Glenn W. McDole
September 03, 2009
Glenn "Mac" McDole, 88, passed away peacefully on September 3rd surrounded by his family and friends. Born February 6, 1921 to David and Dessa McDole, Glenn's extraordinary life was distinguished by exceptional courage, honor and service. He was, by definition, a true American hero.
After attending Urbandale High School, Glenn felt a personal calling to serve, and in November of 1940, he joined the United States Marine Corp. After World War II broke out, Glenn was taken as a Prisoner of War on the island of Corregidor where he remind captive for almost three years. His experience during this time and his daring escape has been well documented through interviews, television appearances, motivational speeches throughout the world, as well as the subject of a book entitled "Last Man Out," by Bob Wilbanks.
Following the War, Glenn was a key witness in the War Crimes Trials of 1945, received the Bronze Metal/Combat V for valor and combat heroism, and devoted his life to remembering and honoring all who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
In 1947, Glenn joined the Iowa State Patrol, stationed in Osceola, Storm Lake ,and Des Moines, where he ultimately retired in 1976 as Lieutenant. One year later, Glenn returned to service at the request of then Sheriff Bob Rice to serve as Chief of Patrol, heading up patrol and communications for the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Twelve years later, Glenn retired "again" making it 50 years of proud service to his country and community. Those who worked with Glenn will remember his as an honorable, loyal man with a generous smile and helping hand.
Glenn shared over 60 years of his life with his beloved wife, Betty (Moody) McDole who passed away in June of 2008. Together, they had two daughters, Glenda (Galyn) Johnson of Ankeny and Kathy (Larry) Parkins of Alleman.
Glenn also leaves three granddaughters, Michelle (Mike) Schroder, Heather (Viktor) Sanderson and Melissa Carter; six great grandchildren, Jacob and Jordon Sanderson, Ryan and Malorie Schroder, and Addison and Casen ("Little Mac") Carter. He is also survived by his sister, Dolores Moore of California, brother, Joe McDole and his wife, Gloria, of Florida and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews spread across the United States.
Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, siblings, Max McDole, Colleen (LeRoy) Sexton, Margaret (Cam) Taylor and brother-in-law, Gene Moore.
The family will cherish Glenn's memory and continue to be inspired by his amazing courage, strength and compassion.
Throughout his life, Glenn was an active member of the community. He belonged to Highland Park Christian Church for 50 years where served as Deacon and Elder. He also was a 50-year member of the Auburn Masonic Lodge, Consistory and The Shrine. Glenn belonged to the Iowa States Sheriff's and Deputies Association, VFW, Elks, Iowa State Troopers Association, Iowa State Supervisors Association, Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, and the Marine Corp Auxiliary.
In his later years, Glenn enjoyed doing and reflecting on what he loved most - fishing, time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and of course, being a proud "always faithful" Marine. He will be missed by all who knew him and were touched by his amazing life.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2009, at 2 pm at Highland Park Christian Church in Des Moines, Iowa, with burial to follow at the Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. A visitation with family present will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Highland Park Christian Church or to the Iowa Veterans Honor Flight in loving memory of Glenn.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
David O'Brien
03/14/2018
Just this moment finished reading the account of Mr. McDole's experience as a WWII POW and the horrific tortures he had to endure.
Sir, you were truly a hero and will never be forgotten.
I salute you
David R. O'Brien, CPT, Army Corps of Enginbeers
Mark Canfield
01/15/2017
My deepest sympathy, sorrow, and respects to Glenn and his family. I am in awe of Glenn's heroic feats described on "War Stories". Just order his book "Last Man Out" which will serve a legacy to the horror of WWII. Thank You Glenn, for allowing me to have the freedom that I enjoy. God Bless You and your family.
Gordon Gribble
01/13/2016
Having just read "Last Man Out", I want to express my deepest sympathy to Glenn's family. He was a true American hero and a credit to the Marine Corps. He truly survived Hell at Palawan. May Glenn rest in peace.
Jeff Johnson
09/09/2009
Our hearts go out to you and your family in your time of sorrow. Peace, Prayers and Blessings. Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear,just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Remember that we love and care about you. May your memories give you strength Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow, you are in our prayers. May you take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you. Hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about.
Jeff Johnson
Ted Hall
Brent Camery
Kate Bearce
Region 11 Veterans Team
Carole Lund-Smith
09/08/2009
To the family of Glenn McDole,
I consider it such a privilege to have worked with "Chief" McDole. As a former dispatcher for Polk County Sheriff's Office I spent several years working with this kind and wonderful man. On rare occasions, he would come into dispatch and talk with us about his war experiences. Each time he did, we had to fight back tears and were awestruck to hear firsthand the stories of what he endured. He was an American hero in the truest sense of the word. My thoughts and prayers are Kathy, Larry and all of his family during this difficult time.
Carole Lund-Smith
Training Specialist
Iowa Dept of Public Safety
Carolyn Farrell-Moody
09/08/2009
I've worked around law enforcement individuals since early 1985. Although I never met Mr. McDole, his reputation preceded him. I met and witnessed his lovely daughter Kathy while out at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy as she was going through Basic training in 1996 to get her certification. She showed very good leadership skills, and I'm sure she made her father and the rest of her family very proud.
My heartfelt sympathies and prayers are with your family.
Dawne (Ancheta) Both
09/07/2009
To the family and friends of Glen McDole,
It was an honor to know him, his family and other miliary men that served with him. He will be greatly missed, but more importantly he will be remembered for what he has done for the country and his community.
We offer our condelences.
The Ancheta Family
MaryAnne Ancheta
Marie, Dawne, Jennifer, Michael, Robert
and all the heirs of Colonel Nazario B. Mayor
Wade Sheeler
09/07/2009
I had the pleasure of meeting Bro. McDoid a year ago when he came to Newton to speak at our Masonic Lodge regarding his experiences in World War II. Glen did not seem to bitter about those experiences, he only wanted to tell his story so that future generations would know what had been sacrificed by those brave servicemen on the islands in the South Pacific.
Glen was a true American hero and a wonderful example of what being a Mason is. I feel so priviledged to have had the opportunity to have met him. Well done my brother, rest in peace in the Grand Lodge Above.
Glen Swanson
09/07/2009
To the Family of Glenn W. McDole:
It with great sorrow this message is being given to you with the passing of Glenn. He was an inspiration to all whom he came into contact with. Glenn was an all American Hero for his life of serving this fine country of ours. It was a pleasure to get to know Glenn after his retirement from the Iowa State Patrol and Polk County Sheriff's Department. It has been an honor to work with his daughter Deputy Kathy McDole-Parkins and her husband Sergeant Larry Parkins. But, now is the time to remember one of our fellow servants of this community, county, state, and most of all our Country. Glenn will be missed by all. He was certainly an outstanding inspirational figure to all of us in the service community. You definitely have our sympathy on this sad day.
Sincerely,
Glen & Kathy Swanson
3320 NW 14th St
Ankeny, IA
E.R.Pearson X256 ISP
09/05/2009
We are so Thankful for all that you did and gave during the war. I am also Thankful for you taking and lifting me up when I was being put down at the time I worked in Post 5.
You will always be remember and it was great to have worked with you.
Very Sincerely,
Elmer and Patty Pearson
Larry Naber
09/06/2009
Glenda & Cathy:
I have many memories of your father. I was stationed in Sioux City in September of 1970. Your father was a DL hearing officer and he would hold hearings in Sioux City. Clel Baulder and I worked the same shift and we would always drink coffee and eat lunch with you dad when he was in Sioux City. Those were the good old days. Dick Luitjens was the DL examiner in Sioux City.
I admired your Dad as he was always calm and had a gift to deal with people. I did see him draw the line in the sand a few times. On instance was with a young man by the name of Stephen Brown. His mother Vera Brown was very heavy and outspoken. Stephen license had been suspended as he was a pain and his mother would always stand up for him. She cussed and swored at your father and that was the straw the broke the camel's back. Your Dad got in her face and it was funny. We called her Mamma Bird Brown as her son drove a yellow Dodge Super B. We called him Super B Brown. Everytime after that we asked him about Mamma Bird Brown.
I had nothing but respect for your father. He was an excellent representative of the Iowa State Patrol and the law enforcement profession. We have lost a good friend and a fellow brother law enforcement officer. You have my sympathy.
Penny Keller Hall
09/05/2009
To Kathy and the family.
We are so sad to hear of Cousin Glenn's passing. Glenn was very special to
my brothers (Gary Lewallen and Don Lewallen) and I. Our mother
Maude McDole Keller was very fond of Glenn. Please accept
our heart felt sympathy at this time. I will be contacting
Irene McDole in Nebraska to let her know of Glenn's passing so that
she can tell the rest of the McDole clan out there.
Love
Your Cousin
Penny Keller Hall
J.D. Peppmeier
09/04/2009
During my service with the ISP, it was my great honor to occasionally interact with Lt. McDole, mostly at the academy at Camp Dodge. He was unique in his extraordinary service to his country, and to his state, and I salute him for his service. We have lost a great American, and my wife and I extend our sympathies to his family.
Sgt. J.D. Peppmeier (ret)
BFPD
Deadwood, SD