Joseph Francis Raymond Glaccum Jr

Joseph Francis Raymond "Big Joe" Glaccum, Jr., 87, passed away on December 31, 2025 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He was born on December 8, 1938, in Hempstead, NY to parents Joseph Sr. and Gertrude Glaccum.

Joe graduated from Baldwin High School on Long Island in 1956 and attended Pace College while working in New York City. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1958 and served during the Cold War as a medical technician at various radar sites in Florida, California, and Oregon until 1962. Joe was married to Elizabeth Ann "Betsy" Bennett in 1960 and they had three sons, Joseph III, George, and Michael.

After completing his military service, Joe moved his family to Minnesota in 1964 and settled in the Lake Minnetonka area. He opened The Aquarium Shop in Excelsior, selling tropical fish, pet supplies, and other exotic animals. "Big Joe" was well known around town and he could often be found having coffee at Bacon Drugstore, helping to publish the local newspaper, or supporting community events. He also worked at Hance Hardware, drove a school bus, and tended bar at several establishments in the Minneapolis area. Throughout the late 1980s and 90s, Joe divided his time between summers in Minnesota and winters driving bus and skiing in Lake Tahoe, California.

Aside from his many interests and world travels, Big Joe was perhaps best known by his friends and family as a passionate supporter of Scouting. He served as Scoutmaster for Troop 424 in Excelsior and led several activities within the Viking Council, earning the Silver Beaver Award for exceptional service as a council leader. Big Joe also distinguished himself through his contributions to the Woodbadge training program and for his service as a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's National Honor Society. Big Joe spent more than 30 years serving in various roles at Many Point Scout Camp in northern Minnesota, ultimately becoming the Food Service Director where he positively influenced new generations of youth, staff, and adult leaders while creating lifelong friendships with many people who remained close to him throughout the years.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Anne (McGowan), and his son George. He is survived by his former wife, Betsy, his sons Joseph III (Peggy) and Michael (Leah), seven grandchildren (Benjamin, Nathan, Julia, Emily, Cory, Garrett, and Cole), and four great-grandchildren (Olivia, Christian, Addy, and Amelia).

Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 21, 2025 at 4:00 pm at Huber Funeral Home in Excelsior, Minnesota with a memorial service to follow at 5:30 pm. Light refreshments and a time of fellowship and remembrance will take place immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a donation to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (Fergus Falls VA Home) or the Many Point Scout Camp Heritage Fund through the Northern Star Council of Scouting America. Helpful links are provided below.

Fergus Falls VA Home:

https://mn.gov/mdva/donate/form.jsp?Id=21

Many Point Heritage Fund: https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/NorthernStarCouncil/MPFund.html