Saturday, April 27, 2024
Granbury resident and World War II veteran Bruce Glatzel celebrated his 100th birthday at Warren’s Backyard Saturday, March 16, with the party of the century — literally.
Featuring a taco bar, fruit, cupcakes and a “Happy Birthday” rendition from Glatzel’s great-grandson Toby Hutchison, the venue was filled with loving family and friends who gathered to celebrate his momentous occasion.
Glatzel was born in New York March 18, 1924. Months before his birth, his parents migrated to the U.S. from Germany; Glatzel notes he was “almost a European citizen.”
When he was 18, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps (Air Force) in 1942. He served as a Texan AT6 fighter plane pilot instructor, training pilots stateside during the war.
After four years in the Army Air Corps, Glatzel retired from the military and started working for New Jersey Power & Light. Later, he worked as an accountant for Texas Electric Service Co/ONCOR before retiring in 1989.
When asked how it feels to be 100, Glatzel simply responded with, “tiring.”
Glatzel was previously an avid golfer and bowler. He started golfing in 1950 and just only retired from his Granbury senior bowling league last year.
While he has since given up these two activities, he said his main goal now is “trying to keep up with the kids.”
Glatzel has four daughters: Kathy, Maryanne, Margie, and Marylynn — two of whom are identical twins. He also has 10 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
The secret to longevity, Glatzel said, is to “just stay happy” and have “no controversies.”
