In a heartfelt social media post, Mara Glubka, a transgender woman from Winona, Minnesota shared a deeply personal story about her late father, Edward A. Glubka, that has resonated widely online.
Her post centers on a decades-old photograph and a private moment from the final months of his life.
Mara recalls the photograph vividly. It was taken in 1961, when she was around eight years old.
In the image, her father is wearing a wig borrowed from a cousin, standing in a family kitchen. At the time, everyone laughed—it was just a playful moment. But decades later, that same image carries a far deeper meaning.
Shortly before his death, only months after Mara came out to him as transgender, Edward shared words that would stay with her forever.
“He told me I was his hero shortly before his death, only months after coming out to him as transgender,” Mara said. “He wouldn’t say why. Took that to his grave.”
For Mara, those words were more than praise—they were a quiet acknowledgment of her courage and the bond she shared with her father.
Though he never explained why he called her his hero, the sentiment has become a lasting reminder of his love and pride.
The post quickly drew an outpouring of support from friends and followers.
One commented:
“Wow. That is so cool that you have this picture, as well as his words to you!”
Another added, “He would be proud of the woman you are Mara ❤️.”
One reflected:
“We get our queerness from someone in the family… we ARE sometimes the one who accepted ourselves and came out of the closet.”
Others shared personal insights about family, identity, and hidden histories across generations.
Edward A. Glubka, who passed away on April 16, 2011, at the age of 88, led a remarkable life.
Born on January 28, 1923, in Winona, Minnesota, he was the youngest of five children. From an early age, he was recognized for his athleticism, artistic talent, and intellectual curiosity.
He served honorably in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945 as a Topographic Draftsman in the Military Intelligence Section (G-2) at General Douglas MacArthur’s headquarters in the Southwest Pacific, contributing to critical wartime mapping and intelligence operations.
After the war, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Winona State University, majoring in Art and History with a minor in English, and also attended the Minneapolis School of Art.
Mara noted that he had once considered a career in fashion design but chose not to pursue it because he felt uncomfortable in a field dominated by gay men.
He instead became a celebrated stained glass artist and freelance sign designer, with works displayed in churches across the United States, including the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. He also designed the City of Winona flag.
Edward married Mary V. Vogel on May 5, 1951, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Arcadia, Wisconsin. Together, they raised eight children—two sons and six daughters—and shared a 60-year marriage.
A lifelong community member, Edward served on the Board of Directors for the Winona Area Jaycees, chaired the Steamboat Days Queen Pageant in 1954, and taught CCD classes with his wife from 1958 to 1970.
He was also active in local politics, including serving as Winona County finance chairman for Hubert H. Humphrey’s 1968 presidential campaign.
Edward remained active and engaged throughout his life. He played men’s softball until the age of 55, followed Minnesota sports closely, and enjoyed listening to Big Band music. He was also a lifelong reader and remained intellectually curious until the end.
Through her post, Mara highlighted a quiet, lasting moment of affirmation.” He told me I was his hero… that went with him,” she said.
Through this intimate glimpse into her father’s life and his final words, Mara has shared not only Edward’s humor, warmth, and artistry but also a powerful story of love, pride, and acceptance.
Edward Glubka’s life—as a soldier, artist, athlete, and devoted father—continues to inspire, now intertwined with a message of affirmation for future generations.
