Paul Calvin Glenn, 61, of Ames, Iowa, formerly of Mechanicsville, Iowa, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2014. Paul courageously fought renal cell carcinoma for the last eight years, living each day to the fullest. He turned a "2 months to live diagnosis" in October of 2006 into 8 years of traveling, living, and loving. Paul wished to die at home surrounded by his children and grandchildren and was blessed to have that happen. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 2:00 pm Mechanicsville United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at Fry Funeral Home, Tipton, Iowa. There will be a Masonic Service at 7:00. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established to the Paul and Shari Glenn Kirkwood Community College Endowed Scholarship and/or the Mechanicsville Methodist church.
Paul was born on February 12, 1953 in Anamosa, Iowa and was the son of Calvin and Esther Nicoll Glenn. He graduated from Olin High School in 1971 and Iowa State University in 1976. He was a member of Farmhouse Fraternity while at Ames. On August 7, 1976, Paul was united in marriage to Shari E. Anderson of Yale.
Paul was a farmer first and foremost. In addition, he was a well- known auctioneer, owning and operating Midwest Appraisers and Liquidators for many years. He also owned and operated Shaul Grain Elevator in Morley, Iowa. He was a realtor and farm manager as well. Paul was a member of the Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, was a Kirkwood Community College Trustee for 10 years, a member of the Olin Masonic Lodge, as well as numerous organizations and civic activities. He was honored as a state champion no-till winner, was made an honorary FFA member, and was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame. He was an avid fisherman, card player, and fan of all sports. He had the amazing gifts of kindness, compassion, charity, and love for his large group of friends and family. Paul overcame many obstacles in life and impressed many with his ability to not only overcome, but succeed as well. He and his wife spent his last 8 "miracle years" traveling on their "Big Adventures" and fulfilling his bucket list. He will be deeply missed by many.
Paul is survived by his wife, Shari of Ames, Iowa; daughter, Sarah E. Glenn of Chicago, IL; sons, Eric P. Glenn and wife, Cari, of Overland Park, KS; and Adam J. Glenn and wife, Kimber, of Plano, TX; grandchildren, Caleb, Isaac and Ava Glenn and Camille and Colette Glenn; his mother, Esther Glenn of Ames, IA, formerly of Olin, IA; sisters, Vicki Glenn-Kayden and husband, Mort, of Boston, MA; and Karen Fowler and husband, Rick, of Oxford Junction, IA. He is also is survived by his brother-in-laws Chris (Verneta), Larry (Dawn), and Brian (Ronda) Anderson; and by many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, Calvin as well as his in-laws, Carolyn and Wayne Anderson.
Kirkwood Foundation
6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
Designated to Paul and Shari Glenn Endowed Scholarship, Kirkwood Community College
First United Methodist Church Mechanicsville
307 East First Street
Mechanicsville, IA 52306
Tributes
Joe and Lynn Razo wrote on Dec 23, 2014:
"Shari and family,
just learned of Paul's passing and please accept our sincere prayer for peace for you all.
We met Paul around Christmas of 2005. We had been looking to buy some land as it was a lifelong dream for Joe. Paul had a piece of ground listed near Olin. Joe saw it in the newspaper only once and called Paul, who was so nice and told us to go take a look. It was never advertised again, nor were there any signs posted. We ended up buying it and Paul was so helpful in the deal and our family has enjoyed it ever since. Later Joe asked Paul- "why didn't you advertise it again- it was a really great deal!" and Paul said- "Joe, after I talked to you once I knew you would buy it and so I didn't need to offer it to anyone else!". What a guy, he really made our dream come true, and we'll have that dream shared by our descendants. What a blessing he gave us. We will miss him for sure, and treasure our memory of him."
Gary & Mary Nanke wrote on Dec 8, 2014:
"We are thinking of all of you and sending our sincerest sympathy."
Dorothy Metz wrote on Dec 5, 2014:
"Shari, I am so sorry for your loss. You and Paul had weathered many a storm and truly were the loves of each other's lives. My thoughts are with you and your family."
Connie Williams wrote on Dec 4, 2014:
"You have my sympathy on the loss of your loved one. Please allow God to comfort you through His promise to care for our dead loved ones at John 5:28,29. It's so stressful to deal with the death of a loved one because Death was never supposed to be a part of life so God didn't create us with the ability to be content with this loss but our loving creator, Jehovah God, promises to do away with death {Isaiah 25:8} and the one who causes death Satan{Hebrews 2:14} real soon through His Kingdom in the hands of His Son Christ Jesus so that His purpose for mankind can be realized which is to live on a paradise earth under perfect and peaceful conditions. {Genesis 1:27,28; Psalms 37:9-11,29}"
Pat & Peggy Kedley wrote on Dec 3, 2014:
"To Shari, Eric, Sarah, and Adam and your families - Thinking of you with sincere sympathy in the loss of your beloved Paul. "
Pauline Antons wrote on Dec 3, 2014:
"Deepest sympathy to the family of Paul Glenn. It was a pleasure to know and work with Paul when my husband passed away in 1999. He made arrangements for the farm sale and also helped me locate an excellent tenant. I know of no other who could have done a better job. May fond memories be a comfort to you in the difficult days ahead. I know you did your best to make wonderful memories especially these last 8 years. "
Nancy Lacey wrote on Dec 3, 2014:
"Shari, my deepest sympathy to you and your family in the passing of Paul. I wish you strength and comfort during this sad time. "
Fred Greder wrote on Dec 3, 2014:
"Glad to have known Paul. Paul had that rare combination of being a good people person and a "doer" in business. A good guy. "
Chuck and Geri Hansen wrote on Dec 3, 2014:
"Sorry to hear of Paul's death. Prayers to the entire Glenn family."
Melinda Kassing wrote on Dec 3, 2014:
"What a lovely obituary about a life well-lived! Although I didn't know Paul personally, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Cari Glenn and I have heard the sweetest stories about her Father-in-law and the kids' Papa. I am so sorry for you all's loss and I am lifting you up in prayer during this difficult time."
Scott Smith wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"As a cancer survivor myself, Paul was a supreme example of what courage, faith and a positive attitude can accomplish while fighting deadly illness. He was a beloved friend from his years at Morley and he was our families only choice to be the auctioneer at my Dad's farm equipment sale in 1989. Condolences from the Smith family (Helen, Greg and Scott)."
Rogette Steele wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"Paul Glenn was one of my clients when I worked in Gazette classified advertising. I truly respected the way he handled his business dealings. He was the kind of person I was glad to know and service his account. You always knew what was expected and I thoroughly enjoyed dealing with him...that is a rare quality you find in life. He was a fair and just man.
You were a better person for knowing him.
I extend my sympathy to his family and friends."
Wayne Svoboda wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"Shari, my condolences to you and your children on the loss of Paul. Winter is brutal and the approach of Christmas is something I imagine only adds to the pain. I am sorry. Paul and I met as opponents in sporting events in junior high and high school and became better acquainted as two guys who loved Iowa and farming and animals. We stayed in touch when I visited from NYC and attended Methodist church services on Christmas Eve. He was steady, a rock, and his presence remains vivid in my mind."
Larry and Marcia Achenbach wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"We were so sorry to hear about Paul. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
"
Al Rowe wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"One of life's greatest gifts to spend time with special people like Paul. His genuine interest in others, his ability to see new possibilities, his strong values, his tender demeanor, his love of family, and his will to live life to the max touched the world in beautiful ways. His love of so many things will live on within all of us at Kirkwood and throughout Eastern Iowa. He left us all with an abundance of fond memories that will last forever. My prayers and enduring thoughts of Paul and all the people he helped are offered in honor of a tremendous person who left us way to soon."
Vicki Terronez wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"On behalf of myself and our student veterans at Kirkwood, we extend our deepest sympathy to Shari and the rest of Paul's family. He was a true advocate for our veterans, always supportive and concerned for their welfare. Paul was a kind and caring person. Always thinking about others even when his own health was poor. He will be missed by many =-( "
Leslie Hall wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"My husband Gil, who passed in 2010, and I attended many of Paul's auctions. We enjoyed his energetic and fair way of communicating with the buyers to make a fun experience for all. Paul always spoke to Gil by name and he must have known every person in several surrounding counties - making each feel special. We were encouraged by Paul's battle and took strength from it as we walked a similar path. I sincerely hope all your memories can help you through the toughest "fight" any of us that are left behind can endure. Sending strength to your entire family. "
Karen Biere wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"Shari and family, Esther, Vickie and Karen,
We were so sorry to read of Paul's death. He put up such a good fight. Due to schedule conflicts we will not be able to make it to the visitation or funeral but we wanted you to know we are thinking of you. My memories of Paul are more of when he was a little boy and I baby sat with him and Vickie and Karen. He was an inquisitive little one and crawled under my big hoop of a wedding dress at our reception. Knowing that others care will sustain you through this sad time."
Larry Dietiker wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"So sorry to hear of Paul's passing. He fought a courageous battle through all the treatment."
Carol & Don Jilovec wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"Shari & family: Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Paul put up one he-- of a fight. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. Keep your memories close."
Melissa Newstrom (Draper) wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"I knew Paul from when I moved to Iowa in the 4th grade. I became friends with his daughter Sarah. I remember many sleepovers for birthday parties at their home and he was always so kind and he had a smile and laugh that I will always remember. I know his dance will continue in heaven along with my mom. He lived a blessed life & anyone who knew this family could attest to that. God bless you all!"
Catherine Jones Davies wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"I got to know Paul when I went to Shaul Grain to learn about land. And oh! did he love the land! And his family, and friends...and life. A good and gallant man. He will be so missed by so many."
Cindy Kolz Fleischacker wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"I remember at Iowa State, how happy Paul made Shari. My deepest sympathies to Shari and their family"
Marty Hanna Fall wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"Paul was a classmate of mine, and our Family attended many of his auctions around the Mechanicsville area.
When my Sister Denise was diagnosed with a terminal Brain Tumor, Paul gave me a call. He was concerned about the path she would be traveling down. He wanted me to know if there was anything he could do, to just let him know. That is truly the type of person Paul was.
My deepest sympathy to Shari and their Kids. This is such a tough time of the year for a loss."
Craig and LuAnn DeMoss wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"Our condolences to Paul's family. He has had a long struggle. He will be missed by all who knew him. So sorry for your loss."
Tami (Ehresman) Jeffrey and Family wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"I grew up in a family who did lots of business with Shaul Grain and who attended several of Paul's auctions. He always had time to look you in the eye, listen, and encourage. His testimony of faith and his many hours poured into Kirkwood will touch lives for many years to come. God bless you as you celebrate Paul's life and may He grant you peace and strength each day. I thank God for Paul!"
Steve Story wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"Paul, a very distant relative of mine several generations back (Glenn and Story) but known also as an Olin friend, has been a positive example to everyone he knew and met through his courage, skills, friendships, honesty, hard work and determination. Bless his heart and soul."
Wayne Hall Chrysler wrote on Dec 2, 2014:
"Shari and family,
We just wanted you to know we are thinking of you and that you have our deepest sympathy. Paul was in before you moved and we all had a good time talking to him. Take care.
Everybody at Wayne Hall Chrysler--Anamosa
Wayne, Wayne Jr, Mark, Jill, and Ben"
Coleen Myers wrote on Dec 1, 2014:
"Paul Glenn became my friend because he had been a friend of my husband, Mike, since they were in kindergarten together. He was the perfect friend for an introvert like Mike. Paul knew everyone and Mike could tag along and be part of Paul's circle of friends. So I am thankful that I got to know Paul & Shari when I got married -- their door was always open and we could stop and visit whenever we got the chance. Most of all I appreciated Paul's honesty about life and death when cancer struck -- his example to live life to the fullest and appreciate each day for what it was should inspire the rest of us -- always. We will miss him. "
Terry Hoefle wrote on Dec 1, 2014:
"It was a privilege and honor to call Paul a friend. Even though my family and I only spent three years in Mechanicsville I have many great memories of good times with Paul and his family and his many friends. I always remember meeting Paul driving on the road with him talking on the phone and waving as we passed. Paul, we will one day play cards again and beat the ladies as usual. Until that day comes, watch over us all. "
Stacey S Voss wrote on Dec 1, 2014:
"One of my greatest memories of Paul was when he was the Clown at the Olin Jaycee's Carnival. He was the best! I enjoyed spending time with him as he readied all the things for the move to Ames and the auction. He was an extra-special man and I will cherish my memories from just knowing him especially through the many auctions that I attended. He brought smiles and happiness to so many. God finally said, "Paul's time to rest" I feel so blessed to know this great man."
Jim Mollenhauer wrote on Dec 1, 2014:
"Paul & I were elected to the Bd Of Trustees of Kirkwood College at the same time. What a great Trustee and great friend to Darlene and I. We enjoyed spending time with Paul & Shari in Canada & California. He was always interested in us. I said goodbye to Paul last week & I told him I would see him again someday. He smiled & said I know you will."
Lynn Kuester Ness wrote on Dec 1, 2014:
"I went to high school with Paul who was in my brother's (Chuck Kuester) class of 1971. I am also a breast cancer survivor of 22+ years. I know the battle he had with that horrible disease very well. He was a fine young man who was liked by everyone. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. God bless them all!!!! "
Lee Belfield wrote on Dec 1, 2014:
"What an honor to have known Paul Glenn. My favorite memory is of the time I was fortunate enough to spend with the Kirkwood Board when presenting The Hotel story to the Trustees' Association in Toronto. What a great supporter but, more important, what a fine man. Our hearts and prayers go out to you."
Andrea Clark wrote on Dec 1, 2014:
"I know I'm not alone in saying Paul will be greatly missed by so many in the Kirkwood family. He was so supportive of what we do in Industrial Tech, as he was of so many departments and initiatives. He always made me feel that what we do is worthwhile, and I'll truly never forget that. To Paul's family: I'm so very sorry for your loss."
Ken & Brenda Vacek wrote on Dec 1, 2014:
"Paul truly cared about people. Ken and Paul always had a connection which included many stories, although I think they kept the good ones to themselves. When they saw each other, they each would get that glint in their eyes like they were up to no good. Although he will be greatly missed, he leaves behind an extensive legacy of family and many friends who loved him. Rest now from your labors, oh good and faithful servant."
Julie Copeland wrote on Dec 1, 2014:
"Paul Glenn was an amazing person and advocate for Kirkwood. During my first week at Kirkwood, I had the opportunity to meet Paul; who made me feel immediately welcome. During board meetings he would ask the tough questions and was genuinely intrigued by new ideas brought to the group. My thoughts and prayers go to his family."
Marcel Kielkucki wrote on Dec 1, 2014:
"I had the privilege of getting to know Paul through my work at Kirkwood. He was a great supporter of our high school completion program, attending many of our commencement ceremonies. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time."
David Colton wrote on Dec 1, 2014:
"There were no strangers in Paul's life. If you ever got within 50 feet, you were an acquaintance. If you hung around just a short time you were a friend. He would know about you. You felt at home, if you were with Paul. An intelligent man with an inquisitive mind, talking about you and your life.The definition of friendly. If you ever walked into a hospital with Paul, it was, "Hi Paul", "Hi Paul", "Hi Paul" and he knew everyone right back. I'm sure today he is meet'n and greet'n and making a bunch of new friends. Standing tall with that Paul Glenn smile on his face."
Cindy Buresh wrote on Nov 30, 2014:
"Thinking of you. Paul was one of the strongest person I have ever known. I hope he can rest now. He has fought so hard for so long. You and your family are in our hearts. "