Glenn Dale Wich

Surrounded by family, Glenn D. Wich passed peacefully into the loving arms of our Lord on February 28, 2011, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born in Timnath, Colo. on August 13, 1927 to Geneva and Gustave Wich. As a child he helped herd cattle for his family, and also worked for area farmers. He graduated from Timnath High School in 1945 and enlisted in the Navy Reserve that summer. He was stationed in San Diego, serving until August, 1946. Upon his graduation from high school Glenn had received a Joint-Honor scholarship to his choice of Colorado universities or colleges. He chose instead to follow his dream and passion - farming. After his discharge from the Navy, Glenn then worked farming dry land for several years. In the summer of 1950 he met his future wife and love of his life, Marian Hammer, and shortly after was inducted again into the service for our country, this time into the Army. He received Specialist Intelligence Training at Fort Riley, Kansas. While in Kansas, he and Marian married on Nov. 10, 1950 in Junction City. He soon shipped out, and spent 18 months on the Korean front, serving as a sergeant in the 523rd Military Intelligence Service platoon. While in Korea in 1951, he received the Soldier's Medal for Heroism, for jumping into a burning gasoline-drenched truck and moving it away from a headquarters building before it burst into flame, saving lives and valuable documents. In 1952, Glenn was also awarded a Meritorious Service Commendation for his exceptional work in the analysis of tactical intelligence in Korea. His son, Michael was born in the summer of 1951, while Glenn was still in Korea. In July, 1952 Glenn was discharged from the service, and saw his son for the first time. Glenn and Marian finally began their life together in 1952, farming for 12 years near Cobb Lake, east of Fort Collins. In 1961 they were blessed with the addition of daughter, Kelly. In 1964 he bought a farm north of Wellington, and farmed there for the next 40 years, raising crops and feeding cattle. Glenn was named the "Outstanding Senior Farmer" in 1973 by the Fort Collins Young Farmer's organization, the first ever recipient of the award. Glenn was a past board member of the Larimer County Farm Bureau, and active in his church, serving as Deacon, and contributing volunteer service all of his life. Glenn will be remembered as a man who put God and family first He was honest, and hard working, with a recognizable, purposeful stride. A gentle, kind and humble man, Glenn held a great appreciation of nature, be it a simple summer storm or the brilliant stars above. He loved farming and caring for animals and being a steward of the land. Glenn firmly believed that it was God's intention for each of us to help anyone in need along our life's journey. And, many will attest to Glenn's caring and compassionate service to others. Some of Glenn's greatest pleasures were the special times spent with family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and a wise and patient teacher to his children and grandchildren. He was adored by his family and will be forever missed.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marian, of Fort Collins, son, Michael Agnes, and daughter, Kelly Weaver Clark of Wellington; grandchildren, Matthew, and Isaac Wich Amber of Wellington, Cyle and Cory Weaver of Phoenix, Arizona; great-grandchildren, Addison and Jonathan Glenn Wich; sister, Irene Wiegand of Barstow, California, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would especially like to thank the caregivers of Life Care Center in Greeley for their kind and compassionate care. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Interment to follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery. Those who wish may view Glenn on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon's International or the Salvation Army in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.