Glenn W. Glessner – O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

Glenn W. Glessner, 90, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at his home in Quincy, IL.

Glenn was born March 15, 1934, in Sheldon, IA, to Edgar and Alice (Kamphoff) Glessner. On January 29, 1953, Glenn married Alene Bergsma, in their hometown of Sheldon. Their union was blessed with love and children until Alene’s passing in 2006. Glenn found love again and married Lareva M. (Beckman) Jarrett-Glessner on November 17, 2007, who remains to honor his memory.

Survivors also include his two children, Connie Glessner of Paris, France, and David Glessner (Irith) of Cedar Rapids, IA; three step-children, William Jarrett (Teresa), Brad Jarrett, and Beverly Simmons (Richard); three grandchildren, Aidan Glessner, Gillian Glessner, and Kieran Glessner; ten step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Carol McGilvrey.

Glenn was preceded in death by his first wife; his parents; one daughter, Linda Vallier; two sisters, Marlys Engelhardt and Colleen Taranik; one step-son, B.J. Jarrett; and one step-grandson, Blayne Jarrett.
Professionally, Glenn was a man of many talents. His first job after graduating from high school was brick construction on the new First Reformed Church in Sheldon. He then worked for four years at the Farmer’s Cooperative Elevator Association. Glenn, Alene and their two daughters moved to Brookfield, MO, in 1955, where he started his own radio and television repair shop. Glenn then went to work full time for Joe’s Radio & TV, where he had been installing antennas. It was a very busy time because KTVO in Kirksville went on the air and many were wanting TV sets. Glenn received his first-class radiotelephone license from the FCC. Shortly afterwards, he started working for the local AM radio station, KGHM. He became interested in ham radio, passed that test and was assigned the amateur radio call sign KØEWV (later K9JJD after moving to Illinois). In 1957 his expertise led him to WGEM-AM-FM-TV in Quincy, where he dedicated over 24 years to the operation and maintenance of radio and TV transmitter equipment as an engineer. Glenn’s career continued to flourish in Quincy when he became a Field Service Representative at the Quintron Corporation, later known as Glenayre Electronics. He held various positions there, culminating in his role as Technical Communications Coordinator before retiring in 1998. For many years he and his first wife operated the Glessner’s C.B. Service, where they sold and repaired CB radios and accessories.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Glenn was deeply involved in his community, serving in the Iowa National Guard and later sharing his passion for radio as a very active member of the Western Illinois Amateur Radio Club and through Civil Defense activities. His faith was a cornerstone of his life. He sang in the Central Baptist Church Choir and served as a Deacon there for many years. Glenn’s interests were as diverse as they were engaging. He was an avid reader, particularly of encyclopedias and WWII history. From a young age, he enjoyed participating in music – singing, playing the guitar, steel guitar, banjo, keyboard and harmonica, instruments he had taught himself to play. All three of his children inherited this love of music. He also had a love for the outdoors, which was evident in his enthusiasm for boating, swimming, water skiing, canoeing and fishing on the Mississippi River; walking in the woods; deer hunting; and mushroom hunting. After marrying Lareva, he enjoyed watching her family support the KC Chiefs. Glenn looked forward to his meetings with The Liars’ Club, the affectionately named Hardee’s coffee group where he and his friends tackled the world’s problems over steaming cups of coffee. Aviation was another of Glenn’s passions from early on; he earned his private pilot’s license in 1972 and later his instrument rating, of which he was very proud. He took to the skies, venturing to places as diverse as Sheldon, IA, Decatur, IL, and Washington DC to visit family, along with a couple family vacation trips to Yellowstone National Park. His adventurous spirit also led him to explore the world, with memorable trips to Thailand, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Hawaii, Niagara Falls, and other stateside locations. His many hobbies also included photography, gardening, computers and website design.

Above all, Glenn treasured the moments spent with family and friends. His presence was a source of joy and comfort, and he will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

Friends and Family are invited to a visitation that will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Central Baptist Church in Quincy, IL. A Funeral Ceremony will follow at 1:00 pm with Chaplain Josh Vahle officiating. Burial will follow at Greenmount Cemetery in Quincy, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Baptist Church or a charity of the donor’s choosing.
Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.