Glenn Stangland

All who knew Glenn B. Stangland would agree that there was no one who met him and left unchanged. He was an honorable man who was well respected by all who knew him, and his devotion to the people and causes be believed in was unmatched. There was no greater gift in Glenns life than his family, and his three girls were priceless treasures in every way. Hardworking and strong, he faced whatever came his way with unwavering courage and determination. Life will never be the same without Glenn here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as WWII raged on. With the end of the war in August of 1945, there was dancing in the streets. The years that followed were a time of transition for America, and the baby boom was soon underway. It was during this transitional time that Robert and Waundean (Hile) Stangland were filled with great anticipation as they awaited the birth of their new baby as the heat of the summer held Wolf Lake, Indiana, firmly in its grip in 1946. The big day finally arrived on August 1st when the baby boy they named Glenn B. drew his first breath. Raised in Whitley County area, he highly valued his family right from the start as he loved spending time with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was one of four Stangland children as he was raised alongside his sister, Kathy, and his brothers, Dean and Norm. Glenn attended local schools including Larwill High School where he played basketball and was on the 1,000 point club.

After graduating from high school in 1964, Glenn was more than ready for all that life had in store. He went on to Murray State College where he played basketball and was part of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity as well as the ROTC. Glenn graduated with his bachelors degree in the late sixties.

Glenn enlisted in the United States Army in August 1968. He became a Captain in the United States Army Reserves and served as an Infantry Unit Commander in the Vietnam War. In recognition of his service, Glenn received a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Combat Infantry Badge, 2 Overseas Bars, Bronze Star Metal, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star. In August of 1971, he would be honorably discharged. He would then spend over 40years in the business world working in the printing and telecommunications industries.

Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, it was his family that was Glenns greatest source of pride and joy. He was blessed to become a father to the three most amazing daughters, Tiffany, Tamara and Tara, and Glenn was the most amazing father who continually put his family first in everything. He remained close with his entire family throughout his life. He had an amazing time visiting the Battle of Shiloh with his father as an adult. Glenn always looked forward to the Stangland Fourth of July annual family reunion as well as spending Christmas and Thanksgiving with family. Priceless memories were made on a trip to Washington, D.C. with his grandson and on several trips to Charlotte, North Carolina, to visit his granddaughters. Whenever there was anything involving family, Glenn was sure to be there.

As his family and friends can attest, Glenn made everything more fun. He loved singing his rendition of Home on the Range, usually just to make his daughters laugh. Glenn was so much more than a father as he was also a best friend to his daughters and grandchildren, loving them all the same. However, he often said, You are my favorite youngest, middle or oldest daughter, making them all feel like they were his favorite. He was so funny at times, and a friend of Glenns was a friend for life. He made regular trips back to Murray State University for alumni events, and he also loved going on golf outings with his closest friends. Church was a regular part of Glenns life, and he loved Murray State basketball, Braves games, University of Georgia football games, and was part of the Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega at MSU.

With a zest for life that was truly contagious, Glenn Stangland was an extraordinary man to know and love. He loved to laugh, wore his heart on his sleeve, and was genuine in the concern he had for others. Without an unkind word to say about anyone, Glenn was a friend to everyone he met. His daughters couldnt have asked for a better father, and he treasured every moment he spent with his loved ones. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.

Glenn B. Stangland, of Atlanta, Georgia, and formerly of Columbia City, passed away at 5:48 a.m. Friday, March 31, 2017, at Levine Dickson Hospice House, Huntersville, North Carolina. Glenns family includes his daughters, Tamara Stangland, of Beaufort, South Carolina, Tiffany (Scott) Johnston, of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Tara Stangland of Charlotte, North Carolina; grandchildren, Tyler Carpenter, Amelia and Morgan Johnston; sister, Kathy (Mark) Bleeke, of Fort Wayne; brothers, Dean (Jodi) Stangland, of Columbia City and Norm Stangland of East Lansing, Michigan; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation is 1-5 p.m. Sunday, April 9, 2017, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Christian Chapel Cemetery, where military honors will be rendered by the United States Army. Memorial donations can be made in his memory to the ALS Association or the MSU Scholarship fund. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.