Clear Lake remembers Gloria “June” Brasser, 102, a Navy veteran who never lost her adventurous spirit
CLEAR LAKE — Gloria J. “June” Brasser, a World War II Navy veteran, dedicated community volunteer and adventurous Clear Lake woman who celebrated milestone birthdays by skydiving and ziplining, died peacefully Sunday, August 30, 2026, at her home surrounded by family. She was 102.
A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, September 14, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Avenue North in Clear Lake, with Deacon Matt Berry officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour before the service.
Burial will follow at Clear Lake Cemetery, where members of Clear Lake VFW Post 4868 will provide full military honors.
Born June 7, 1924, in Waterloo, June was the daughter of Tracy and Anna Lutz Gray. She graduated from Goodell High School in 1942 as the United States was fighting World War II.
In January 1944, June answered her country’s call and enlisted in the WAVES, the women’s branch of the United States Naval Reserve. She served until receiving an honorable discharge in 1946.
June married Benedict John “Ben” Brasser on August 16, 1947, in Mason City. They became the parents of two children, Ben Jr. and Mary, and established their family home in Clear Lake in 1956.
She worked for many years at St. Joseph Hospital before retiring in 1988. Retirement did not keep June away from people or meaningful work for long. She later joined Walmart, where customers and co-workers came to know her affectionately as “Ms. June.” She remained there until retiring again in 1997.
June gave generously of her time throughout the community. She belonged to the American Legion, VFW Auxiliary and WAVES National and served with the Red Cross Gray Ladies. She also helped young people as a Cub Scout and Brownie Scout leader.
Her faith was an important part of her life. June was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and shared that faith with younger generations by teaching religious education classes.
She also possessed a fearless streak and believed age was no reason to stop seeking adventure. June marked her 80th birthday by going skydiving. At 85, she traveled to Las Vegas and celebrated by riding a zipline. When she wanted a quieter activity, she enjoyed working on crafts.
June’s family remembers a woman devoted to those she loved, proud of her military service and always willing to serve her community. Her courage, energy and enthusiasm remained defining qualities throughout her remarkable 102 years.
Survivors include her son, Ben Jr. and his wife, Vicky Brasser; daughter, Mary Zimmerman; grandchildren Shawn Zimmerman, Seth Zimmerman, Cassie and her husband, Jake Martin, and Brianna Brasser; great-grandchildren Zoey Zimmerman, Rhiannon Martin and Zander Rumeliote; and her special friend, Sarah Kephart.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ben, who died in 1980; her brother, Neal Gray; her sister, Carole Brandenburg; and her son-in-law, Gary Zimmerman.
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