Gary Paul Glanzer
June 10, 2010
Gary Paul Glanzer, 68, of West Des Moines, IA, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 10, 2010. He was loved and respected by all who knew him.
Gary was born April 17, 1942, in Mitchell, SD, to Harris and Gladys Glanzer. He grew up in Kimball, SD, and his family later moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where he graduated from high school in 1960. After graduation, he joined the Air Force. He received his Bachelor of Science in Economics from Drake University in 1968. Gary married Dianne in November 1973. They lived in Norwalk, IA, for 25 years and recently moved to West Des Moines.
In his earlier years, Gary was a competitive weight lifter and bodybuilder. As a pioneer in the Des Moines fitness industry, Gary owned and operated the Des Moines Athletic Center from 1972 – 1985. During this time period, he sponsored various bodybuilding and power lifting competitions in the Des Moines area including Mr. Iowa. Gary founded and sponsored the Central States Bodybuilding and Power Lifting competition. He also founded Iowa’s first women’s bodybuilding competition, the Ms. Iowa contest. He served as the Iowa Chairman of the National Physique Committee of the U.S.A. In 1986, he started Fitness World West and served as the General Manager for approximately ten years until he retired.
Gary deeply loved his family, his country, and most of all, his blessed Savior Jesus Christ.
Gary is survived by his wife, Dianne; sister, Jeanine Hummel (Curt) of Mesa, AZ; brother, James Glanzer (Jane) of Kenner, LA; two sons, Sean Glanzer (Kelli) of Panora, IA, Ryan Glanzer (Ann Kindwall) of Waukee, IA; and two grandchildren, Kolton and Katarina Louk of Panora, IA.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Harris and Gladys Glanzer, father-in-law, Hugh Frazier and mother-in-law, Coline Frazier.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Monday, June 14, 2010, with family present from 5-7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 15, 2010, at Westkirk Presbyterian Church, 2700 Colby Woods Drive in Urbandale. A private inurnment will be at Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry. Online condolences may be made to www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Kay Petterson
06/12/2010
Dianne,
I was so sorry to read about Gary. Know that you are in my prayers and any support and help I can give you, please call. I lost John in March of 2007. It's not easy, as this grief thing affects everyone differently, but I would like to help you as so many have helped me. I'm always available to listen - 971-4236.
Please take care, be good to yourself and trust God.
Love,
Kay
Terri Heaberlin
06/11/2010
Sean, I'm so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Hang in there Sean you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Justin Youngstrom
06/11/2010
Sean,
Thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.