Jesse Russell Glenn

Jesse Russell Glenn, 89, died Friday, February 24, 2012, at Mitchell Village Care Center, Mitchellville. Born January 15, 1923, on the family farm near Mitchellville, he was the first-born son of Jess and Gladys (Stemler) Glenn.

Russ learned early that he didn't like farming, but could do anything else he put his mind to. He was known for the cars he drove, the Bradley GT he built and cars he rebuilt. Entering WWII late in the war, he was a Naval Air Force pilot of Corsairs and other planes, ferrying them cross-country and to and from aircraft carriers. Later he served in the Naval Reserve and joined the Military Officers Association.

Russ married M. Joyce Stewart on July 22, 1951, at Ivy Methodist Church. Together they gave the good life to four children growing up in a kid-rich Altoona neighborhood. Russ finished the house they lived in, flew the share-owned plane to weekend breakfasts, steered the speedboat for skiing, erected the tent on camping trips and later pulled the trailer up mountain roads, all while working 30 years as a spot welder for John Deere, Ankeny, and looking after his parents.

He was a member of UAW Local 450, Deere Retirees, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Good Sam RV Club. He and Joyce enjoyed wintering in Mesa, Arizona.

Russ was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, who died 364 days before him, and by his cat Missy. He is survived by sons Mark (Susan) Glenn of Minneapolis and Mike (Casey) Glenn of Altoona; daughters Kathy (David) Glenn-Lewin of China, Maine, and Cindy (Dave) Peters of Cedar Falls; grandchildren Dan (Britty) Glenn, Michael Glenn, Matt Peters, Nate Peters, Jeff (Sandy) Lewin, Deborah (Tim Adams) Lewin, Greg (Joy Schloemer) Lewin, Trisha (Clint) Richey and David (Jessi) Doorenbos; twelve great-grandchildren; brothers Jerry of Colorado and Bob of Des Moines; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, February 28, at Hamilton's Funeral Home, Altoona. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 29, at Altoona United Methodist Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Canfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to WesleyLife Meals on Wheels, Johnston, or the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Iowa Chapter.

Online condolences may be made to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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