Age 54
of Elk River
Preceded by father, Ronald. Survived by mother, Florence (Jerry) Shebetka; wife, Cindy; siblings, Lanny (Mary) Westphal, Nancy (Shawn) Norton and Diane (Yurii) Potapenko; mother and father-in-law, Richard Engels and Carole Engels; sister-in-law, Kathy (Mike) Giese; step-sisters, Terri (Duane), Lori (Ron), Sandy (Randy) and Jenny; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends. As a little boy, Glen admired his dad and did everything he could to follow in his footsteps. He learned by watching and doing, whether on the hobby farm raising cattle and chickens, in the wood shop making cabinets, or on a job site building a house. One of his favorite yearly events growing up was the annual Rogers Threshing Show, which later became the Nowthen Threshing Show, where he enjoyed helping his dad display engines and drive tractors through the parade. At the age of 12, Glen lost his dad in a tree cutting accident, an event that shaped him in significant ways. After high school, he chose to attend North Hennepin Technical Institute to train in home construction just like his father. He gradually took over the family construction business, building and remodeling countless homes in his lifetime. Glen remained active buying, fixing, and showing antique tractors and engines. He continued to participate in the annual Nowthen Threshing Show and several other threshing shows in the region. Glen also took a liking to car racing, and enjoyed watching the races with his friends from his booth at Cedar Lake Raceway for many years. He sponsored the three Kottschade brothers from a young age as they pursued their racing passion. Glen was a longtime member and active leader at Abundant Life Alliance Church in Oak Grove and a partner in the construction of the church's first building. In recent years, he has been attending Church of Hope in Elk River (when his weekend racing and threshing show schedule would allow). In 2008, Glen met the love of his life, Cindy Engels, and they were married on June 29, 2013. Most recently, he built a guest house for family gatherings and was in the middle of building their "forever" home on his late Grandma and Grandpa Westphal's beautiful wooded property. Glen worked hard and played hard, but he always made time to connect with family and nurture friendships. He hosted annual "beach parties" in his shed for his family and friends to enjoy a taste of summer in frigid January or February. He enjoyed his two labs, Avery and Rumely, who replaced his previous dog, Daytona. Glen's love of life was apparent in his pranks, jokes, and creative inventions. He was often the life of the party. Glen's love of learning made him the guy to go to for help and advice. His love for others was evident in his kindness and generosity. His family cannot imagine their lives without Glen. Visitation 4-7PM, Wednesday, 5/26 at Dare’s Funeral Home, 805 Main St NW, Elk River.
Funeral 1PM, Thursday, 5/27 with visitation 1 hour prior to service at NOWTHEN ALLIANCE CHURCH, 19653 Nowthen Blvd NW, Nowthen, MN. Light refreshments to be served immediately following the service. Interment Lakeview Cemetery, Nowthen, MN.
Arrangements by Dare’s Funeral Home, 763-441-1212.
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