Obituary: Richard Allen Glessner

1942 ~ 2004

Richard passed away on Monday, July 5, 2004 from the effects of advanced Alzheimer's Disease.

Richard was born to Hazel and Reon Glessner on Nov. 28, 1942 in Dixon, Ill., where he spent his formative years. He joined the Marine Corps in 1963 and served a tour of duty in the Vietnam War until 1967. Richard married Betsy Fossum in Oak Park, Ill., on Dec. 13, 1968, and their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on Feb. 16, 1979.

The Glessners subsequently moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, where they lived for 10 years before relocating to Kearns, Utah. Richard spent the majority of his professional career in the retail and grocery industry, and he also served in many capacities for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including four years as a ward bishop. In his spare time, he loved to research the history of the United States Civil War and to collect and refurbish firearms.

He was a constant source of humor for the family, and was well-known for his friendly, outgoing, gregarious and kind-hearted nature.

Richard is predeceased by his parents, as well as two brothers, George and Jack. He is survived by his wife; children Carrie Glessner, Sara (Joseph) Fowler, Kathleen (Eric) Walden, and Nicholas Glessner; grandson Ashton Walden and step-granddaughter Genesis Kirkham; sisters Joan (Don) Moore, of Dixon, Ill., Jean (Jerry) Simon, of Park Ridge, Ill., Pat Emmert, of Morrison, Ill.; brother Howard (Jean) Glessner, of Dixon, Ill.; stepfather Bob Sneed, of Dixon, Ill., and many other family members.

The Glessner family would like to express its sincere appreciation to the staff members of Holladay Health Care Center and Hearts for Hospice, who provided Richard with such tremendous care throughout his illness.

Visitation with the family is Thursday, July 8 from 6-8 p.m., and a memorial service will be held Friday, July 9 at 11 a.m., both at the Kearns 16th Ward, located at 4605 W. Westpoint Dr. (4610 S.).

"When through one man a little more love and goodness, a little more light and truth comes into the world, then that man's life has had meaning." Fr. Alfred Delp