Donald A. Gleisner, 81, Former Chicago Bears Football Player

Don, affectionately known as "Bird", was born in Elyria on August 9, 1930, the son of the late Charles and Mary (nee Gaueman) Gleisner.

A 1948 graduate of Elyria High School, Don was an accomplished football player, leading the Elyria Pioneers as quarterback in their 1947 undefeated season. In 1975, he was inducted into the Elyria Sports Hall of Fame.

He graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1953 with a degree in political
science. Again, an accomplished football player, while at Vanderbilt, he
was named to the All-SEC team. He currently holds records; 1951, 5 single
season interceptions-ranked 6th, 1952, 7 single season interceptions-ranked
3rd and 1950-1952 with 13 total interceptions, he ranked 2nd, currently
holding the Vanderbilt records.

Following graduation, he caught the eye of the NFL Chicago Bears football
team and was drafted into play as a safety under the tutelage of Coach
George Halas. He played with the Bears until an injury cut short his
professional career.

Starting out as a sales representative for Riddell All-American, he worked
his way up to sales manager in 1959, then was named as president in 1972.
A total career of 54 years with Ridell-All American, Don continued to be active in the business. The Don Gleisner Award for sales, the most prestigious award at Ridell-All American was created in his honor. Twice annually, Don spoke at the National Sales Conventions, as the keynote motivational speaker.

In 1969, NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic
Equipment) was formed to fund and develop standards for athletic equipment
across the country. Creating a new football helmet standard was the primary
focus since there were 36 fatal injuries in 1968 on the field. Don questioned the value of the new helmet standard without an annual recertification process and shortly thereafter, NAERA (National Athletic Equipment Reconditioning Association) was founded in Elyria by a group of athletic reconditioners headed by Don and All American Sports. NAERA joined NOCSAE in 1976 and Don served on the NOCSAE board ever since.

Don's vision of making the game of football safer for all its participants
lives on today every time a young man from the Pop Warner to the NFL
straps on a football helmet.

He was a lifetime active member of Zion Lutheran Church serving also as an
usher. Following the death of his son Steve in 1970, he spearheaded the
construction of the Bell Tower at the church.

Don continued his commitment to his community by serving on Lorain City
Council for Ward 7 from 1981-1983. Named to the Civil Service Commission in
1983, he served as either president or vice president for the following 29
years. Mayor Chase Ritenour, in January, reappointed him to another 6
year term.

He served on the Ridge Hill Memorial Park Cemetery board as president for
many years and on the Holiday Lakes Board of Trustees as a director. He was
also a member of the Lorain Elks Lodge.

Don is survived by daughters, Jayne and Lisa both of Willard, a granddaughter Stevi also of Willard, and a sister Mary Jane Carrico of Vermilion.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Joan A. (nee Binder) in 2005, his only son Steve in 1970 and a brother Howard.

Friends may call on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012 from 5-8 p.m. in the Schwartz,
Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funeral, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain.

Funeral service will be on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2011 at 11:00 am in the Zion
Lutheran Church, 5100 Ashland Ave., Lorain, with Rev. Kent Wilson,
officiating.

Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.

The Family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to The Zion
Lutheran Church or to Stein Hospice, 1200 Syamore Street, Sandusky, Ohio
44870.

Online condolences at www.boyer-cool.com.