mostly named Lady. Glen loved to trap shoot and received several trophies and recognition from across the state. He also loved to fish and caught his biggest fish, a Northern Pike, in Warner's Lake, Glen loved to fish in local streams for trout the most. Despite being inflected with polio at age 13 and hospitalized for a year, Glen's love of sports was undeniable. He was a little league coach, followed sports and loved going to basketball games with his family. He built a basketball court at his home for all to enjoy. He became the best at making foul shots saying foul shots can win or lose a game. Glen loved Syracuse basketball which he proudly displayed on many sweatshirts. He enjoyed owning many four-wheelers and snowmobiles riding them around the farm.

Married to the love of his life for 71 years, Shirley, they were a match made in heaven marrying at a young age and building a beautiful life of deeply devoted family and friends. In later years, their days and nights were together watching their favorite TV shows; Jeopardy being his favorite so he could impress with all the knowledge he obtained from reading. He read the paper every day and if you gave him any book or magazine, he would start reading it upon receipt. Glen loved his grandchildren and really enjoyed his great little grands taking their first steps cheering them on from his chair that he was confined to for the last five years because of a leg injury. He never complained but would light up a cigarette and be peaceful with the life he created.

In addition to his wife Shirley, Glen is survived by his children Ross (Kathy), Paula, and Dawn (William); his grand children Carly (Ethan), Samantha (John), Ethan (Rebecca) and his Great-grandchildren: Emmett, Callum, Magdalen, Kira, Marten.

Glen was predeceased by his son Gary Willsie and his sister Phyllis J. Talbot.

Family and friends are invited and may visit with Glen's family on Friday May 15th from 11am until 1pm in the Fredendall Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, Altamont. A prayer service will immediately follow the visitation in the funeral home at 1pm. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Berne following the service.

Many thanks to the Community Hospice team, especially Erin, and to mom and Dawn who cared for him each day, so he was able to pass away peacefully with his family, which meant so much to him.