Glenn Statler

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Glenn Statler was a blessing to all who were within his reach. He was hardworking and driven to succeed, and although he accomplished much of which to be proud, it was his family that was his greatest source of pride and joy. A man of honor, strength, and courage, Glenn will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Glenn was born on April 9, 1935 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Evelyn and William Statler. He was the oldest of four children and he was raised in the family home alongside his siblings, Linda, Sue, and Don. It was Glenn who was usually the instigator of the frequent shenanigans that his mother regularly addressed. Although the 1930s were cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression, he experienced an enjoyable childhood filled with plenty of fun, laughter, and love. Glenn kept himself out of mischief with his many hobbies, which included his love of animals, his unique talent for drawing cartoons, woodworking, inventions with his erector set, and his love for John Deere tractors that he developed while working on the farm with Mr. Gazdag. His love for John Deere tractors would remain with him for the rest of his life.

As a student at local schools, Glenn attended Recreation Park Elementary School where he proudly excelled in art, gym and even recess! In fact, he enjoyed class so much that his mother arranged for him to attend summer school as well! This proved to be a learning experience Glenn would reflect upon consistently while encouraging his own children to excel in their studies. He went on to graduate from Comstock High School in 1953.

As a young man, Glenn joined the United States Marine Corps in 1954. Throughout much of his time in the military he was stationed at Twentynine Palms, California. With his military duties fulfilled, Glenn was honorably discharged having earned the rank of Sergeant E4, on January 13, 1957.

A firm believer in education, Glenn would later continue his education by graduating from Compton College in Los Angeles, California, in 1959 with a degree in machine repair/engineering. He also graduated from the Welding Institute in Downey, California, in 1962. Glenn received his ASME certification from Yarway Steam Valves in 1963 as well as his certification from the Joint Clutch and Gear School in Detroit, Michigan, in 1970.

While he was busy establishing his career, Glenn met the woman who would change the course of his life forever. Her name was Olevia (Billie) Biggs, and they met at the Sealright Company in Commerce, California, where they were both working. They began dating and soon found themselves with a desire to spend the rest of their lives together; Glenn and Billie were united in marriage on February 17, 1963, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The same year that he was discharged from the military, Glenn began his rewarding career with the Sealright Company. There, he was known for his strong work ethic and was also appreciated for his ingenuity and creativity. One of his creations/inventions was recognized by Sealright and then implemented throughout the entire company. After several years, Glenn’s dreams became a reality when he was able to move his family back to Michigan to put his unwavering work ethic to use farming. While in Michigan he spent several years working for The Upjohn Company, retiring in 1992. Glenn continued farming until 2012.

In addition to being a devoted husband, Glenn was also a loving father to his two children, Sindalyn and Shelly, and his four stepchildren, Kim, Sandy, Terry, and Carol. Throughout his life there was no greater treasure in Glenn’s life than his family that also grew to include grandchildren and great grand children.

An extraordinary man to know and love, Glenn Statler was a blessing to his family and friends. He was a “gentleman farmer” through and through who was known for his love of his restored John Deere tractors and working hard in everything he did. Glenn had a special place in his heart for animals, but first and foremost in his life was always his family. He had a quick wit and a very animated personality, which made him so much fun to be around. Glenn will never be forgotten.

Glenn Allen Statler died on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at his home. Glenn’s family includes his wife, Billie; two children, Sindalyn (Doug) Wolthuis, Shelly (Allen) Reynolds; four step-children, Kim (Scott) Carlson, Sandy Shaffner, Terry Hayes, and Carol Coday who proceeded him in death); grandchildren, Bailey McNett, Bryan Wolthuis, Mattie Bell, Amber Reynolds, Richie Hayes, Brandon Williams, JL Coday, Levi Coday, Robby Lowe, and Robyn Lowe.

Surviving also are his sisters Linda (Billie) Nuyen, Sue Verburg, sister in-law Janet Cunningham and many nieces, nephews, great grand children and Glenn’s longtime friend Tim Zantjer.

Glenn was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Jorgenson; father William Statler, brother Don Cunningham, brother-in-law, Hank Verburg, step daughter Carol Coday and nephew Randy Verburg.