Obituaries : Glenn Van Wechel

VINTON: Glenn Van Wechel, 81, died Monday, December 18, 2017 at his home following a sudden illness. A Memorial Service will be held in June at the Vinton Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jessica Crane-Munoz officiating. Further details will be published at that time. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery. A Memorial Fund has been established. Glenn was born June 22, 1936 in Primgar, Iowa to Ray and Lillian "Lee"� Van Wechel. Glenn graduated from Vinton High School in 1954 and attended Iowa State University for two years where he studied Ag Economics and Meteorology and was a member of ROTC. Glenn was united in marriage to Judith Fee on July 5, 1956 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. He was a member of the Vinton Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and the Benton County Cattlemen's Association. Glenn and Judy loved to farm and did so for fifty years until retiring to part time in 2006. They loved to travel and took several trips to Alaska. Glenn attained his private helicopter license and flew his own helicopter for nine years; he did not crash and burn, much to the surprise of his neighbors. His passion was racing snowmobiles and he was undefeated for three years. He loved to live life on the edge, even riding his snowmobile over the top of his barn on a snowy day all because someone told him it could not be done. Glenn and Judy enjoyed square dancing. He also was an avid collector and historian of Marilyn Monroe. He is survived by his wife, Judy of Vinton; his son, John Van Wechel of Vinton; two daughters, Lori (Dan) Pederson of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and Kristi Burke of Aledo, Texas; four grandchildren, Michael (Amy) Van Wechel and their children Lincoln, Brooklyn, Nolan and Julian all of Vinton, Valerie Starefos and her son, Drake of Marion, Sean and Aaron Burke of Aledo, Texas; one sister, Wanda (Wayne) Flickinger of Las Cruces, New Mexico; one brother, Don (Mona) Van Wechel of Nixa, Missouri; his sister-in-law, Joy Van Wechel of Anthem, Arizona and many nephews and nieces. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jack. Condolences may be left at: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.